Hello all. I am planning on setting up a HT system above my fireplace. I know above the fireplace is not the optimal position--but this is my only option. I am willing to sacrifice slight sound / video quality for aesthetics.

Here is a pic of the fireplace area now:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2554963282_aa9e60e9f0_b.jpg

Here is the proposed setup (* already owned):

Display: Panasonic TH-58PH10UKA (http://www.panasonic.com/business/plasma/plasmas.asp)
Media Center: Dell XPS 420 w/ BluRay and CableCard
Receiver: Onkyo TX SR606
*Front Speaker: B&W 602 S3
*Center Channel: B&W LCR6000 S3
Surround Speakers: ?
*Subwoofer: HSU VTF-2 MK2
Remote Control: Harmony 890
Wallmount: ?
Server Rack: ?

This is a 100 year old home. The top of the fireplace mantel is 58.5 inches off the floor.

The mantel has two power outlets built into the top. These have old knob-and-tube wiring that goes to the basement. I plan on removing the old wiring and using that space to fish power, speaker wire, and a single HDMI cable to the basement.

In the basement, I will have my Receiver, Xbox, Media Center Machine, and Home Server machine in a server rack (or something similiar). The receiver will have two HDMI connections going in (Xbox and Media Center) and will be hooked directly to the TV.

I have some questions and concerns:
1. Not too much lighting comes into the windows as the left side windows are covered with a huge porch. The right and left windows above the fireplace have the curtains. However, I am concerned about glare from the chandelier above. I am planning on installing a dimmer and maybe raising it 1-2 inches or so. What else can I do to reduce / eliminate possible glare? Will a tilt wall-mount help? Can anyone comment on the Panny screen--is it subject to glare?

2. My love seat is about 12 feet back from the mantel. The closest couch seat is about 6 feet back from the mantel. We can move these back some more (maybe 2 more feet). Is the height of the display going to be a problem?

3.What about the size of the display? Panny also makes a 65" but it is *way* more expensive (~$2,300 for the TH-58PH10UKA vs ~$5400 for the TH-65PF10UKA). My concern with the 65" is the display will be even higher. My concern with the 58" is the display is too small (consider the 12-14 feet distance of the couch with the height).

4. I would love to use my existing B&W LCR speakers.. however, I think I might not have an option but to dump the C channel. Would I be ok if I purchased a smaller wall mount center channel? Or would I be better off not going with a center? Any thoughts?

5. Would you hang the RL B&W's on the ceiling or just place them on the shelves. Hanging them will give the benefit of being able to angle them down to the viewer.

6. What else should I be concerned with?

Thanks for any advice!
Pete

I'd make sure your electrical service can handle the additional loads. The thing about knob and tubing is one or two recepticles might run to the basement, but also feed other recepticles or lighting circuits in another room, even upstairs. My last home had knob/tube and they did some crazy wire runs back 100 years ago. I didn't have a HT/media room, but ended up rewiring whole house and upgraded the service to 150 amps.

1. Not too much lighting comes into the windows as the left side windows are covered with a huge porch. The right and left windows above the fireplace have the curtains. However, I am concerned about glare from the chandelier above. I am planning on installing a dimmer and maybe raising it 1-2 inches or so. What else can I do to reduce / eliminate possible glare? Will a tilt wall-mount help? Can anyone comment on the Panny screen--is it subject to glare?


I wouldn't worry too much about the lighting, it's just a living room. If the chandelier isn't in your way visually, I wouldn't worry about it. A tilt mount will always help on a set-up that high.
Since that's a display intended mainly for classrooms and offices, I'm not sure many people here will be familiar with whether or not it has glare.



2. My love seat is about 12 feet back from the mantel. The closest couch seat is about 6 feet back from the mantel. We can move these back some more (maybe 2 more feet). Is the height of the display going to be a problem?


Yes. Spend 2+ hours staring near the top of that picture and then you'll understand the problem.


3.What about the size of the display? Panny also makes a 65" but it is *way* more expensive (~$2,300 for the TH-58PH10UKA vs ~$5400 for the TH-65PF10UKA). My concern with the 65" is the display will be even higher. My concern with the 58" is the display is too small (consider the 12-14 feet distance of the couch with the height).


Yes, the 58" display will be too small from that distance. The good news is that the 65" would be too small as well, so you might as well save your money. To get the full benefit of 1080p from 13' away, you need a display that's 90" or more. The good news is that your display is not 1080p anyway. Of course, the bad news is that from 13' away, you need a display that's about 70" just to get the benefit of 720p and you're not going to be able to see that either.


4. I would love to use my existing B&W LCR speakers.. however, I think I might not have an option but to dump the C channel. Would I be ok if I purchased a smaller wall mount center channel? Or would I be better off not going with a center? Any thoughts?


I would not go without a center (unless the LR are the only speakers you'll be using).


5. Would you hang the RL B&W's on the ceiling or just place them on the shelves. Hanging them will give the benefit of being able to angle them down to the viewer.


Just put them on shelves.


6. What kind of backlighting can we use for a wall mounted display?


Why do you want that?


7. What else should I be concerned with?


Is this 5.1 or 7.1? Where will you be putting the rest of your speakers? Your sub?

I'd definitely trying to come up with other options for that room. A different wall, perhaps? Remove the shelving unit to the right of the fireplace and put the TV there? Something.

I'd make sure your electrical service can handle the additional loads. The thing about knob and tubing is one or two recepticles might run to the basement, but also feed other recepticles or lighting circuits in another room, even upstairs. My last home had knob/tube and they did some crazy wire runs back 100 years ago. I didn't have a HT/media room, but ended up rewiring whole house and upgraded the service to 150 amps.

I have upgraded most of the electical in the house and the service to 200amps. The knob and tube wiring that runs up through the mantel will be pulled out. I just want to use that space to run the power cord, front speaker wire, and HDMI cable.

Sitting on the loveseat looking at the top of the picture frame is no problem. However, sitting on the couch on the left side of the picture can get a little difficult after a while.

The receiver will be 7.1, however I was planning on installing 5.1. However, my existing center channel is too big for the proposed setup. I was thinking of forgoing the center--but wasn't sure if it would be better to purchase a smaller wall mounted center for under the display. Problem with that is it won't be matched to the front and right speakers.

The surround speakers will be hung behind the love seat high up on the walls. I can pretty easily run the wiring through the wall to accomodate that. The sub will also be behind the love seat in the corner of the room. Again, wiring is pretty much taken care of for that. The sub can be easily disguised with furniture.

I prefer to install electric fireplace below your lcd.it would be good for you and your LCD