I am attempting to mount 47" LCD above my fireplace and had a question regarding the routing of the HDMI cabling. I will be routing the cable in my attatic over to an adjacent closet to where all my components will be housed. I'm curious to know if it's best to make one long run (approx. 25 ft.) straight from the TV to the receiver or is it best to install HDMI wall plates, make the long run to those wall plates where the TV and receiver will be located and then connect a short HDMI cable that runs from the wall plate to each component (TV and receiver)? Will there be any loss of quality in either method? Any advice will be very helpful. Thanks.

I would make a straight run just because it's easier. Their will be no difference in image quality with either one. But one question why mount it over the fireplace?

I would make a straight run just because it's easier. Their will be no difference in image quality with either one. But one question why mount it over the fireplace?


Thanks for responding Hokie. Which wall plate will you use in order to to make the connection a little decorative? I just don't want to have a cable coming out of the wall even though you pretty much won't be able to see it since it will be behind the TV and in the closet. In case we ever have the urge to sell our home and move, I just want to look somewhat attractive if you know what I mean.

I am mounting it over the fireplace because the room it's going in is small (15" x 15") and with the furniture we have in that room there's no other place for it to go other than over the fireplace. I measure how far the sofa will be from where the TV will be mounted and it was about 12 ft. You don't think it's a good idea to mount it above the fireplace? Should I be concerned about the heat generated by the fireplace whenever we decide to use it in the winter?

15"x15" is pretty small (cue the SpinalTap movie).

I'd be concerned about the neck strain of watching a TV mounted that high. In most over-fireplace installations I've seen, they look good in the ArchitectureDigest/FlipThisHouse/etc setting, but if you actually sit through a movie or ballgame on them, it becomes fatiguing. If your fireplace is fairly low, or if the TV is somewhat occassional, then go for it, but you might want to mock up putting a TV that high and watching 3 hours of TV on it before you commit to it.

For a wood fireplace, I'd also be concerned about the smoke; not an issue for a gas fireplace of course. (Or if it is, you have bigger concerns... ;) )

I had the same concerns (heat & smoke) when I was doing a remodel and after my fireplace was installed I had a (wood) fire and held my hand in the area the TV was to be mounted and to my surprise I couldn't feel more than about 2 degrees difference from ambient temp.
If the fireplace is properly installed and vented you won't have any issues with smoke damaging the TV either - the smoke doesn't billow into the room or everything else would turn black with soot.

My other concern was that the cables in the wall behind the TV would melt - they didn't but they don't touch any part of the fireplace. I ran the cables directly through a bulk wall plate - I'm in the 'fewer connections is better' camp. Also, you generally don't see the fancy wall plates after the TV is up so why pay for them.

I have no issues with the mounting height of the TV either and the top of the TV is at about 7' with a viewing distance of ~12' from a very well padded leather couch.

I would make a straight run just because it's easier. Their will be no difference in image quality with either one. But one question why mount it over the fireplace?

+1...it also avoids more connectors which can be an entry point for noise or other issues. It's not real common or anything if things are terminated correctly, but why chance it if you don't have to?

Frank

15"x15" is pretty small (cue the SpinalTap movie).

I'd be concerned about the neck strain of watching a TV mounted that high. In most over-fireplace installations I've seen, they look good in the ArchitectureDigest/FlipThisHouse/etc setting, but if you actually sit through a movie or ballgame on them, it becomes fatiguing. If your fireplace is fairly low, or if the TV is somewhat occassional, then go for it, but you might want to mock up putting a TV that high and watching 3 hours of TV on it before you commit to it.



I agree with sokoloff. I helped a buddy of mine do it and the installation looks first class but when you sit on the sofa to watch it you're always looking up. My buddy likes it so I guess everyone is different. Of course if you're limited due to other issues then do what you think's best. After all...you can always move it and patch the holes!

BTW...GEAUX TIGERS...I'm in Baton Rouge and have my season tickets in hand!

P51D...I am despartely trying to get my little project completed within the next few weeks. By the Auburn game I want to be watching our Tigers in HD!!! Geaux Tigers!!

I would make a straight run just because it's easier. Their will be no difference in image quality with either one. But one question why mount it over the fireplace?


I have a question regarding the HDMI cable run if I decide to make a straight run from the receiver to the TV. I am planning on buying my HDMI cable on monoprice and while reading some of the customer reviews regarding the CL2 Rated 24AWG cable, it was noted that this cable is very thick. How will this fare when using the ariculating mount if a straight run is made? Is it feasible to have a cable of this size ran directly to the TV without damaging it or damaging the HDMI conections on the TV or receiver? My TV has HDMI connections on the side and rear of the TV. The cable run is about 25 ft from where the TV will be mounted and the A/V rack is in an adjacent closet. I am considering buying a 24AWG cable given the length of the run. However, I loose alot of flexibility when dealing with a cable of this size because you really can't made sharp bends. Given the length of the cable run, will a 28AWG cable be capable of delivering superb quality while supplying the flexiblity that I need to make the connection to the TV and receiver?

This is one reason why I was considering using a HDMI wall plate so that I can run the 24AWG cable and then come out with a smaller 28AWG to connect the TV and receiver.

You can also get a short "stub" (male and female) extension cable, run the thick cable to the mount, zip-tie or velcro the short cable to something on the mount close to the TV (don't want to strain the HDMI port) and use that to get the best of both worlds.

It's a digital signal; don't sweat another connection in the chain. Your idea to use the wall plate is fine too, though if it's entirely hidden behind the TV, I probably wouldn't bother.

Questions for everyone that is mounting TVs above the fireplace.

1. How high is the bottom of the display from the floor?
2. Is this a comfortable viewing hight from a standard sofa or easy-chair?