What should be planned behind a media wall before it is finished?

Whatever material you choose, the screen, sound, cabling and any fireplace are planned first, because once the wall is closed they are hard to change.

How far should the seats be from the screen?

The ITU sets the optimal distance in picture heights (H): 3.1H for HD and 1.5H for 4K, the point where one pixel fills about one arc-minute of vision. Converted for 16:9 screens by our own arithmetic:

Source ratios: ITU-R BT.2246-9, Table 1. Feet are our calculation.

Where should speakers and a soundbar sit?

Dolby puts listener-level speakers at about 3.9 ft (1.2 m), seated ear level, with front left and right at roughly ±30° and overhead speakers at 45° elevation (adjustable 30–55°). It says in-wall speakers at listener level can work, and does not recommend dipoles for Atmos. A soundbar belongs on the screen’s center line near that height.

Which cables go in the wall?

An Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable is rated up to 48 Gbps; the newer Ultra96 cable up to 96 Gbps (HDMI 2.2). Residential code section E4304.1, citing NEC 725.136, keeps Class 2 wiring out of boxes and raceways with power conductors, with exceptions such as a barrier, or 1/4 in separation where power enters only to feed the same equipment. Listed Class 2 cable has 150 V insulation and Class 3 cable 300 V, per EC&M. A conduit or pull string allows upgrades later.

How much room does a TV need above an electric fireplace?

Each figure applies only to that model; always follow your own fireplace and TV manuals.

Does the fireplace need its own circuit?

Amantii calls for a 15 A, 120 V, 60 Hz grounded circuit and says a dedicated circuit is preferable; Dimplex recommends a dedicated 15 A circuit. Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician, with permits where required.

For finished examples, see Trim My Crib’s media walls.