Thanks for the advice. I think I will be going out this weekend to
purchase plywood and 2x4's. I also found that Formica makes metal
laminates that will match the entertainment units finish.

Also, I checked with the manufacturer and they suggested that I place
a thermometer over the fireplace where the plasma will go and make
sure that the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees when the
fireplace is on. It never went over 75 degrees. It is a gas
direct-vent fireplace with a fan and it blows the heat out into the
room. So no problem with that.



Bob Flint wrote in message . ..
On Sun, 14 Mar 2004 15:21:04 GMT, "inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote:

Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv mounted
on the wall over a fireplace.

You may not know this, but the natural enemy of plasma TV sets is HEAT!! If you over heat the screen you will cause a
visible defect, which is non-repairable and not warranted.... you may want to keep this in mind and make sure the set
is shielded from excess heat in some way... even a fan on the side would help, hidden in the entertainment shelves.

I would like to purchase a home entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise the two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it but I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what kind of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform, would I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material? Thanks
in advance for any pointers.


Since you need about 3", why not use 2x4s with a plywood top. You can ring the base in some kind of smooth material like
thin MDF and then paint it black.