|   Wiring a new home theater during construction | Dr Windows
Nov 21, 2001 5:38 AM | | I'm in the process of adding an extension to the my house that will be used as a home theater / den. I have a great opportunity to install all of the wiring I might ever need because there isn't any sheet rock up yet.
My plans are to put the big screen TV in front, and the equipment rack in the back of the room.
My question is..... What wiring should I run between the TV and the equipment rack so most current and future needs will be met? Here is what I ran so far:
- Cat 5
- Two RG6 coax cables
- Telephone line
- Two 18-gage 8 conductor cables
- Fiber zip cord
Also, is there anything else besides the speaker wires that I should install in the walls before I sheet rock?
Thanks |
| re: Wiring a new home theater during construction | billdean
Nov 21, 2001 7:28 AM | | I'll let the experts here eloraborate, but I think you need to consider what wiring would normally go between your TV and your other equipment.
Will you be using a DVD with component outputs? You may need to run 3 runs of 75 ohm cable with 75 ohm RCA connectors for that. Some of the experts here can tell you how to make them.
Will you want to play TV sound thru your your HT setup? If so, you will need to run L&R audio interconnects from the TV to your equipment. Again, folks here can help wth homemade recipies for long runs.
CAT 5 and phone are a good idea for future interactive stuff. CAt 5 cable will do great for both network and phone lines.
Not sure about the other things you mentioned, but I would try to get this stuff engineered and in the walls along with speaker cables, etc.
Hope this helps. |
| re: Wiring a new home theater during construction | FLZapped
Nov 21, 2001 8:59 AM | | Since I don't know if any of this is in conduit...however, if you are using conduit, pull an extra string through so you will have an easy means of adding more wire later.
-Bruce |
| re: Wiring a new home theater during construction | Warren Warren
Nov 21, 2001 2:14 PM | | I just finished my HT a few months ago, and hope you can benefit from my experiences (not all good). 1st, a great point was brought up about conduit. In fact, you will save yourself some regrets later! This may sound a little expensive, but if you can find 1" copper (or iron) pipe to use as conduit. The reason for the 1" diameter is the ease of passing through cables with terminations. The reason for copper is that you can tie it to a good ground and it will act as a secondary shield. Have you built the frames yet that the sheetrock is going to go up on? If not, I would recommend using 2x6's for the top and bottom, and staggering 2x4's as your vertical studs at 9" intervals. Then, weave rolls of fiberglass insulation horizontally between the studs. This will aid in soundproofing, and lower in-wall resonances, especially with low bass notes. Also, something you may want to think about for the future is upgrading to a ceiling mounted projector. You can run cable to a spot in the ceiling as well, and just put a blank plate on it. Also, have you considered running VGA 15pin HD cable from your equipment rack to your TV? How about component and S-video cables? I assume the 18 guage 8 conductor is for your speakers? How long is the room? 18 may be a little thin, depending on length. Also, have you considered wiring for the possibility of future upgrades like bi-amping your speakers? You may want to add another set. Also, be sure that any audio/video cables are kept at a distance from any electrical cables and light fixtures, and if they must cross an electrical cable, make sure it is as close to a 90 degree angle as possible. DO NOT be tempted to run your cables through the holes where your house wiring passes! This can induce a 60hz hum into your system. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Oh, BTW, since you are working from scratch, you may want to add columns, tray lighting, or unusual angles to help break up long flat reflective surfaces. I hope you find this helpful!
Warren |
| re: Wiring a new home theater during construction | mtrycrafts
Nov 21, 2001 9:38 PM | | You need interconnect wire to your subwoofer location in a corner that has at least 5 ft of wall on each side with no large opening. You need a 120V power outlet there for the powered sub. You may want to install remote repeater wiring so you don;t have to turn the remote to the rear. Plan to wire for at least the 6.1 surround with one or two speakers on the back wall and one on each side wall.
The staggered stud construction is a very good idea if not too late which it might be from what you posted. |
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