Last issue, I talked about the five questions I'm asked most often while working as a custom installer in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. But as I compiled my list, I realized that there are way more questions I hear all the time. So here's my second Top 5 (except this time I cheated and went with 5.1).

1 Can I mount a flat-panel TV over my fireplace? Usually. Since a fireplace is often the focal point of a room, placing a TV above it actually makes a lot of sense from both design and layout standpoints - but it's a good idea to have a mantel to act as a firebreak. One caveat: Mounting a TV over a fireplace usually puts the bottom of the set about 6 feet from the floor, which can be uncomfortable for daily viewing unless you sit a good distance - 15 feet or more - from the screen.

2 Which is better: plasma or LCD? Each has its pros and cons. For sets less than 40 inches, LCD is usually the way to go, because there just aren't many plasma sets that small. But LCD sets larger than 40 inches still generally cost more than similarly sized plasmas. LCD TVs tend to be brighter and aren't subject to screen burn-in; plasma sets tend to have deeper blacks and a smoother, more film-like image. All other things being equal, I'd probably go with plasma.

3 How do I send music from my computer to my audio system? There are a couple of high-tech alternatives to running a cable from your PC to your audio rig. Devices like Logitech's Wireless Music System ($149) or Apple's AirPort Express with AirTunes ($129) send music from your computer wirelessly. The coolest way to move music is by streaming it, and you might already own a component that can do this. For example, TiVo Series 2 recorders, the Xbox 360, the Philips RC9800i remote control, and some Philips and Toshiba TVs all offer network functionality. Other devices, called media bridges, are readily available starting around $200.

4 Do they make wireless speakers? If your idea of "wireless" is moving audio from an A/V receiver to the speakers without any cables in between, the answer is yes. But nearly all of these systems use a combination of a transmitter on the A/V receiver and an amplified receiver on the speakers - and those amplified receivers have to be plugged into an outlet, so you're still not 100% wire-free. Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic, and Samsung all make home theater systems with wireless surrounds. Acoustic Research, Advent, and Sony make wireless speakers for places like the patio. But none of these are high-performance solutions. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Avega Systems demoed its Oyster 802.11 speaker, which promises both audiophile sound and wireless convenience.

5 I always buy top of the line. What's that gonna cost me? Many people visiting a custom-installation showroom for the first time have no idea what the price tag for a "top-of-the-line" system is. While a truly top-of-the-line installation could cost more than $1 million ($11,000 for a Gryphon Audio CD player, anyone?), most high-end installations range from $100,000 to $200,000. Far more typical are installs between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the size of the house and the complexity of the project.

5.1 If I buy gear from you, is installation included? No. A company just can't afford to employ a staff that installs gear at no cost - especially since installations can vary so much. For instance, mounting a plasma TV can take two to eight hours, depending on how much retrofitting is needed. Think of your installer as you would any other skilled tradesman, such as a plumber or electrician. They're worth it.

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