I am in the process of redecorating our family room (which is the main "hang out" room in our house and is just off the kitchen). Due to the construction of the room, above the fireplace is the only practical place to put the plasma. All along, I have been assuming that I would purchase a 50" plasma (I won't get into the details of which model, etc.) but lately I have been thinking about installing a 58 or even 60 inch set rather than the 50 inch set. Even though the fireplace wall will be offset from the back wall, it will be surrounded by custom built bookcases/cabinets and the wall will be wide enough to fit the larger size with a few inches to spare on the sides before the bookcases come into play.

Has anyone had experience putting a larger size (i.e., more than 50") plasma over a fireplace? The WAF is definitely a factor here.....
:D
Thanks for your thoughts!

By the way, the primary seating area is about 14 feet from the plasma.....

First, make sure you have a mantle or the heat from the fireplace may (eventually) damage your screen.

Second, the viewing angle from a sitting position to the screen ABOVE the fireplace may feel "unnatural". We have our screen mounted high on the wall (feels like we are in a bar without the noxious fumes). Looks nice, but does strain the neck after some time. Not a bunch, just enough to let me know that I'm viewing the screen from the wrong angle. It takes about 4 innings for this to really set in.

Thanks ConversionDave.....I completely agree with your mantle point and am somewhat concerned about the viewing angle, but don't have a real choice here. That is one of the reasons I thought going bigger might be better here...

I have a same viewing distance, 14' but not over the fireplace, My 50" looks really really small. I would go 60"+, which I'm about to soon ;-)

Cheers,
TP.

Thanks ConversionDave.....I completely agree with your mantle point and am somewhat concerned about the viewing angle, but don't have a real choice here. That is one of the reasons I thought going bigger might be better here...

Thanks TP! I do agree that 50in is too small for that distance....now I need to convince the wife!!! Then I need to pick the plasma!!

Regards,

IT