How To Configure a Wall Mounted TV

We are remodeling the house and will be moving our main TV from a traditional entertainment center to the wall above the fireplace where there will be no shelf for the DirectTV box.  What are the requirements for connecting to DirectTV?  Can the large box be located on the other side of the room and communicate wirelessly to the TV?  Or will I have to run a cable through the walls?  If I have to run a cable, does it matter what type of cable I run?  I currently use a standard HDMI cable to connect the box to the TV but this is like 4 feet.  If I have to run it across the room through the walls (probably 50 feet or so), is this still the right cable?  In 5 years will I regret not running something else as technology advances?  If there is a wireless option, is it recommended?  Meaning will it force me to compromise on picture quality, etc. or will it be as good as running the cable.