Need Help Running Wires

[BMXTRIX]

Wow thanks for the input! I am always hesitant on this method because I dont have a lot of experience with working with drywall. Yes, we plan on painting the room... I just want a nice wall to paint! If I were only running cables to the left of the fireplace (which is where we will put our component shelf) how large of a chunk of drywall should I cut out?

I just cut about the size of a single gang back box wherever I need it. Something with a good angle in the direction I need to cut holes, then I cut the holes I need.

Pick up a couple of the home repair books to see how to properly patch the drywall easily. I personally just re-use the piece I cut out, put a piece of 1x3 wood behind it and screw it into the hole I removed, then spackle and sand several times.

The first few times is definitely scary, but then after you do it a few times you realize that if you put a bit of effort into it, the task really isn't that hard.

On the other hand, it also makes me realize I don't want to do an entire room of drywall because that would be some crazy sanding work to be done!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

We left the TV above the fireplace for about a month and it drove me almost crazy. We tested it for a couple of days before I ran the surround speakers through the wall and attic and decided it would be ok. After a couple of weeks we found it to be difficult to get comfortable while watching TV so I took it all down and moved it to a wall where it would work better.

Unless your fireplace is 24'' from the ground I would suggest using a different wall, you will be much more pleased. I also found that a 50'' display was too small from 10ft away so I changed to the 73'' display and moved the 50'' plasma to my bedroom.

Awesome setup! What did you do with the fireplace? Was it just uncomfortable looking at the tv or what? I think my wife and I were just lookin at your exact tv tonight at HH Gregg