The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, you can transport a new TV laying down, but extra care needs to be taken to prevent any damage to the TV. Laying a TV down for transport goes against manufacturer recommendations, but many people do it successfully if the right precautions are taken. The TV should be well-protected and secured to prevent any shocks or impacts during the move. Slow speeds and smooth driving are also advised when the TV is on its back. With proper padding and restraints, and driving carefully, transporting a new TV laying down can be done without issue. But for maximum safety, transporting vertically is best.
Should TVs be Transported Laying Down or Standing Up?
TV manufacturers uniformly recommend transporting TVs in a vertical, upright position secured against movement. Laying a TV down goes against this guidance for a few key reasons:
- Pressure on the screen – Laying a TV on its back puts pressure on the delicate display screen from the TV’s own weight. This can potentially damage the pixels or cause cracked/broken screens.
- Stress on internal components – Internal parts like processors and sensitive electronics can be jarred out of place if the TV is jostled while horizontal.
- High center of gravity – TVs are awkward to handle laying down. The high center of gravity increases the risk of drops and damage.
Transporting a TV vertically minimizes these risks. The TV’s own weight is properly supported and centralized. The screen and internal parts experience less shock forces when held upright.
However, laying a TV down does not automatically mean the TV will become damaged. With proper precautions to protect the unit and gentle handling, transporting a new TV horizontally can be done safely.
Tips for Transporting a New TV Laying Down
If you need to transport a new TV in a horizontal position, here are some tips to do it safely:
Use Protective Padding
Use foam, air cushions, or bubble wrap to pad all sides and corners before laying the TV down. Make sure no pressure points will contact the screen when laid down. Padding displaces the TV’s weight and absorbs shocks.
Restrain the TV Against Movement
Use straps, cargo bars, or other solid restraints to hold the TV in place and stop it shifting during transport. This prevents the screen and internal parts being subjected to motion forces.
Drive Slowly and Smoothly
Sudden acceleration, hard stops, and sharp turns can impart big forces through a horizontal TV. Maintain lower speeds and accelerate/brake gradually. Avoid potholes or bumps that cause jolts through the vehicle.
Keep the Screen Facing Up
If possible, keep the screen upward facing. This puts the TV’s weight through the housing rather than directly on the delicate display.
Transport Short Distances
Laying a TV down is best for shorter trips close to home. The less time spent horizontal, the lower the risks. For long trips, standing the TV up is advised.
Handle With Care
When laying the TV down and lifting it back up, move slowly and cautiously to avoid drops or crashes. Do not let the TV tilt or twist. Have two people handle larger TVs.
Inspect Afterwards
After transport, inspect for any external damage or stress marks. Check all connections and functions before wall mounting. Also check for pixilation or screen abnormalities when powered on.
Alternative Transport Options
If you want to avoid laying a new TV down completely, here are some other transport techniques:
- Leave TV vertical in vehicle – Secure the base and prevent toppling over
- Use a TV bracket/cradle designed for horizontal transport
- Hire professional TV movers with specialty equipment
- Ship the TV upright in original packaging from retailer
These options allow you to move the TV in the upright position manufacturers recommend for safety.
Special Considerations for Large/Oversized TVs
Extra precautions need to be taken when transporting today’s oversized modern TVs, like 70″+ screens. Their large surface area and weight makes them very prone to damage laying horizontally. Here are some tips:
- Transport in truck/van – Avoid small vehicles with less stable transport
- Use thick, rigid padding or braces to prevent bending
- Distribute weight evenly so no single point bears the load
- Handle very carefully and deliberately when moving
- Have multiple people lift and carry the TV
Conclusion
Laying a new TV down for transport goes against manufacturer guidance and increases the risk of damage. But it can be done safely in limited circumstances if proper precautions are taken to protect the unit and prevent hazardous motion. For general transport over long distances, standing the TV vertically is the safest approach. When a horizontal position is unavoidable, padding the TV thoroughly, restraining it to prevent shifting, driving slowly and smoothly, and handling with extreme care will minimize any risk of damage. With cautious transport and handling, a new TV can arrive safely at its destination even when transported horizontally. But vertical is best for the TV’s protection.