Hiding the cable box and streaming devices

A wall-mounted TV with a cable box, a game console and a tangle of adapters on the floor below has only done half the job. Every device needs a home, power, a signal path and a way for the remote to reach it.

Option 1: behind the TV

Small devices can live on the back of the screen.

• Streaming sticks plug straight into an HDMI port. Use the short extension lead that came with it if the port faces the wall.
• Small streaming boxes and slim cable or satellite receivers fit in holders that attach to the TV's VESA holes or stick to the back.

Check three things: there's enough gap behind the TV (slim mounts may not allow it), the device can breathe, and its remote works. Most current streaming remotes use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and don't need line of sight. Older infrared boxes do — see "Remotes" below.

Option 2: a floating shelf

A small shelf under the TV holds a cable box, a console or a centre speaker without furniture on the floor. Cables drop only a few inches, so they're easy to hide. We install one for $39; details on the shelf service page.

Option 3: the console or cabinet below

The classic. With an in-wall cable path from the TV to behind the cabinet, nothing shows. Leave the cabinet back open or ventilated — game consoles in a closed cupboard overheat.

Option 4: another room or closet

For a completely bare wall, devices can sit in a closet or cabinet elsewhere, with long HDMI cables (fibre for long runs — see the HDMI guide) or an HDMI-over-network extender. This needs planning: cable routes, ventilation and remote control.

Remotes

• Bluetooth/RF remotes (most streaming devices, current consoles): work through doors and from behind the TV.
• Infrared remotes (many cable boxes, older gear): need line of sight. Fixes: an IR repeater — a small eye near the TV wired to emitters stuck on the hidden devices — or the provider's RF remote if one's available.
• HDMI-CEC lets the TV remote control basic functions of connected devices over the HDMI cable. Turn it on in the TV's settings.

Do you still need the cable box?

Many providers now offer an app on smart TVs and streaming devices that replaces the box. If yours does, the neatest box is no box.

Game consoles

They need airflow, a controller within range, and occasional access to a disc slot or USB port. A shelf or an open cabinet suits them; behind the TV does not.

Power for all of it

Devices behind the TV need outlets behind the TV. A duplex outlet covers the TV and one device; a slim surge strip rated for the space helps with more. Don't daisy-chain adapters inside a wall box.

Wi-Fi

A streaming device hidden behind a large TV sits in the screen's radio shadow. If it buffers after mounting, use the HDMI extension to move it to the edge, or switch to Ethernet. More in streaming and Wi-Fi after wall-mounting.

Label things

Before the TV goes up, label each HDMI cable at both ends. Future you will be grateful.