Need mounting advice

Hi, I am trying to mount my 46 LCD above the fireplace. the only issue is that this is not a normal wall. There are two recessed spaces on each side of the fireplace and I am trying to mount in the middle. I was hoping there were solid wood studs in the framing, but I'm not so sure now after drilling primer holes. What's a good way to ensure proper support is available?

I have a sony 46, weighing 80 lbs. i bought a mount already.

See the picture attached, it will help to describe it.

Any suggestions?



Thanks!

Thanks for the input. I imagined there would be studs running the entire length of the columns on the edges. I marked off where I'd be drilling holes for the mount. The lower bolts would be about 12 inches from the base (where you can see the black wires running accross). When I drilled in small test holes, it felt that there was some material for about 1/4 of an inch but then it just went through. I'm not sure if trying up or down the column makes a difference. Does it?

I hope I can figure this out. Having the TV off to the side sucks.

Thanks in advance

Thanks guys. I went ahead and drilled through 1 1/4" from the edges like HomeTheaterHome mentioned. Thankfully there were studs present. There was some type of metal on the surface then wood behind it. I installed the mount, and everything went smoothly.

Originally I was going to mount it a little higher but ended up putting it lower for better viewing height. Now I need to find a nice clock or something to fill the rest of the column.

Matt, I agree, the configuration is a bit awkward. Our place is kinda small though, so maybe they were thinking making these holes would help in not taking up floor space for AV equipment. Plus, this 'media niche' was made in 1995 before big wide flatscreens became a standard. Though it looks small in the picture, the niches are really large, probably made to accomodate a huge 4:3 projection TV...back in the day.

Thanks again...now i have to figure out what to do with those big empty holes.