home entertainment system design

[neil-c]

Does anyone know of any websites that help in designing DIY build/cabling of home cinema, audio and data systems. Looking to move soon (or preferrably find a plot for self build) and would like to have a plan of an integrated system so I can put in cabling and equipment as renovations are done.

Alternatively, anyone suggest what I should run to be (reasonably) futureproof?

[VEX]

Lots of CAT6 & Coax!

Basically, as an installer of said systems I run the following. (There others on here as well who install)

TV Points - 2 Coax & 3 CAT6
Data - 2 CAT6

Audio is a little odd.
From central location, run a speaker cable and a cat5/6 to a ideal keypad location (do not cut, but leave a 30cm loop) and then on up to each speaker location.

Choose a couple of cupboards/loft points & wardrobes to add data and power for future Wifi boost points as they will be needed as demand grows.

HTH

V.

[B17NNS]

Cat 6 seems to be relatively future proof (at the moment ).

Run a few cables to anywhere you think you might have AV, audio, telecoms, network etc all back to a cental location where it can all be put together via switches, routers etc at a a later date.

Cable runs at first fix stage are inexpensive.

When the place is decorated you won't enjoy doing those chases.

Oh, and good old Co-Ax is still very useful.

[VEX]

For clarification,

Each room of audio will have two speakers minimum, so that is 2 sets of Speaker Cable and Two Sets of CAT5/6

V.

[neil-c]

Thanks guys that is pretty much what I was thinking. Any recommended brands / types of cat6 or coax?

[VEX]

Speak to a local, friendly installer for the good stuff.

Not cheap though, but certainly better than the stuff at electrical wholesalers and the like.

V.