An interesting comments and may be some points explained affect us. Fireplace screen. by davolente <http://forums.cnet.com/profile/davolente/> - 2/21/09 1:14 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace?<http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2984332#2984332>by Lee Koo (ADMIN) <http://forums.cnet.com/profile/Lee+Koo+(ADMIN)/> [image: Moderator]
I'm in the trade here in the UK and I have to say that I certainly wouldn't entertain the idea of a large flat screen set being installed over a working fireplace. Several words spring to mind, HEAT being one of them, RELIABILITY being another. Rising heat would also probably send dust into the interior of the set, not to mention what if would do to the screen surface. Believe me, it's a complete no-no! We have customers that have these sort of ideas and we will not do it and, after we have explained why, they can see the error of their ways! [image: :-)]. Have you also thought about how you would route numerous cables unobtrusively to the set? Another point to bear in mind is the viewing height. The screen should be roughly level with the eyes at a seated position, or slightly lower. I think you would find that viewing an elevated TV would get extemely tiresome after a short while. Stiff-neck syndrome! Also watch (if you pardon the pun) the screen size. Some people just go for something huge at the wrong vewing distance and regret it afterwards. As for different types, my opinion, for what it's worth, is that up to about 37" there is not a great deal to chose betweeen plasma and LCD (at the correct viewing distance), although I think that plasma has the edge. Anything over that size, plasma definitely wins out. As for DLP, that technology is mostly used in projectors, although I have seen some shallow rear-projection sets (it's all done by mirrors!) that look good Unfortunately, they can't easily be wall-mounted. As for installing it directly into the wall, again, have you considered ventilation? Flat screens don't exactly run very cool. All in all, with respect, I would completely re-think your plans, as they are fraught with problems.
