Ideas for TV & Center speaker on open fire chimney breast

[leo79]

Hi
I am moving house in the next 6-8 weeks and wondered if any body has got any suggestions.
I want to hang the TV on the chimney breast which ideally will be kept as a working open fire.
The existing fire surround will be coming out as we have a smaller one which we bought a few years ago. The height of the surround is 1m and the width is 82cm.
I wanted to go for something small as I don't want the TV too high up.
I have read conflicting reports on how much heat LCD's can take, I appreciate that it is advisable to get the fire going and check the temperature with a thermometer to see what kind of heat is being kicked out, but has anybody got any idea what would be deemed as to high a temperature?

The other problem is going to be the centre speaker, I would personally just have it resting on the mantle but my better half likes everything hidden. I'm going to build 2 slim false walls either side of the chimney breast for the L/R speakers. For the rears I'm going to build a floor to ceiling book case in each corner.

The subs are either going to be housed away either side of the chimney breast in wall width cabinets, which will also serve as my AV storage. Or they will go under the main seat which is a french daybed and is where they are at the moment.

I've been itching to get started on something like this as I did'nt get into home cinema until just after we had completed the house that we are currently in.

I love the look of Elootos set up (A Media Center House: from loft to lounge, kitchen, bedroom...) but that would mean moving away from an open fire

So any ideas for the TV and the center speaker will be appreciated

Thanks
Leon

[airwolfie]

Hi Leon

I have much of the same problem. Have you done / thought of anything re center speaker and open working fire?

[leo79]

Hi

After moving in and having a good look at the layout, I've decided to re-locate everything.

The TV is now going in the dining room which is going to be opened up into the kitchen. I'm taking the existing chimney breast out (leaving the one in in the living room) and building a stud wall which will house 3 monitor audio gold in wall speakers, the Tv and a cabinet for all AV equipment.

I've read on this forum and others that having a TV above a working fire is'nt always as bad as you might think with regards to heat damaging the screen.
I talked myself out of it because my personal opinion was that it is to close to the fire and also that the only position I could decide on for the center speaker was high up above the TV.

One option I did consider was to fit a low level flueless gas fire but my better half likes her open fires to much (to be honest I do as well).

Sorry I'm not much help.

Cheers
Leon