Spacing for shelf brackets

[Magnum]

I will be installing some hard wood shelves onto sheet rock. (Southern pine)

Shelves will be 61 " long.

One shelf will be supporting a 50 inch TV. (approx.)

How far apart should I space the brackets for the shelf for the TV ?

When possible I will mount to the wall studs.

Thanks,
          Andy

[dedndave]

i would find the studs behind the area you want to use
normally, they will be spaced 16 inches apart (3 x 16 inches hangs a 4 foot sheet of drywall)
so, you find one - the rest can be measured (usually)

in some cases, i might mount a 1x2 or something similar across the studs
then, mount my "thing" to the 1x2

[Magnum]

Sounds good. Thanks.

[KeepingRealBusy]

You might use Dave's suggestion, but do it this way:

   Mount the 1x2 to the wall first (finding the studs, etc), then remove it.

   Mount the shelf to the 1x2 while not on the wall -- you will have more room to drill pilot holes in the shelf and screw or nail it to the 1x2, then remount on the wall.

Dave.