How to hide a cable box in 5 easy steps
When we moved into our house, one of the first projects we tackled was updating the old fireplace. And with that update came the decision to mount the TV over the fireplace, which of course, leads to the age-old dilemma of figuring out what to do with the cable box.
Here’s step-by-step instructions on how to hide a cable box, the easy way!
Can you mount a cable box behind a TV?
Here’s the two prerequisites you must have for mounting a cable box behind a TV:
1. Power outlet behind TV location (for FULLY hidden setup). Note, even if you don’t have an outlet behind TV, you can still hide 99% or your boxes and wires if there’s no outlet there – you’ll just have one power cord to discreetly mount to feed everything going behind your TV.
2. Cable hookup behind TV (again, for FULLY hidden setup). A cable wire can also be discreetly mounted with your power cord.
Note: If you do not have an outlet behind your TV, call an electrician to run one for you. Your cable company can relocate your cable hookup.
Materials needed to hide a cable box
- IR Kit
- Velcro Strips
- Surge Protector
- Power strip
- Velcro “zip ties”
How to hide a cable box
Step 1: Placing the boxes
If your TV is fixed in one position once it’s mounted, you’ll need to install all of your soon-to-be-hidden hardware before you hang the TV.
If your TV is already mounted you’ll need to uninstall off the mount, first. If your TV is on a swivel mount, you’ll more than likely be able to install your boxes without taking the TV down.
Either way, you’ll want to make sure that your placement of the boxes won’t be seen from your primary viewing position, so have a friend hold up each piece of equipment in the spot you think will work while you sit down on the couch and check for visibility.
Step 2: Place velcro
I’d recommend at least velcro 2 strips per unit you want hidden. This way you’ll never worry about cable boxes or modems falling or coming loose (most cable boxes won’t exceed 5 pounds, so 2 strips should easily be enough). Additionally, 2 separate points of contact stabilizes the boxes in a way that wont allow the bottom to sag over time.
Step 3: Install power strip
All these boxes require power, so you’ll need to buy a power strip like this one. Velcro power strip, too. Make sure it has a surge protector to protect everything.
Step 4:Install infrared repeater
Install the Infrared Repeater to the back of the cable box.
Step 5: Wrap wires
Wrap your wires in loops and use these to keep them wound up.
Hiding a cable box is simple using this method!
