Ive always wondered that myself!! Will be checking back to see who has the answer!

It is possible to do exactly what you see. The question about cable for the remote, I don't understand. We are building at the moment, our fireplace is solid double brick with limestone cladding (this fireplace seems to be clad also?) I cut a chase in the brick wall about 80 mm wide and 40 mm deep for cables. I then put a 1.5 mm galvanised steel cover over the chase, so I can pull cables out and replace if I have to. There is currently 2 x HDMI cables, 1 x center channel speaker cable, and 4 x CAT 6 network cables within this chase, with room to spare. Remember this - Anything is possible, it's about how much time/money you can afford to spend

We have our cable box in a closet and use infared technology between the cable box and remote.

All of the A/V equipment is housed in an A/V closet.

Is it possible to move the tv to a better location for viewing? On either side in the cabinetry that flanks the fireplace would be better for ergonomics. I've never understood putting a tv over a fireplace.

The clients and I felt having the TV in the center of the room would be best for viewing, and it also provides symmetry, which is aesthetically pleasing.

Ther isn't an issue here. Any av guy can make this happen. Plan on it.

Thank you for all of your comments, they have been very helpful.

The Last Homecoming Queen: Sometimes there is not enough room for a bulky cabinet and seating. Also agree with Micheal Abrams Limited that symmetry is important.

We are renovating a 1970's home. How can I add an A/V closet? Or what kind of contractor would do this type of work? Please and thank you. (o:

What the heck is a A/V closet? I now am electronically challenged. But it gives someone else a job.

Although the AV closet is a much more elegant solution, in the example above, you could easily use a cabinet on either side of the fireplace for AV equipment, with or without master remote controls. You'll need about 18" cabinet depth to accommodate most standard DVD players, cable boxes, etc.

The trick is usually getting the necessary cabling from the equipment location to the TV, especially with a lovely stone fireplace as shown above. In new construction, pretty easy. After the fact, a bit of a trick.

Well, I have run into another problem. My place is older and the incoming cable is on the other side of the room from the fireplace. I think I have to change my plan, bummer!

wireless?

wireless what? cable?

I can get electrical to the tv, just not the cable from the other side of the room.

Low voltage wiring (like running cable) is a pretty easy "do-it-youself" project, particularly if you are running wires in interior walls. Figure out your best possible scenario and work from there.

THE NEW CABLE BOXES ARE SET UP WITH THE TV THAT YOU CONTROL THE CABLE FROM TV

so are you saying that I don't have to have the actual "cable" attached to the back of the tv?

THERE ARE SOME CABLE COMPANY'S ARE WIRES THAT YOU DON'T HAVE NOW TO RUN WIRES

Most modern TVs have several inputs for AV, including a standard coaxial cable, HDMI cable, S-video and componenet video. You may not need to run an actual "cable" to the TV at all, but you probably will need to figure out how to get one or two of those types of connection from the TV to your equipment.

AV is audio visual. A good electrician, or AV person should be able to make it all happen. I am not a huge fan of wireless, but it does solve problems. In my business we tell our customers that we can answer any problems, but time=money. No matter what, you will have to have a power supply at your screen. Once you have a power supply there, the rest just gets easier. Stick a few photos up on the page of your place, then we'll have a look and provide some clarity for you. Symmetry or not, I tell my people it's there house put it wherever you want it. If a customer asked me to insta
l one upside down, no problem. When it comes to your house, it's all about you.

our house flooded and I was thinking of putting the TV over the gas fireplace now seeing as the walls are gone, I have the satalite box and surround system, any ideas pictures of where I can put this stuff? I was thinking of cutting out a shelf to set them under the TV but if there is a better option I would love to know it.

All A/V components in a closet and operated via a RF remote. Just a HDMI cable from the closet to the TV.

You can put the components anywhere you want, connect them to an av switcher, add a wireless video transmission device, and control it all with an rf remote without running any cables between the components and television.
If you need help give me a call.
Hamptonhometheater.com

I had a similar problem and was able to solve it very easily with llum - single wall mount. Piece of cake to install, super slick and way more unique than any other single shelf mounts out there. It is also Made in USA, if that is important. This page explains how it works: http://thellum.com/pages/how-it-works

You can position the cable box anywhere you want, top, bottom, left or right of the TV.

Cheers!

I put my AT&T U-Verse set-top box in a closet, connected it with a coax cable to the living room TV (only DVD-quality thought unless you use HDMI) , and I control it with a smartphone app.

I strongly recommend however NOT PUTTING A TV OVER A FIREPLACE! This is because soot, convection heat, and dust buildup in particular to most fireplaces will damage your television set, as well as other art, etc.

Check out HIDEitMounts.com We had the same issue years ago and developed a line of wall mounts for components. You can neatly hide your cable box and other components behind the TV. In many cases, the remote signal will bounce off of surrounding walls and still work. It makes it easy to hide the cords - everything gets tucked behind the TV.

This is what I did after multiple options assessed. All wire run to the top and I planning installing cornice (moulding) in the room to cover those. The cable box is on the fire place bench to the left.

Here is the cable box. I would also like any other suggestions too. Tried to drill into the brick wall with a massive but but it wasn't practical.

One thing I'd be careful of, is the amount of heat coming off the fireplace, and rising up.
It gets pretty hot, and if you have problems, I imagine it would most definitely void your warranty.
Or worse case scenario, cause it to catch fire.
I advise people to either recess the screen, use a deep mantle above it, or best to do both !!