The crackler has two input leads that attach to the two "TH" terminals on the valve so that it works in parallel with the fireplace when your turn the flame on with your wall switch. You can place it behind the fireplace bottom louver. The pine cone works as an insulator to protect it from the heat, but it doesn't really get that hot down there typically. There are a lot of battery operated remote controls that go down there, too, and they are no less susceptible to heat issues. If you have a really high efficiency gas fireplace, you might need a heat shield, but that would still work. The crackler still requires 3 AA batteries, but it would work from your wall switch. FYI, the power that actually turns your fireplace on is generated by the thermopile at the pilot. It's not a cheap speaker that makes it sound like static. It's a random sound generator, not a pre-recorded fire. I agree that is possible to do it, but there apparently isn't a big enough market to make it commercially viable, since I've seen a number of ideas come and go. Your bluetooth idea is probably the best one. The trick would be hooking it up so it would sync with the fireplace. As long as your fireplace fan is plugged into a straight 120V outlet and there no speed control up in the wall, you could plug the power adaptor into the outlet underneath and it would work without have to recharge it or relying on battery power. The coolest place under that fireplace is right behind the louver at the far right or left. For 25 bucks, it might be worth a little more experimentation.

You could try dyebrick.com. It is brick/masonry stain. Try on a sample of similar color brick first, though; it only comes off with a powerwash! Assuming of course that you want to keep it....you could also remove the brick and replace with something different. We have done that before, it was very messy but not difficult. If you decide to do that, do it Before you move furniture into the room...

Try hearth.com forum. There is probably people on those forums who can help you.

That sounds like what we did, as well. Went with the Xtrordinair 864 Deluxe direct vent for living room, the 564 version for bedroom and the Empire Carol Rose stainless ventless box for screened porch. We’ve ordered the Cimmaron Timbers LP logs for the ventless FP. House is still under construction so gas not connected yet and ventless not installed since decking not done for porch yet. The direct vents look good. Hopefully they will put out some heat. It was a tough decision as was type of stone and hearth height, mantel height, etc. We have worked through the details and think it will all be great. Good luck with your new home project!