Amanda, No problem! There are RF+ radio frequency that could be put in the basement or inside a cabinet etc. Try contacting a local TV retailer in your area & they should be able to give you all the information that you need. Here are some examples when I used RF and I didn't want to see any of the cable boxes. Gives a much cleaner look. It definitely requires you to speak with someone that is electronically knowledgeable. Doing it right makes all the difference but having to redo is a nightmare!

@Charette Design -- Thank you! You are correct there is a power outlet and a cable outlet. Can you clarify what "homerun" means? Could a cable box live in the basement and still work with the TV in my family room?

@Northshore Kitchens Plus -- Thank you! "Electronically knowledgeable" certainly does not describe me :) With RF+ radio frequency, can you put the cable box just anywhere? Same ask as above, could we put the cable box in the basement but have the TV in the family room? How do HDMI cables factor in -- don't they need to be connected directly to the TV? Also, great photos, I especially love the one with the white built-in!

Yes.........homerun means the cable outlet goes to a "source". In some homes it goes to a closet but in most it goes to where your cable service feeds into your home from the outside. I am not sure about the cable box being so far from the family room i.e. not sure what the effective distance is for "wireless" cable boxes. Probably best to get feedback from an A/V person.

If the home was pre-wired appropriately you should have a AV closet where you Cable box can reside and feed a video feed to your display on your fireplace. This will require some additional control and distribution equipment to make possible. Is there a location in the home with a bunch of cabling?

If not then you can always hide box behind television if their is a coaxial feed at TV location. DirecTV has the smallest form box that works best in these types of applications.

From the picture looks like a beautiful home and I am sure if the builder did things right your home is prewired for both applications as well a other technology expansions throughout the home.

It looks like there is an outlet box for cable and power. I suggest attaching the cable box to the back of the television. Out of sight and using an IR blaster to control the television and changing channels

You could use HDBase T to do this: (http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=10224&gclid=CMSwmLG1lM4CFZCLaQodwgYD5A) You would put your cable box somewhere else, run CAT 5 or 6 between there and the back of your TV. It will route your remote control IR signal to the box and the TV signal from the cable box to your TV. That way the box can be completely hidden.