ok... we do high end, and new construction, and in calif, but the answer is yes. of course... (some exceptions) If the family room/great room is large enough to take two nice size seating areas, we may split them (like a 46-50 foot great room) even then we will put a smaller one above the fireplace. this is an example of what we can do over the fireplace. women HATE TV'S.. men adore them. so we do the best of both worlds. this is a picture that when u turn the tv on, the horses go away and the tv appears.

If it's over an electric or gas one, yes. Usually there is a fan that sends the heat away from the fireplace. If wood burning, no. Smoke does come out the front some time. There's no fan to direct the heat and smoke away. Doesn't seem right to me.

No. too hot.

Personal opinion, but a TV should not be a focal point.

NEVER!

It's a very common place for the TV...so I say, sure.

It is the norm in my marketplace. In my house though it is not over the fireplace and I have heard the heat could harm the TV units.

NAY:)

If I am going to get cozy and sit by the fire, I do not want to be looking at a TV screen above the mantel, hidden when not in use or not. Not to mention, it would put a strain on my eyes looking up. 

Nay

Nay for me.

But obviously yeah for many others as I see it quite often in homes.  

My personal preference is no. 

Nay...I do not want anything to distract the beautfy of the fire in the fireplace..

It depends upon the home owner or renter's preferences.

Depends on whether it is a real working fireplace.

The heat and smoke can be hard on that big fancy tv.

I don't see anything wrong with it.  Many homes have them.

It was a fad for a while, but I think it's too high up, especially with high mantle, not natural for neck; easier at eye level or so. 

Depends on the room and taste of the home owner.  Sometimes that is the best location.  Here in AZ we don't use the much (about 119 degrees today) so heat from fireplace usually isn't an issue.  They are mostly for ascetics.

Depends on the home, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. 

I wouldn't do it. In my area we use our fireplaces and I wouldn't want my TV getting too hot or smoked up if the fire backfed. 

It's ok but not my choice. 

no.  just more NO.

Ed Macias I don't think so. It's like sitting in the front row in the movie theater.

Depends, I don't like to have to look up to see it.

Nay- i never liked them there, and heat from fire could affect them.

Neigh, I say, neigh

Nay

That's one hell of a focal point. Your eyes and entire being are caught between a TV and a Fireplace when entering the room...If there is no where else, so be it. If there is, consider it

Maybe.  Another idea might be a projector or removing a gas fire place and intalling the TV there.

Not that I have agonized over this excessively or anything.

Make it a Great Day.

It's better to have a DVD running of an active fireplace.  It's a two for the price of one.  

That seems a little risky, to me. 

Ed,

It is a matter of taste...I hate it, and no TV in the bedroom either...just our taste. A

Fireplaces in Kauai are rare, so not a decision for us. But I agree with Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® it's safe when electric or gas. So yes IF the look fits the decor. IMO TVs hidden by cabinetry are best though.

No tv over the fireplace, its just not a good look.