Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Custom entertainment center for 50" TV

I'm planning on surronding my 50" TV with a custom entertainment center. My question to you all is who much clearance should I leave surronding the TV for ventilation, access, etc. My other question is what height is optimal for viewing? My eyes are approximately 42" from the floor when seated on the couch that is already in place. Any DYI'ers out there that can offer up some suggestions and or things to avoid? I've built some small furniture in the past, but this will be one of the bigger peices I've attempted. Of course It'll be built & assembled in pieces. My basic idea is a base unit that is approximately 8' wide, 2' tall. A tower on each side of the TV and a bridge across the top. Base unit will be primarily drawers for DVD & game storage. Towers/bridge will likely be for display purposes.

I recommend about 1" - 1 1/2" all the way around the set. This also gives you room to pull it in and out.

I wouldn't be worried about the ventilation since the air is exited the rear of the set.

If you are worried about heat, which can be a killer in a tv, you can do what I did. I bought two 120mm 110v fans and cut the spaces out for them in the rear of the tv. Very quiet and keeps that hot air out of the set.

Viewing point is up to the person. I'm sitting about 10' away from my 55". It all depends on how your eyes are.

Great idea! Will the bridge just be a flat board or will you make "boxes/cubby holes"? What wood are you going to use?

Is this unit going to have a back or be tight against the wall? If so I would suggest a couple of ventilation ports in front below all of the electronic gear and ventilation holes (they can double as cable ways) in the rear portions of the shelves. Allow a couple of inches between the top of any equipment and the top of that particular bay and you will get a natural "chimney" effect with air entering at the bottom, flowing upward and gathering heat finally to exhaust throough the clearance space above the equipment.

I would suggest making an space for an uninterruptible power system, some of the modern DVR's really don't like power bumps. At the very least a power conditioner is suggested.

My plan is to have the towers and the base unit (that supports the TV) having a back on them, but the open area for the TV will be without a back. Considering the suggestions regarding ventilation, I'll likely drill a series of holes on the back side of the bridge to allow the airflow up & out. The bridge will be a box with a single shelf (holding DISH receiver and DVD player). As far as what kind of wood....I've always been partial to birch/maple wood grain. Never been much of a fan of oak. I was thinking of putting an exotic veneer over the drawer fronts though..may some bubinga or maple burl. Thanks for all the suggestions

If you have a Paxton or similar wood store within a reasonable distance, you can get some very nice hardwood plywood in birch, maple, mahaogany, etc. Hardwood plywood is great for the sides and shelves. Make the face frame out of solid wood. They will even have the exotic wood for the drawer fronts. You'll only need a board or two so the cost won't be exhorbitant and that beats trying to do your own veneer.

Just be careful when sanding the hardwood plywood. That top ply can be pretty thin and you risk sanding right thru it. But good stuff won't need much sanding - perhaps just a swipe with a fine grit.