Do you really want to mount the tv above the fireplace. really not good ergonomics to be craning your neck for hours to watch tv ? I would suggest you put tv in the corner where the drying rack is. currently. There are too many ornaments and photos on the mantle and you should place some of the ornaments/photos slightly overlapping and on an angle instead of in a line as they are currently. You could cover the fireplace in stackstone or sandstone etc. and do something about a new mantle. Whack a nice painting over the fireplace instead of a tv, your neck will thank you for it.

In our new home, we initially avoided putting the tv over the fireplace (which is quite tall), but the loss of floor space and the entire layout just didn't work. For the past few months, the tv has been sitting on the mantle and you know what? It's fine -- no neck craning at all. We have an installer coming in next week to hang it and run the wires, etc in the wall. He was recommended by a reputable audio/video store in Toronto.

Thanks, what the photo doesn't show is that there is about 4-5 metres between the wall above the fireplace and the opposite wall where we plan to place lounge setting. So shouldn't be any issue with height and posture. It's more the mechanics - mounting, wiring and maybe heat affecting TV?

PS I live in Sydney Australia -all comments welcome but pro recommendations would need to be local :)

I figured you were in Australia, using the term "tradies". There must be reputable audio/video dealer in your area. As for the heat, it looks like your mantle is deep enough. But check online for guidelines and consult someone in your area.