Running RCA cables through walls -

[VR3]

As I approach moving out -- I have plans for my HT/2 CH setup -- they definitely will coexist in the same room, but hopefully very seperate.

I plan to acquire a decent HT receiver to process and power the center/surround channels for the time being --

I will run out of the front pre outs of that receiver to my Candela HT bypass inputs --

So I need RCA jacks on two parts of the wall to go from one side to the other - I do not want a cable going along the floor.

Next I want a HDMI jack to go from the wall to the ceiling where a projector will go.

I also will need speaker jacks ran for dual centers (top and bottom of the screen) and rear surrounds.

I may need a jack ran for a subwoofer.

I am thinking with my limited schedule hiring out may be my best option. There is a very legit installer around these parts that would do an excellent job I am sure.

Any thoughts or advice or something I may be missing?

If you are wondering - all my 2 ch cables will be out and very visible. The idea is to separate the HT from the 2 ch gear as to keep the cabling separate to reduce the chance of noise.

Also, having a projector and a screen will get the TV out from between my front speakers. Should allow for a very open, clean install I think.

Anyways, just fetching for ideas.

Thanks

[Serendipity]

I did all this myself, including removing the ceiling and drywall for MUCH less than what an installer would cost.

With your DIY knowledge, I'd think you would be able to do a great job - if not a perfect one.

Just be careful pulling ceilings - that stuff is heavy!!

[okiepolkie]

While you can probably do most of this yourself, going with an installer will probably provide a cleaner look/finish for better home resale later. One other reason I would recommend an installer is that if there are any problems with the wiring, then they would be the ones that would have to come take care of it. That way you wouldn't have to go traipsing through the attic more than needed. Plus, if/when you sell, the new homeowner could bug the original installer, instead of you.

Also, and I'm sure you already know this, use a high quality hdmi cable from the source to the projector. I'm not opening this part up for discussion. At this point, I only trust a handful of manufacturers to provide a reliable connection at anything over 6 feet. And as a backup, run (4) RG6 cables as backups(3 for component video and 1 for composite). This will give you options for if(when) the hdmi causes problems.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. Always willing to help.

[lightman1]

Gotcha covered Trey. Just say the word and we'll have it taken care of in no time. Be glad to help.
Russ

[Serendipity]

Gotcha covered Trey. Just say the word and we'll have it taken care of in no time. Be glad to help.
Russ

Make sure you run component video alongside the HDMI, long runs of HDMI have been known to cause problems (experienced this firsthand).

Also put the projector on its own circuit because of the turn-on current draw (kinda like an air conditioner).

[unc2701]

Since everything except for the projector outlet is low voltage, I'd say do it yourself. You'll be shocked how much an installer will charge- but this is because it can be time consuming and they have to have insurance. However, the skills needed aren't that specialized for what you're talking about. Pull one or two wires a night and you'll be done in no time.

Key questions:
Is there an attic above the room?
A crawl space below?
Are the walls that you will be running wires through interior or exterior?
How old is the house?

[VR3]

There is an attic and a crawl space...

Exterior walls

100+ years old

[disneyjoe7]

Sounds like a fun install. ;)

[unc2701]

There is an attic and a crawl space...

Exterior walls

100+ years old

Good.

Bad.

ACK!

Ok, the attic and crawl will help out a lot; for things like the SW jack or rear surrounds, you just run them through that space and don't have to think about the studs. From above or below, you just drill up into the wall space and run the cable.

Exterior walls means that there's going to be some kind of insulation in them, which makes pulling the cables a little more difficult. But...

100+ years old??? There is no telling what the hell is going on in there. Is it plaster & lathe? Paneling? Drywall? If it's anything other than drywall, it might be worth the effort just to rip all that crap out, run all the wiring, put in new electrics and put up drywall. I know you were saying that you didn't have time for this in the first place, but hanging drywall isn't that hard and you'd definitely be able to run the wires if there's nothing in the way. Replace the insulation while you're at it, too.

Will you get that investment back? No, but if you plan on living here awhile, it's worth it to do it right. The drywall will run around $8 for a 4x12 sheet, so that's nothing if you hang it yourself .

[Serendipity]

100+ years old??? There is no telling what the hell is going on in there. Is it plaster & lathe? Paneling? Drywall? If it's anything other than drywall, it might be worth the effort just to rip all that crap out, run all the wiring, put in new electrics and put up drywall. I know you were saying that you didn't have time for this in the first place, but hanging drywall isn't that hard and you'd definitely be able to run the wires if there's nothing in the way. Replace the insulation while you're at it, too..

+1

This is what I am doing right now. I've run speaker wire, component video, HDMI, and RGBHV cables through the ceiling. Plus subwoofer cables and audio cables from the front to the back of the room.

I still haven't drywalled the ceiling because I still want to fix up a few things with the room first. There is a leak from the shower upstairs and that needs to get done before the drywall goes up.

[lightman1]

I got it covered.

[disneyjoe7]

100 year house, exterior wall... I bet true size lumber, odd size spacing maybe around 15", Plaster and lathe, no insulation.

[Airplay355]

Must be pretty cool to own your own place. I look forward to the day. It will be soon, college is almost over :)

I agree with Unc, if you're going to be staying there you might as well do it right the first time. You'll be happier that way and being happy in your own home is a good feeling.