may i put an hdtv over a fireplace?

Two considerations: Excess Heat & Carbon Fouling.

You probably would need to build an "improper fire" ie hotter than it should be, and measure how much heat is in the area you want to mount the unit.

The issue with carbon fouling or other pollution aspects will occur when the fireplace doesn't draft properly. Very importnat to have excess makeup air to help the chimne draft properly. Weather conditions can still cause problems however. Even with a gas fireplace you will be dealing with trace amounts of sulfuric acid pollution. Thats why gas appliances require stainless steel or galvanized steel liners.

While the location may be aesthetically interesting, I think from a long term viewpoint this is an inappropriate location for any electronics.

although I would agree that the programning on TV these days is crap, you have to admit that an HDTV signal is really pretty amazing. I would say it is as good if not better then DVD. And it certainly blows "normal" sat. images away.

Judd MacRae

ARE you for real or just kidding.Never in my lifetime especially at the price they go for.Maybe your loaded I tell you what if you want to put it over the fireplace buy me one because I can see you buying a new one every year.

I don't know about your fireplace, but mine gets soot above it - no matter how much I clean.... I would NEVER risk putting something over it.
Too bad, it would be the ultimate, eh? Sofa facing the fireplace AND tv....
aj

aj-now I realize we are a little different but romance and TV don't go together in my book ;) the sofa, the fireplace and maybe some small monitors playing light back ground music.
Tim