Could you elaborate a little on how the power supply and various cables connecting the TV to cable box, Roku, DVD player, etc. were handled?

Hello, do you guys have a recommended pivoting tv mount for above a stone fireplace? I came across these... The mantel mount looks nice but the bracket that goes on the stone is massive. I'd never be able to paint the covers to blend with the stone. mantelmount.com This OmniMount has a smaller mounting footprint but there are complaints on far out the tv sits off the wall when in its upright position. http://www.omnimount.com/products/tv_wall_mounts/interactive/play70/ Are there any other models that can lower the TV past the mantel but not stick out so far or have such a large mounting footprint? My builder is looking to lock down the blocking requirements within the stone but the tech guys are telling me I need to know the exact bracket and TV to determine the ideal location to allow for a different TV in the future as well as not exposing everything in the back when you lower the TV.

I think if we had a wider fireplace insert it would make a big difference overall. That is something I stated was a misstep already. Our TV is recessed in alcove. The mantel and surrounding materials are approved for fireplace. It’s true there was significant work needed to have this meet code. I actually can’t imagine the mantel any higher as it is already at my chest height when I am near it. It really is so personal. The only thing I would shift is our fireplace insert size.

The TV above a fireplace, unless you're sitting pretty far back, has you tilting your neck UP to watch. This gets old / tiresome, fast. That may not be a great place to put your TV, despite the convenience of it. I much prefer the TV to sit on something so that it's at eye level when we sit to watch.