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New House Construction - Cable Management ???
Flake:
OK I met with my builder today and we are going to run capped PVC piping from the basement to the attic for future installations. The thing is the company that this builder uses to run wires, security system, etc. is really ---smurfing--- me on the connections IMO. For instance I cant supply any of my own cables like HDMI cables and they are charging me $150 per HDMI cable. Thats insane. So I am going to install what I think I will need in the short run and provide for reasonably hassle free access for future cabling needs.
Ed - I did check out XBMC and it looks fantastic. So I really think I'm going to move forward with a HTPC. Any recommendations out there for one? It seems you can purchase one all setup in a case that looks more like a AV receiver or I suppose I can purchase a PC and install the proper software (like XBMC) and configure myself. What I want is to be able to play DVD's, watch TV (Directv signal), play music files, stream netflix, access the internet all through my TV, and at some point build a ripped DVD library. What HTPC specs would I need to satisfy all these requirements. I've done some research already but I'm not all that adept at determining hardware requirements. i dont want to buy something i dont need.
Thanks
HanoiBoi:
--- Quote from: Flake on October 09, 2010, 04:43:04 pm ---For instance I cant supply any of my own cables like HDMI cables and they are charging me $150 per HDMI cable. Thats insane.
--- End quote ---
Yeah, that's sucky. If you don't already know about it, checkout monoprice.com. Good stuff, great prices and lots of reviews. I ran HDMI in my basement and from monoprice I grabbed 1 each of 10ft, 15 ft, 25ft, 30ft and 40ft and they totaled $142. Don't know if you've got a leg to stand on if you wanted to somehow argue that. If not, perhaps you can plan to get in there immediately after the 'official' installers finish....and before the walls go up. Basically your idea of hassle free future access, but moving the future up a bit. ;)
Other considerations:
-For a music fan, ceiling speakers throughout the house that could be zoned off and ran through a speaker selector. If you entertain and want tunes throughout the house, it's a nice option. Initial setup would simply be to figure out where you might want the speakers and where the speaker selector and receiver will be, then run the wires.
-Projector? If a projector might be a future option (living room, bedroom, etc.) you might want to think of placement and plan on an outlet and run cabling (I did HDMI).
-5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 Surround sound? Figure out where your speakers will be mounted and run speaker wire.
-Subwoofer? If so, figure out placement and you'll want to run cabling and plan for a nearby outlet.
Also, not sure if it was mentioned or if it really matters to you (if someone else is stocking the cables), but you'll want 'in wall' rated cables and wires.
Best of luck.
BobA:
My builder allowed access before the drywall went up as long as I followed code requirements to run LV cables. It just meant putting in the proper boxes and using approved wiring. Wired most rooms to the basement panel. Makes everything easy now. I did not put in fibre as I was not thinking that far ahead but I would now.
CrazySwede:
+1 on the conduit between the attic and the basement. This will prove very usefull in the future and I am glad to hear your are installing one. Make sure it is somewhat sizable. Mine is 1/2 inch and it is getting hard to pull any more wires through it.
A couple more thoughts for you.... Not sure where you live but you may want to install (and wire for) outdoor speakers. If you do, make sure you put in outside auto-muting volume controllers. Niles makes some nice ones and they are since they will not blast your neighbors every time you turn on your stereo. (The mute themselves automatically when you turn on your stereo system.)
If you are going to have a detached garage/shop, run a large conduit between your basement and it. You never know when you will want to run wires between you house and your garage for alarms, antennas, phone, TV, etc, etc, etc.
Good luck, -Leif
Ed_McCarron:
--- Quote from: Flake on October 09, 2010, 04:43:04 pm --- Any recommendations out there for one? It seems you can purchase one all setup in a case that looks more like a AV receiver or I suppose I can purchase a PC and install the proper software (like XBMC) and configure myself. What I want is to be able to play DVD's, watch TV (Directv signal), play music files, stream netflix, access the internet all through my TV, and at some point build a ripped DVD library. What HTPC specs would I need to satisfy all these requirements. I've done some research already but I'm not all that adept at determining hardware requirements. i dont want to buy something i dont need.
--- End quote ---
In all honesty, my little Aspire is a bit underpowered. With XBMC installed over Ubuntu, it'll do some serious hardware acceleration -- I can watch damn near anything, but the menus are a bit laggy.
Start here for cases -- It'll give you some ideas. Insert motherboard. Add software. Tweak to taste. :)
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=690&name=HTPC-Media-Center-Cases
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