update. Install went fine. The cabinet was indeed 1" wood for the backer. Electrician raised a coax and outlet box up so was simple to pull them out and find the studs. Two studs placed absolutely right where I would have wanted them. Ran 4 4.25" long lags into the studs and they bit like a champ. He plans to put a chest below the tv at some point in the near future. See pics below.

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