Audio-Video Installation Tips

So now that you've got your speaker wires ran and TV mounted -- it's time for some audio-video installation tips. This is where the wiring gets a bit tricky. By following the info below you can avoid over-heating and mis-connecting the expensive new electronic devices that
are the brains of your home theater system.

A/V Equipment Placement
You will want your components within normal sightlines for visual feedback of their front panel displays. It's hard to tell if your A/V receiver is at -9db or -6db if the front panel display is secluded behind a closed cabinet door or behind your seating area in an equipment closet. Place your components on a rack in view of your seating. Some folks don't like the looks of exposed components but I personally think they're attractive (but I really like electronics). Besides, it's a lot easier to access your DVD player if it is out in the open.

If you must tuck your components away and out of sight be sure to connect a cable from your receiver's GUI (or monitor) output to an input on your video display so you can monitor the output and status of your A/V receiver. Concealing your components will also most likely require the use of a remote control extender as the same doors that hide your components from sight also hide their IR sensors from your remote control's IR commands.

Keep your components cool
A well ventilated equipment rack is the best environment for your heat-creating audio-video source devices. Don't slide your systems into a cabinet, behind closed doors unless that cabinet is very well ventilated. An open rack or shelves with plenty of opportunity for airflow is the best place for your components to live.

Your A/V receiver will create the most heat. The power supplies and amplifiers in receivers consume the most electricity and produce heat as a result of normal operations. Everybody knows that hot air rises so it's best to keep your receiver low where the coolest air is -- but keep in mind that your receiver needs adequate clearance above for air to escape the top vents. If you have multiple shelves keep your receiver on its own shelf away from other such "hot boxes" as DVRs, DVD recorders and HDTV satellite receivers.

NOTE DVD players are not great heat producers -- they can be placed on the top shelf for easier access during DVD insertion and removal.

Now that you've placed your home theater system components it's time to properly connect them. As stated earlier in the basic installation section - be sure you have all of the cables and wires you will need. If your components are HDMI 1.3a capable your wiring task will be much simpler than if you have to run multiple audio and video cables to and from each device. Visualize in your head (or sketch on paper) the signal flow of each device and be sure to follow the flow of outputs to inputs. It seems like common sense - but make sure a signal's output is going to the appropriate input of the next device. When using RCA type connectors - such as for component video and analog or coaxial digital audio - be sure you connect to the proper inputs and outputs. Wiring a signal output of one device to the output of another device will absolutely not get the desired results (and could possibly damage the component's circuitry). Other than that it is basically common sense when it comes to wiring your audio and video components.

I hope these Audio-Video installation tips have been helpful. Contact me if you are in need of further, personal home theater consultation.

Audio-Video Installation Tips

Home Theater Installation Tips

Home Theater Systems