I was referred to this forum from the AVSforum. We are renovating our living room and will mount the TV over the fireplace. I know it isn't the best location but it must go there and we'll install it as low as possible to avoid neck strain. I was planning to make a new mantel with a center channel built-in. The front L/R speakers would be simply be purchased and placed into the bookshelves flanking the fireplace. The rear speakers would be in-wall.
Several of the folks at AVSforum said that the room looked pretty good for constant-directivity speakers that would allow me to skip the center channel. They said I could build the speakers into the flanking bookshelves at the corners of the room and angle them in. Perhaps glass doors in front of the shelves would improve the sound.
I like good sound, but the wife could care less. The speakers will have to be reasonable priced and visually discreet. I've attached a floorplan with the furniture arrangement. I don't really like the placement of the chair, but the bookshelves are 50" tall and we can get a low chair. Thoughts, anyone?