HDTV Forum

Will I dramatically shorten the life of a Sony KDL-40XBR2 if I install it on the wall approximately 48" above an electric baseboard heater?

Hello waterpumper -

Not exactly a "swell concept" but you already realize that by your post !

Those convection baseboards only output temperatures in the range of 110 -115 degrees .... tape or position a thermometer near the proposed bottom of the Sony to observe the maximum read while that baseboard section is temporarily @ Max on the thermostat.

IF not higher than 102-103, it should be "allowable."

Alternatively, install a small (desk or personal) fan to "blow' horizontally just beneath that HDTV's base - reasonably quiet, especially on least speed. Most HD Boxes have an electric outlet.

BUT - if you do have a service call by a Sony Tech, he WILL say "you did it !", regardless of the other facts.
eli

Dunno about that Eli...

Base boards are rare around here but 4 feet is quite a bit of space for dissipation. How hot is it when you put your hand where the bottom of the cabinet would be?

Good Morning Richard -

He ( she ) didn't 'say' which one --- electric or hot water -- so, I only assumed the least, electric.

Hot water baseboard will provide Much higher tempts @ unit (150-160), day in / day out !

But, unfortunately, sometimes ( if a warranty service call ) - that Mfg's Rep will "look" for just about
anything to make it a "@ Your expense", instead !

Thanks !

eli

Eli and Richard,
I apologize for providing so little info. The baseboard unit is 3 and 1/2" wide by 72" long. It is 220V electric. I am going to attach a magnetic hi-lo mercury thermometer to the wall at a height of 32" above the top of the heater to determine the highest temperature in that location over a period of 24 hours. The current outdoor temperature here is 39-degrees F. The daytime temperature in the room is maintained at 68-70 degrees. At night the thermostat is reduced to 64-degrees or less, depending on weather conditions. The room itself is 11'x19', and from a practical standpoint, this is the only wall that lends itself to a wall-mounted flat panel. Currently, all the components, including the LCD TV, are on top of or inside of cabinets situated about 8" from the wall.
Thank you both for your time and consideration. I will post again tomorrow...

Hi waterpumper -

Please do know that he & I weren't "complaining !" Just trying to give the best quesses . But, very good that it is electric - not hot water!

It would seem that since "all" will be within 8" deep (partial) cabinets - you'll not have any issues with exceeding the desired internal tempts of that XBR2 . That cabinet bottom will act the same as a baffle or deflector & - as Richard said earlier - 48" from the source is a "great plenty" anyway !

As an aside - do give that Sony it's 4" along each end ? Nothing to do w/ your baseboard.

eli

p.s. - boy, did you ever "do" the specs & then some ! Thanks !

Hi, Eli
The cabinets I referred to are free standing floor units which are placed 8" away from the wall. However, my situation is that I wish to wall-mount the LCD TV to free up space on top of the cabinets for other components. By the way, after about 2 1/2 hours, with the room thermostat set at 74-degrees (well above normal for us), the thermometer 32" above the baseboard heater has registered a high temp. of just 73-degrees. It would appear that heat convection will not be an issue. I suppose I could fabricate a baffle from aluminum stock for installation out of sight below the TV and behind the cabinet to act as a deflector. What do you think? Thanks...

Hi waterpumper -

No 'hidden baffle I'd say - you're "all set" w/o that - your observed reading is FAR below any recommended maximum for ambient cooling - Richard was "spot on !"

As you do "locate" that wall mount, try to keep that display's center as close to 41" -42" from the floor as possible except w/ hi bar stools, etc..? LCDs especially don't have a great deal of "off-axis" tolerance vertically.... i.e. --- best " HD " with set's center @ same height as one's eyes in usual seating & falls off rather quickly both up / down.

Also, some doing the viewing might accidentally experience some "new neck aches" or eyestrain from looking "upward" ( as some have done after mounting above a fireplace !)

eli