e Consumer Shop

Home Theater Wiring Guide

Guide to Organising HDMI Cable, Cat 5 Cable, Audio and Computer Cabling

We have all been there (Or at least the gadget lovers amongst us have!). Waiting anxiously by the doormat to hear that friendly ring from the postman that means our shiny new gadget has finally arrived. Exciting stuff.

Now, if it is something small and self contained like an iPhone or an iPod then all is well with the world. You can generally just take it out of the box and figure it it out as you go along. There will be no trailing wires or cabling to mess up your tidy rooms, because thankfully, those gadgets are portable and so don't infringe on anything much (apart from your enjoyment levels, which they will hopefully infringe on quite a lot!)

But if it is a bigger gadget purchase like a computer, a home theater system, or a new audio system then you are going to be in for much more of a shock. Because the simple fact is that these devices haven't evolved nearly as much as you might have expected on the cabling side. You see, 10 years ago everyone was touting the potential for a 'wireless' age (actually at much the same time that a 'paperless' age was being touted, and look how far we have come with that ten years down the line!)

And in some respects strides have been made. The fact that there are now wireless networks, and that gadgets like the iPhone are actually sneaking out of the development hatches and onto the high street are certainly big steps forward. But, in reality, in many areas of gadgetry, when it comes to connecting you new, freshly delivered toy, you will find that you will be buried up to your armpits in cables.

This is especially true of home theater systems, audio systems and computers (laptops are a lot better these days, because wireless networks are becoming easier to use in that arena). And it is really an area that you need to give separate thought to, BEFORE you take delivery of your new system. Or, at the very least at the same time. Because it is very common for gadgets to be delivered WITHOUT all the cables that are required for their operation.

For example, I recently took delivery of a swanky, new DVD Player. All good so far. Equipped for the digital age this baby had hdmi connectors. The works. So it was all setup for the high definition age. Apart from one thing...

No cables!!

Now, as it happened I planned ahead, and bought a beautiful gold, connector hdmi cable at the same time as I bought the dvd player. So all was right with the world. And I was able to get playing immediately, because they were delivered at the same time. But, my point is that planning ahead really is a necessity, not a luxury these days. Gadgets used to ship without plugs! Now they ship without cables. Go figure!

So, step one, figure out what cables you need. And my advice here is to buy the very best you can afford. There is no point spending $2000 on a fab new tv, and then skimping on a $5 cable to carry the signal to it! That's like having a Porsche to drive, but then only bothering to put three tyres on it! So, upgrade the cables to something decent. This need not cost fortunes. But spending $50 can improve the picture quality (speaking of high definition tvs here) much more then you would think. The picture will be smoother, and the sound better. So, a worthwhile investment.

Secondly, take a look at the layout of your room, and consider where cables would be least obtrusive. This is a bigger factor with audio systems, where you may need trailing wires to four corners of a room to get quadrophonic sound. But consider whether you can put the wires under carpets, or whether you can get trunking fitted, or even (for the very committed!) sink the wires in the walls, so they don't show at all.

Thirdly, get some cable tags. These are dirt cheap, but will tidy up your workspace like you can't believe. A $5 dollar investment in a bag of cable tags will provide dividends for your sanity down the road!

So, put these suggestions into action and start to enjoy your new gadget, without having to dwell on the cables!

About the Author

For all your computer, audio and home theater cables visit http://www.cablesadvice.com which specialises in providing the very latest cable tips, information and products to get your system setup properly!

Wall Mount TV, HDTV Installation, Plasma LCD TV, Home Theater Recessed Cable Plate Remodeling Kit

The Complete Idiots Guide to Home Theater Systems $26.35 The Complete Idiots Guide to Home Theater Systems will help you understand the ins and outs of everything from analyzing your current system to installing your new components. Coverage includes DVD players, 25 + televisions, laserdisc players, projection TVs, HiFi stereo VCRs, surround sound processors, amps, receivers, subwoofers and hometheaterinabox packages. This valuable guide also discusses connections, remote control, installation and lighting. Hookup diagrams and feature descriptions are also included Author: Miller, Michael Series Title: Complete Idiots Guides (Lifestyle Paperback) Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 290 Publication Date: 2000/06/14 Language: English Dimensions: 9.13 x 7.40 x 0.88 inches

Home Theater $12.97 Home Theater magazine takes the mystery out of home entertainment electronics. Every issue of Home Theater is packed with in-depth coverage of home theater developments in HDTV, DVD and more, previews of hot new products, objective product reviews and comparisons, including specs, ratings and opinions, DVD reviews, technical language translations into English and much, much more! Create an incredible home theater experience with Home Theater!

Philips HTS3371D Home Theater System $169.99 1 Year Limited 1 kW 1.06 lb - Front Speaker 1.06 lb - Rear Speaker 1.48 lb - Center Speaker 10.36 lb - Subwoofer 110 V AC 13" 14.17" 2 2.24" 2.95" 3 3.94" 5.1 6.64 lb - Video Disc Player HTS3371D Home Theater System Dock for iPod Remote Control 2 x AAA Batteries CVBS Video Cable FM Antenna Product Registration Card Quick Start Guide User Manual World Wide Warranty Leaflet High definition pictures and powerful surround sound delivered by this elegant system provide unbeatable home entertainment. Enjoy sharp pictures with 1080p HDMI upconversion, as well as convenient iPod playback via the dock included. CD-DA CD-RW DVD Player DVD Video DVD+R DVD+RW DVD-RW DivX 3.11 DivX 4.x DivX 5.x DivX 6.0 DivX Ultra Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic II Energy Star FM HTS3371D HTS3371D Home Theater System Home Theater System JPEG MP3 MPEG-1 MPEG-2 NTSC Philips Philips Electronics Picture CD Progressive Scan SVCD Video CD WMA WMV Yes www.usa.philips.com

Home Automation Home Theater Extender $267.99 HOME AUTOMATION HOME THEATER EXTENDER

Belkin PureAV Home Theater 6-Outlets Surge Suppressor $15.99 6 6 x NEMA 5-15R 709 J 72" 3-line AC The Belkin PureAV Home Theater 6-Outlets Surge Suppressor is your premiere solution for clean, safe power and the industry's best in construction, ratings, and safety standards. Using advanced design elements and top-quality construction as well as superior circuitry-including 130-volt MOV components, this Surge Suppressor offers the most complete protection from power surges, AC contamination, and spikes available. Surge Protection Indicator shows that surge protection is working Power Switch integrates a 15-Amp circuit breaker with power source Impact-Resistant ABS Case prevents scratches, dents, and rust Heavy-Duty Power Cord delivers clean power through 14-gauge wiring; with rt. angle plug Belkin Belkin International, Inc F9A600FC06 Lifetime NEMA 5-15P PureAV PureAV Home Theater 6-Outlets Surge Suppressor Surge Suppressor www.belkin.com

Creative Inspire T6160 Home Theater Speaker System $74.99 10.24" 40 Hz to 20 kHz 5.1 50 W 51MF4105AA002 6.30" 7.48" 7.72 lb Inspire T6160 Home Theater Speaker System Wired Remote Control Power Adapter Quick Start Guide Warranty/Technical Support leaflet Time to introduce realistic surround sound to your games, music and movies with the Creative Inspire T6160 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System. With classic styling and ease of use, this speaker system delivers immersive multi-channel surround sound - cutting-edge technology that is a hallmark of Creative's renowned audio expertise. With a powerful subwoofer and five satellite speakers, you'll get explosive bass and positional audio for more accurate gaming and engaging movies. Bass Creative Creative Technology, Ltd Inspire Inspire T6160 Home Theater Speaker System Power Power Supply REACH RoHS Speaker Speaker System T6160 Volume WEEE Yes www.creative.com

MONSTER 121539 HOME THEATER POWERCENTER $44.99 MONSTER 121539 HOME THEATER POWERCENTER

5.1 HOME THEATER SYSTEM -ACTIVE $139.99 5.1 HOME THEATER SYSTEM -ACTIVE

Recertified Coby 300w Home Theater $61.99 RECERTIFIED COBY 300W HOME THEATER

Home Theater Power Center $72.99 MONSTER POWER HT 850 8-OUTLET HOME THEATER POWERCENTER™

Home Theater Power Console PF30 $84.94 Home Theater Power Console PF30 PUREAV 8-OUTLET PF31

Ultimate Guide Wiring By Donegan, Fran J. (EDT)/ Caloggero, John (CON)/ Cauldwell, Rex (CON)/ Willson, Steve (CON) $23.63 Discusses the basics of electricity and offers stepbystep instruction for home wiring projects, including wiring switches, receptacles, light fixtures, outdoor lighting, and home automation. Author: Donegan, Fran J. (EDT)/ Caloggero, John (CON)/ Cauldwell, Rex (CON)/ Willson, Steve (CON) Series Title: Creative Homeowner Ultimate Guide to... Publication Date: 2010/02/01 Number of Pages: 304 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 1.00 Width: 8.50 Height: 10.75

Sony DAV-DZ170 1 kW 5.1 Home Theater System $212.99 1 Year Limited 1 kW 1.10 lb - Front Speaker 1.10 lb - Rear Speaker 1.32 lb - Center Speaker 10 10.43" 110 V AC 14.33 lb - Subwoofer 2 2.76" 20 3.35" 3.70" 4.06" 5.1 6.46" DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System 1 x Remote Commander 1 x Speaker Cord 1 x Foot Pad 1 x FM Wire Antenna (Aerial) 1 x HDMI Cable 2 x R6 (size AA) Batteries 1 x Calibration Microphone 1 x Video Cord Operating Instructions Quick Setup Guide Easy Setup Disc (DVD) Complete your home theater with the DAV-DZ170 BRAVIA theater system. Fusing style with performance, this 5.1-channel surround sound system features a built-in DVD player and 1000 watts of home theater power. You can also connect your iPod or other digital music player via the front USB port. In addition to Digital Cinema Auto Calibration which optimizes speaker placement in just 30 seconds, you can use the HDMI interface to upscale your DVD media to near 1080p quality. AAC Auto Sound Calibration CD-DA CD-RW DAV-DZ170 DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System DAVDZ170 DTS DVD Player DVD Video DVD+R DVD+RW DVD-RW Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic II Energy Star FM Home Theater System JPEG MP3 MPEG-4 NTSC Progressive Scan SACD SVCD Sony Sony Corporation Video CD WMA Yes www.sony.com

Star Theater 2 Uncle Milton Home Planetarium $35.95 Star Theater 2 Uncle Milton Home Planetarium

280 Watts Audiobar Home Theater System HW-D450 $192.97 280 Watts Audiobar Home Theater System HW-D450

HT-CT150 - Home theater system - 3.1 channel $299.99 Sony HT-CT150 - Home theater system - 3.1 channel

6FT CBL HDMI HOME THEATER-KIT $56.99 6FT CBL HDMI HOME THEATER-KIT

HT-E550 - home theater system - 5.1 channel $179.99 Samsung HT-E550 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel

CHANNEL PLUS WPW-D7.1 HOME THEATER CONN $54.99 CHANNEL PLUS WPW-D7.1 HOME THEATER CONN

HT-E350 - home theater system - 5.1 channel $165.99 Samsung HT-E350 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel

5yr Dop Home Theater Sold Out $207.99 5YR DOP HOME THEATER SOLD OUT

NEC Home Theater WVGA DLP Projector $444.99 NEC Home Theater WVGA DLP Projector

Home Theater And Network Gaming Hub 5port $55.99 The NETGEAR 5-port Home Theater and Network Gaming Hub

Sherwood VR-652B Home Theater System $243.99 100 W 40 VR-652B Home Theater System Remote Control AM CD-DA CD-R DVD Player DVD Video DVD-R FM Home Theater System Progressive Scan Sherwood Sherwood America VR-652B VR-652B Home Theater System www.sherwoodusa.com

Philips HTS5580W 1 kW 5.1 Home Theater System $469.99 1 Year Limited 1 kW 1.50 lb - Center Speaker 10.24" 10.31" 10.39" 11" 110 V AC 13.89 lb - Subwoofer 14.09" 17.13" 2.28" 200 W 3.62" 3.74" 3.94" 4.53" 43.35" 47" 5.1 7.83 lb - Surround Speaker 8.16 lb - Video Disc Player 900 mW HTS5580W Home Theater System Remote Control FM Antenna Power Cord Quick Start Guide User Manual World Wide Warranty Leaflet Batteries HDMI Cable Wireless Receiver Wireless Transmitter This full-digital system delivers outstanding surround sound, providing a theater-like movie experience in your home. It plays back a wide variety of formats from any sort of disc, and from portable media players and USB sticks. BD Video BD-RE Blu-ray Disc Player CD-R CD-RW DTS DTS 96/24 DVD Audio DVD Video DVD+R DVD+RW DVD-R DVD-RW DivX Ultra Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic II Dolby TrueHD Ethernet FM HTS5580W HTS5580W Home Theater System HTS5580W/F7 Home Theater System JPEG JPEG HD MP3 MPEG-1 MPEG-2 MPEG-4 NTSC Not Applicable PAL Passive Philips Philips Electronics Progressive Scan SVCD Video CD WMA WMV XviD Yes www.usa.philips.com

Sony HT-SF470 1 kW 5.1 Home Theater System $376.99 1 Year Limited 1 kW 1.97" 12" 12.35 lb - Subwoofer 13.40 oz - Center Speaker 15" 17" 2.43 lb - Rear Speaker 2.52" 2.62" 3 3.27" 3.53 lb - Front Speaker 30 32.68" 4.45" 5.1 7.50 lb - A/V Receiver HT-SF470 Home Theater System Remote Control Users Guide Microphone FM Wire Antenna AM Loop Antenna Warranty Card Speaker Cable Add dynamic wraparound audio to your favorite entertainment with the HT-SF470 5.1-channel 3D Blu-ray Disc surround sound system. The perfect addition to your home theater, this system features 3D compatibility so you can enjoy incredible 3D sports, games and movies like never before2. The HDMI Repeater makes it a breeze to connect and control multiple HD or 3D devices using a single HDMI cable per device (sold separately), while elegant floor standing speakers and striking monolithic design are a great compliment to BRAVIA 3D HDTVs. You can also add optional S-AIR accessories and enjoy the convenience of wireless rear speakers or multi-room streaming. AM Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic II FM HT-SF470 HT-SF470 Home Theater System HTSF470 Home Theater System Not Applicable Progressive Scan Receiver Sony Sony Corporation Yes www.sony.com

Sony HT-SS370 1 kW 5.1 Home Theater System $183.99 1 Year Limited 1 kW 1.97" 110 V AC 12.35 lb - Subwoofer 13.40 oz - Center Speaker 15" 2 2.43 lb - Rear Speaker 2.52" 21.26" 3 3.07" 3.27" 3.53 lb - Front Speaker 30 32.68" 4.25" 4.45" 5.1 HT-SS370 Home Theater System Remote Control 1 x Users Guide 1 x Microphone 5 x Speaker Cable 1 x AM Loop Antenna 1 x FM Wire Antenna Warranty Card 2 x AA Batteries Complete your entertainment experience with 5.1 channels of high-quality surround sound and 1000 watts of power with the HT-SS370 Blu-ray Disc surround sound system. Connect multiple HD devices using a single HDMI cable per device and turn this great system into your entertainment "hub", plus operate all your compatible BRAVIA Sync devices using one remote control. Add optional S-AIR accessories and enjoy the convenience of wireless rear speakers or multi-room streaming. AM CD-DA CD-R DTS DVD Video DVD-R Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic II FM HT-SS370 HT-SS370 Home Theater System HTSS370 Home Theater System Progressive Scan Sony Sony Corporation Yes www.sony.com

Cables To Go 37003 42in STRUCTURED WIRING ENCLOSURE WITH COVER $156.98 Impact Acoustics(TM) Wiring System Enclosures are an efficient and effective distribution solution for your home or small office audio/video/telephony/control system. These structured wiring enclosures are the home run point of your system. Available in three sizes to accommodate needs ranging from an apartment to a large custom home these boxes accept Impact Acoustics(TM) structured wiring modules. Enclosures feature cabletie points as well as knockouts for cable entry on top rear or bottom. A knockout for an electrical J box is provided. Impact Acoustics(TM) enclosures can be surface mounted or flush mounted. A matching highimpact plastic cover is included with the boxes to protect enclosed equipment. Features: Three sizes: 14in 28in and 42in. Ideal for SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) and Home Theater installations. Knockouts on top bottom and rear for cable entry. Cable tie points within the box to organize cables. Flush mount or surface mount options. Highimpact plastic cover included.