My television is above the fireplace: where do I put the decoder? | home page updated (2023)

The placement of the set-top box in a household is almost as important as choosing where to place your TV. However, if your TV is on top of a fireplace, your options are limited. Follow us as we explore the safest and easiest spot for a cable box when your TV is above the fireplace.

There's something relaxing about having a space in your house that gives people a chance to relax and see something. In winter, the warmth that accompanies the crackling of the fire in the living room fireplace is hard to beat. In the summer, your family room is probably your favorite spot. If you have a fireplace in your living room, you've probably thought about putting a TV on top of the fireplace, but where do you put your set-top box?

Your set top box will need a place to sit if you install your TV over the fireplace. You can put it on the cape if it's wide enough. However, if there is not enough space, you can also route the cables to a socket in another room. Another thing that works is to build a shelf just for the decoder. However, you can also ditch the cable and sign up for a streaming service.

However, there is always a downside. In this case: wHere goes the cable box?put yoursCaboBox under the TV or on the floor is not always possible in situations where you have a fireplace. In fact, if you try to leave it the old way, you could burn it. In this guide, we'll go through the options to give you plenty of ideas on what you can do.

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Do you want to hide your cable box? we have some ideas

Let's be honest; Cable boxes aren't exactly modern or fancy. In fact, they're pretty ugly. Then the topic becomes more about hidingmiPut the damn thing down. Annoying, isn't it? As with many aspects of home design, there are a few ways to approach this. This list can help you make the best decision for your home.

Several ideas for placement of the cable box

Any idea for the placement of your cable box will ultimately depend on the design of your mantel. For example, if your robe isn't big enough, this method won't work for you. If you don't have a way to run the cables to another room, this won't work for you either.

Choosing a method really depends on your specific design. So it's a good idea to browse them before picking a few to try.

put it in your robe

If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace with a wide mantel, you might be able to mount your set-top box just below the TV. However, the vast majority of fireplaces do not have this option. So don't feel bad if yours isn't that big.

If you have a narrow coat, you can buy a cable box mount. This allows you to install the cable box vertically, and the bracket usually has a way to screw it into the wall. This keeps it on the cape but the stand prevents your decoder from falling.

Move your cables to another room

Many households divide the use of a decoder into several rooms. Laying cables to another room, e.g. An AV cabinet, for example, can be a good way to do this. The best way to minimize cable clutter is to tie them together and route them over the mantel along the corner of the room to the cable box.

This is known as the "home run" solution among cable installers and interior designers. Even if it doesn't look the best, it serves its purpose! You can even wrap the cords with garlands or ribbons all year round. This way it's easy on the eyes but still brings your favorite TV shows into your living room.

Attach your cable box to the back of your TV

If you're good with tools and are willing to let your TV stick out a bit, this could be a viable option. This is a brilliant move if you're using a swiveling wall mount for your TV. It's worth noting that this only works if you have a coax feed to your TV, or if you have a much smaller than average cable box.

You can use zip ties to hold the box in place. Look for a loop on the back of your TV to thread the zip tie through. Or you can also balance the box on the cables and tie the cables together. However, you don't want to do this if your box is large; Otherwise you will damage the cables over time.

Use a nearby shelf or build one

While this isn't the most aesthetic aspect, it's usually the easiest. JustInstall a shelf next to your TVand put the cable box there. Tada, you've got a new cable stand. This makes it easier to access your cable box, but it can make your room look a bit cluttered.

You can also choose a nice oak wood to build the shelf to make it look a bit more elegant. Then place some flowers on each side of the cable box or use some decorations. This will help draw attention away from the box and back into the room.

Hide your box behind some decorations.

Love the idea of ​​having your cable box next to the TV but hate the idea of ​​actually seeing the cable box? We understand. Happens. That's why it can be useful to hide it behind some decorations like a painting or a photo. However, you should make sure that the area you are going to place it on is big enough to hold your cable box and also the painting or photo.

You can also buy a small basket of artificial flowers and hide your cable box behind it. Choose a darker colored flower as most boxes are black; so it mixes a little better.

Invest in an RF transmitter for your cable

Most people don't know this, but existing products allow you to enjoy cable and turn a wired set-top box into a wireless one. You need to install oneradio frequency transmitters and receiverson your box or TV. You can buy one, usually at Best Buy or even Amazon.

This device helps transmit the cable signal to your TV without wires. This way you don't have to figure out where to hide your cable box or try to build and add shelves that you don't want on your mantel.

Choose wired WiFi

We all know that cables tend to create tangles. it is in the name. What you may not know is that wireless cable boxes exist. If you have one of these, figuring out where to place the decoder shouldn't be a problem as you can place it anywhere you like.

The other amazing fact about wireless cables is that you don't have to buy an expensive RF transmitter. In fact, the cable company can provide you with one and include it in your monthly payment. This way you are up and running straight away and don't have to worry about where to put your decoder.

Subscribe to a streaming service

Streaming services are becoming more common as they are cheaper than cable and give you access to many different shows. Some of these shows aren't even offered on cable and only have access to the specific streaming service you're subscribed to.

Also, there are no boxes. You can simply download the streaming app and install it directly on your TV (if you have a Smart TV). If you don't have a smart TV, you'll need to get a FireBox or aRoku so you can access your streaming platform. However, these boxes are small and look well organized, so there is no need to hide them.

Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, or even Amazon Video are one thing. Broadcasting isn't the same as it used to be where you had to stick with "a la carte" broadcasts. In fact, you can subscribe to cable and live TV through them.

What did we learn?

Cable boxes can be annoying. Also, they're ugly and take up a lot of space, which is why most people want to do whatever it takes to make them invisible. There are a number of ways to do this, but which one works best for you will depend on your fireplace design as well as the layout of your home.

Perhaps the best advice we can give you is to ditch cable and opt for a streaming service. This way you don't have to worry about where to put your ugly decoder. If you don't have a Smart TV, you can get a Roku or Firebox so you can access your streaming services as well as your cable.

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