what ducting or pipe (if any) for cables to plasma and speakers in false chimney

[Tarquinius]

Hi Everyone. First time on this board having read a few threads - some of the instals are simply amazing

I've searched for answers to this but can't find any. My query is about what if anythingI should use to duct cables behind my plasma.

I currently have a traditional fireplace in a 5 inch deep chimney breast. In 3 weeks, this is coming out in favour of a new hole in the wall type fireplace, and in the process the chimney breast will be extended (false extension) out to make the total chimney 12 inches deep.

The fire installers will be including a recess for my plasma when they build the new false chimney breast. My question is a simple one - what should I use for ducting the mains and HDMI lead through the false breast to the rear of the plasma? I think I have 3 choices:

1. Flexible ducting? (I haven't seen this but I assume it exists?) This may be good because if space is tight between the plasma and the flue then I should be able to route this wherever I need to?

2. Rigid ducting or waste water pipe. I saw a thread a while back where someone used 3/4" inch waste water pipe to duct the cables - this looked quite a good idea

3. No ducting at all - just leave my cables running loose behind the plasma? No protection for them?

I will also have speaker cables running to the centre (under TV) and the front left running through the chimney breast.

Finally, as stated above I'll need to run an HDMI and a mains lead to the plasma screen (no more than that I hope?). Should I keep the mains in a seperate duct to reduce interference? Or maybe buy mains and / or HDMI that is shielded (which would be easier), but maybe more expensive.

Thanks

[diesel]

3. No ducting at all - just leave my cables running loose behind the plasma? No protection for them?

If theres nothing to snag the cables this would be my option. Just make sure you leave a draw wire or cord in with the bundles of cables that are there presently. If you ever need another cable you can drag it through with the draw wire (not forgetting to drag another draw wire through at the same time.)

I prefer this method because you don't need many cables (with the bulkier end connectors) before it gets a bit tight to draw more cables through tubing or ducting.

I realise that most modern (hdmi etc) cables don't have bulky ends but who knows what end connectors might be incorporated in future cables.

If the cables are going to be encased in the gap between the new false chimney breast and the 'room side' of the original chimney breast, then what do you need to protect them from?

It would however be a good idea to keep mains and signal cables seperated.

just my 2p.

[N42]

Have a look at my thread, I've found some ducting that will suffice my install.