We've just spent a couple of months custom building a cabinet out of Red Beech for our new Panasonic TH-58PZ850AZ (that's the New Zealand model.)

The cabinet has three sections. The right section is dedicated to components and has an open back and front. The other two sections have a closed back. The top of the centre section houses the centre channel speaker and all the rest of the space is for storage.

The three components housed in the cabinet at present are a Marantz SR-8002, a PACE HD Satellite PVR and a Panasonic DMP-BD35. Currently the BD Player sits on top of the PVR which sits on top of the receiver.

There is plenty of airflow to the components, but the PVR gets really hot. The PVR and receiver have venting slots on their tops, but the BD Player doesn't.

Do I put the PVR on top of the BD player instead of how it currently is, so the hottest component is on the top?

The only problem with this is the footprint of the BD player is a lot smaller than that of the PVR, so the rear feet of the PVR would be hanging over the BD Player.

Or do I spend the time to make a shelf to separate out the PVR. (Let's call this a last resort.)

Ideas? Opinions? I can provide photos if anyone is interested.

We've just spent a couple of months custom building a cabinet out of Red Beech for our new Panasonic TH-58PZ850AZ (that's the New Zealand model.)

The cabinet has three sections. The right section is dedicated to components and has an open back and front. The other two sections have a closed back. The top of the centre section houses the centre channel speaker and all the rest of the space is for storage.

The three components housed in the cabinet at present are a Marantz SR-8002, a PACE HD Satellite PVR and a Panasonic DMP-BD35. Currently the BD Player sits on top of the PVR which sits on top of the receiver.

There is plenty of airflow to the components, but the PVR gets really hot. The PVR and receiver have venting slots on their tops, but the BD Player doesn't.

Do I put the PVR on top of the BD player instead of how it currently is, so the hottest component is on the top?

The only problem with this is the footprint of the BD player is a lot smaller than that of the PVR, so the rear feet of the PVR would be hanging over the BD Player.

Or do I spend the time to make a shelf to separate out the PVR. (Let's call this a last resort.)

Ideas? Opinions? I can provide photos if anyone is interested.

Photos would be helpful in this quandary to see exactly what you have. What I would suggest is that the hottest component goes on top (hot air rises right?) and I would not place the BR player on the PVR. If you are concerned about the PVR hanging off the back of the BR player you could always use a couple of sections of 1 1/2" pvc pipe of conduit to support the back section of the PVR. Or worst case scenario build a dedicated shelf as you stated.

Regards,

RTROSE

I have switched the components around now. It now goes AVR, BD Player, PVR.

I have put two rubber door stops under the front of the PVR and (since I only had 2 door stops) some cut-out feet made of dry sponge for the back. I'll probably eventually get a more permanent solution, but for now, this is keeping the super hot PVR about 4cm above the BD Player.

I can't believe how hot the PVR gets. And when the BD Player was sitting atop it, it was making the the player almost as hot (when it wasn't even on.)

This works for now. Photos are attached to sate anyone's curiosity.

Looks good and appears that there is plenty of space for your components. I'm surprised your receiver doesn't get hot too.

If it works that is all that matters.

Regards,

RTROSE