Wiring AV into the walls - what do I need???

[Kermit power]

Hi All,

We're approaching the final stages of our extension, and I'm looking to get all the AV wiring hidden away. Thing is, I'm not completely sure what I need, nor is the builder!

We've already got all the speaker wires routed around the room, but I'm assuming I can get some sort of connector plate to mount on the wall, rather than just having wires sticking out of a hole? What are they called, and where can I find them?

Likewise, I'd like to run HDMI and Component feeds from the low level where the DVD and PVR will be up to where the TV will be. Again, can I get wall-mounting plates to put at each end of this, rather than just having wires dangling around?

Lastly, of course, all the speaker connections need to be centralised, so I'll need a plate for that.

Help??????

[VEX]

Have a look at www.aca-apex.co.uk

They have plenty of different modules and brushplates to help you hide and terminate your cables.

I use them all the time.

V.

[B17NNS]

If you are looking for ultimate quality I'd avoid faceplates for speakers. Just another connection to potentially weaken or interfere with the signal.

I used coax faceplates, nocked out the coax internals and just had the cables popping out through those.

For cables from AV kit to display (HDMI, power etc, I built some drain pipe into the cavity so there was a neat hole behind the display and a neat hole behind my rack. Also enables you to swap cables or retrofit new ones.

Edited by B17NNS on Friday 5th March 18:09

[Engineer1]

+1
Run it in duct or pipe, and get some with good clearance round your cables, last thing you want is to have your well fitted system end up looking a mess when something packs up or you choose to replace a component. Also add more power sockets than you expect to need personally I would run either a network cable or a phone extension into the room as streamed movies may be the next move.

Edit to add if you do duct cables in run a rope through to allow you to pull cables through.

Edited by Engineer1 on Friday 5th March 18:54

[Kermit power]

Good thinking. I reckon I'll go for the ducting and brush plates option for the various video cables, except maybe a scart, seeing as they're so much chunkier than any other connectors.

On the audio side, I reckon the idea of knocking out the centre of coax fittings will work well, although I'll definitely fit a 5.1 plate at the amp end. Anyone know where I can get one near Epsom?

[VEX]

Thats why I recommended ACA-Apex.

They were the developers of the neat little brush plate that allows you to pull cables out through a back box without showing the back box.

http://www.aca-apex.co.uk/ACAApexBrushFacplatesand...

HTH

v.

[Zod]

I bought the ACA brushplates followign a recommendation in this forum three years ago. They are a perfect, simple solution.

[Kermit power]

VEX said:

Thats why I recommended ACA-Apex.

They were the developers of the neat little brush plate that allows you to pull cables out through a back box without showing the back box.

http://www.aca-apex.co.uk/ACAApexBrushFacplatesand...

HTH

v.

Only problem with that is that they seem to be in Leighton Buzzard, and don't seem to have a web shop!

[Kermit power]

Still on this topic, how come I can't find a subwoofer face plate?

I can find 5.1 faceplates all over the shop, and also single speaker faceplates (not that I intend to use those based on the advice on here), but the one plate which I am thinking to fit (mainly because of the connector being different) is the subbie, and it's the only one I can't find!

[Plotloss]

Look harder.

They exist.

Single RCA Module is what you're after.

[OldSkoolRS]

Kermit power said:

Still on this topic, how come I can't find a subwoofer face plate?

I can find 5.1 faceplates all over the shop, and also single speaker faceplates (not that I intend to use those based on the advice on here), but the one plate which I am thinking to fit (mainly because of the connector being different) is the subbie, and it's the only one I can't find!

This is one although it is a yellow connector (usually used for composite video) there is no reason why it wouldn't work for a sub. I don't know if they do other finishes as this one is white plastic. Have you tried looking on CPC as they do a lot of this type of thing?

http://www.keene.co.uk/electronics/multi.php?mycod...

[hairyben]

+1 for the ducting behind the telly, standards are a-changing all the time, plus HDMI doesn't get on well with too many connections in the line. HDMI 1.4 for 3D & other benefits soon. Flat ventilation ducting may be easier to work with.

Personally I'd go with flex outlets so the speaker cables can be continuous, and they'll probably look neater than wall mount banana plugs.

You can make up wall plates using "euro modules" like this: http://www.avwallplates.co.uk/acatalog/Modular_AV_...

Can get them cheaper though, thats just what google spat out.

[pmanson]

Kermit power said:

VEX said:

Thats why I recommended ACA-Apex.

They were the developers of the neat little brush plate that allows you to pull cables out through a back box without showing the back box.

http://www.aca-apex.co.uk/ACAApexBrushFacplatesand...

HTH

v.

Only problem with that is that they seem to be in Leighton Buzzard, and don't seem to have a web shop!

I live in Leighton Buzzard. Happy to purchase and post them to you?

[Kermit power]

pmanson said:

Kermit power said:

VEX said:

Thats why I recommended ACA-Apex.

They were the developers of the neat little brush plate that allows you to pull cables out through a back box without showing the back box.

http://www.aca-apex.co.uk/ACAApexBrushFacplatesand...

HTH

v.

Only problem with that is that they seem to be in Leighton Buzzard, and don't seem to have a web shop!

I live in Leighton Buzzard. Happy to purchase and post them to you?

That's a really kind offer, thanks! I have, however, found somewhere doing them online, so hopefully they're turning up tomorrow.

[allgonepetetong]

These guys supplied all of my requirements

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/products.asp?section=Audio...

but looks like I'm too late.