How high to mount my TV monitor?


Familiar story. New (to me) home, family room has a fireplace, as does living room. The height, to the top of the mantle is 53" and 55" respectively. Viewing distance will be 10'-12'.Is it advisable to mount a flat screen this high? Will my neck be permanently cocked upward, as if I am constantly looking for Superman? Any guidance is very, very appreciated.
Marty
128x128viridian
I think that putting a TV above the fireplace is one of the great examples of "interior decorators" putting form over function. Maybe it looks pretty for photo shoots for magazines, but I have never been in a room with such a set-up where I didn't have to look up, and within a very short period of time, I start to feel the strain in my neck.

However, what I think doesn't matter a rat's butt, or so people tell me from time to time. So all I can say, give it a try, and if your neck still feels fine after watching the Star Wars or Lord of the Rings trilogy, then go for it.

Of course, a Lay-Z-Boy recliner would solve potential problems too. Get one with a cup holder for beer, ...and a pocket for your remote(s).
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Actually, the proper height should be when you are looking at the screen your eyes are level with the bottom 3rd of the screen. Unfortunately this is not practical in most theater setups.
If you're going to mount something, I suggest you choose something other than your TV monitor (ha ha)...
I have two 50" plasmas mounted in different rooms. Their both hung as if they were pictures. Center point of the screen is exactly eye level(standing up) So when your sitting down you do look up. It has never been uncomfortable for me or anyone else who has watched TV at my house. I have alot of sports parties and have asked my freinds if it is uncomfortable-the answer is always "its perfect. A plasma also has an aestetic value when hanging on a wall. I really think they look awful when hung to low(no pun) One more suggestion- Before I hung my first plasma,I made a template out of cardboard to the exact dimension of my panel. I then used a finish nail to hang it at different heights. This gives you a better perspective of what it will look like-standing and sitting.