Home Theater Prewire Basics - Introduction

Pre-wiring homes for today’s complex home theater systems can often times be a very frustrating task even for the highly skilled A/V professional. There are many factors that need to be considered before a home is wired for video and sound. This basic tech tip article may help guide you through the rigorous process thus turning this project from daunting to fun and educational.  We will give you guidance on how and where to route your cables, as well as tips on the proper cables to use for your installation. 

Planning

A key factor before you start pre-wiring your home is planning.

• A/V equipment rack location
• Selecting and installing the correct wire for the pre-wire
• Pre-wire for future upgrades and flexibility
• Use the correct tools when pre-wiring
• Route the wire correctly in the wall and in the ceiling
• Terminate the wire correctly to the A/V components

A/V Equipment Rack Location

The first step is to know where your home theater equipment will be installed in the room. This is the central location where all the wire from speakers, subwoofers, TVs, front projection systems and accessories will merge and be terminated to the equipment. In my dedicated home theater I prefer having my A/V component rack on the side wall at about the half way point of the room. I prefer this location because of its close proximity to my chairs. This location also provides uniform and shorter wire runs to my front projector and multiple speaker systems. You can install the A/V rack in just about any location in or out of the room. Generally, I don’t recommend placing A/V components in close proximity to the video viewing surface. The reason for this is simple. In a darkened room, power indicator lights and LED indicators on the A/V components can be distracting and glare off the viewing surface. If the A/V component rack is placed in a position that is not in a direct line of sight, the A/V equipment lights become less of a distraction and your viewing will be more enjoyable.

If you choose a location behind the seated position or out of the room you will need to consider using a RF based remote control. IR based remote controls need line of sight for proper operation. Many homes have custom A/V cabinetry that will house a large screen TV and A/V components on a front wall and often doors will cover the A/V equipment for concealment. If this is the case with your future installation, you should consider the use of a non glare surface for the doors and must remember that A/V equipment needs proper ventilation. If you look closely, below the A/V rack pictured above you can see wire coiled up and hidden underneath. This wire will be used for system expansion or future system upgrades. I have spot lighted the area and pulled the wire out to the front of the rack for the photo, normally it would not be seen.