I've been browsing this forum for about a week now as I prepare/research the perfect flat planel display for my bedroom. Although this decision and the implementation itself seems fairly routine compared to the projects I've been reading about here, I figured I would solicit some input from those who may have already gone through the process.

I plan to use this display about 75/25 between computer/tv. I don't even have digital cable at this point, although I am tempted by Comcast's "free upgrade for a year" promotion that is currently being advertised. Given prior research, it would seem most people would recommend an LCD display due to IR with a computer desktop screen. I don't game much, but Lord knows once this thing is hanging on the wall I may be tempted to plug in the PS2, test it out, and get hooked.

Here are some pictures of the mounting area:

(edit: I guess since this is my first post I can't link images or URLs)

The wall is 67" wide, and 101" tall at the shortest part of the sloped ceiling. The fireplace is 43" high. The matress of the bed is 21" off the ground and my eyes would be 10' away from the wall while laying down.

I measured out what a 37" and 42" display would look like on the wall, but both appear to be too small. What is considered an appropriate size for the dimensions of the wall?

The mounting is also a potential issue. I am uncertain how much room I have to work with inside the wall before hitting the flu and/or the inner structure of the fireplace. I would want all cabling to run to the right where my current cabinet/tv is and replace that with a small desk for my computer and other video/audio equipment. What are everyone's thoughts of building a mantle above the fireplace and then just using a stand for the display to reduce installation complications?

Thanks so much in advance for any input and opinions.

--Kevin

I measured out what a 37" and 42" display would look like on the wall, but both appear to be too small. What is considered an appropriate size for the dimensions of the wall?

Appropriate size should be based on:

1) Viewing Distance (10 foot seems about right for a 42" display for mixed viewing sources)
2) Source material (SD, HD, ED, etc)

That would seem a little high off the ground for me with your eye position. If you use the fireplace a lot you may want to consider how it will affect your wires and if there is code against running electrical that close to the fireplace.

Mount it on the wall, the look is well worth it. 42" mininum, go with 46" if you can afford the difference. Use a Gyration wireless keyboard and air mouse for best RF range and a mouse that you don't have to put on a flat surface.

Use CL2 rated (in-wall) HDMI and CAT5 cable. If you don't have speakers and need Audio/Video Receiver, you'll need a cables from each source. Use a bulk wall plate or cutout blank and bring cables straight into TV, which makes for easy cable management.

http://www.audiovideointeriors.com/relatedarticles/1005gattontips/

This has been discussed before, but I will mention again.

While mouting a flat panel above a fireplace looks nice from a design standpoint, it is really a terrible idea from a functionality standpoint. This is mainly due to the TV being placed way to high up on the wall causing you to have angle your head up to view the TV, which can lead to neck fatigue. Also many displays have poor vertical viewing angles, which can cause the picture to completly wash out at to drastic an angle.