Thoughts on Hanging a Plasma Above the Fireplace

Heat Concerns

• Monitor the heat on the wall above the fireplace with a thermometer when you have a roaring fire. Temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more may cause damage to the television set. Plasma televisions can cool with an internal system, but running the set in a hot environment causes the internal cooling system to run for longer periods. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of the plasma television. Building a fire when the television is not running will not affect the television adversely.

Mantel Television Stand

• The mantel can serve as a television stand for a plasma television, but you should ensure the shelf is at least 4 to 6 inches deep to accommodate the set. In addition, you should have an electrical outlet and cable jack installed above the fireplace to avoid unsightly wires running down alongside the fireplace. A professional electrician can install the jack and outlet for the plasma television set.

Equipment and Wiring

• When installing a plasma television above the fireplace, you must consider your other entertainment components, such as DVD players, cable and satellite boxes, and surround sound receivers. If you only have one cable TV jack installed over the fireplace, you will have to pile the additional equipment on the mantel, which creates a messy and disorganized look. Professional installers can use a plasma feed to deliver the picture and sound to the television with the equipment installed in a remote location, but there is a cost for professional installation.

Wall Mounting

• You can install the plasma television on the wall above the fireplace instead of the mantel, but you must use a quality universal television mount. Installing the mount on a brick or stone fireplace limits you to a universal mount without an extension arm that allows the television to pull away from the wall while viewing.