I'm trying to find products or ideas for either an in or on-wall rack for the a/v components. I've see a number of pictures here of dedicated true theater rooms where the components are in the wall so assuming the majority of these were just custom build around the room designs? But I'm wondering if there are any pre-fab insert types that one can order, cut the opening, insert/mount, and finish off with trim etc.

One of the walls in the game room is backed to a closet in the next room, so I can just cut the opening and wire everything for the next room. Would like to know if there are any pre-fab or built inserts to use Vs trying to build one on my own. Dont want or need the 5 or 6 foot tall ones I keep coming across. Looking to accomplish one like this if not even smaller

http://photos.imageevent.com/rapplebee/davesmiscphotos/forumdiscussionphotos/large/IMG_1372.JPG

Or if that looks like a dead end, maybe using an on wall rack and still be able to hide everything. There is only one I have found though, is pretty much what I would be happy with, but weight is only 15lbs max per level due to glass shelves, receive is 35lbs. Looks like this;

http://www.bestpricemounts.com/pcimages/products/large/PM610_L.jpg

You can find tons of these prefabricated, as all they are is a cabinet box. The big difference with these is that inside finish is more important than outside finish. It may be a little more difficult than you thought to install as you will have to remove a stud in your wall and install header if it is bearing. You may also have to install a new stud if you cannot find a cabinet that is 30.5" wide outside to outside. Or if you do not want a 30.5" cabinet.

Good luck,
Jason

See my link for my rack pictures.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7463/img2018sa9.jpg


It is a Mid Atlantic rack system. Bought it from Parts Express

The OP sent a PM asking where to get a prefabbed cabinet box. I will answer here.

You can get a cabinet box anywhere they have kitchen or bath cabinets. Big box stores or custom cabinet shops. Just look for a box that is close to the dimensions you want.

Really though, this is just 5 pieces of wood with some trim. Do you have a table saw/circular saw/router? If yes, you could build this in a couple of hours for the price of a sheet of plywood.

No tools? Go to a cabinet shop with your dimensions and I can't believe that it would cost more than a $100. I would avoid any particle board cabinets.

The harder part is install, because you will probably have to remove drywall, add stud, add header (maybe), hang box, hang sheetrock, tape, texture and add trim. None of this is that difficult if you've got just a little bit of know how. I can probably talk you through most of it, just post your questions as they arise. If you dont want to do it yourself, this is at most 2 days of work and ~$100 in materials to a decent carpenter. Find one you trust and get a bid.

Good luck,
Jason

Come on over....my dad has a cabinet shop...huge saw, spray booth, 4ft drum sander, a couple of big shapers.....the world is your oyster...but I'm up in Canada... :)

Behold!!!!
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4900/img2042zg8.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/232/img2041ww8.jpg

It is a 20unit M/A model. Room to grow. I have since added a HD CatTV box. Going to add a Blue-ray player soon...i hope... I like the new Denon BR Player. But it costs a grand... :(

Dammit Just noticed the gap in the ceiling in the first picture!!!!

did you change the bulbs in your power conditioner?? i think the last time I looked at that one in particular, they were the normal yellowish color??

Nope...Must be the camera.

warning, total noob question about these. embarrassed to even ask but I'm hoping we have all been there before.

so I do understand Mid Atlantic rack


http://www.partsexpress.com/images/262-410m.jpg

but for whatever reason I'm just not getting 3 things about them (again, noob warning!) I've never seen one in person so hoping that's why. How are the different components being mounting? When looking at the rack I'm seeing a frame more or the less, the box itself.

So...

1. . Where / how does the mounting come in? Are there full shelves you have buy separate for each component you want in it? And how do those go in?

2. How does the rack itself get mounted into the opening? Are there mounting holes already there that you use and just screw / bolt into your frame that is to support it? That I just cant see from the small pic?

3. What is the 4U - 20U represent? I'm assuming some type of measurement? What specifically?

Sorry if these are very obvious questions, just have not dealt with one before. I've been looking around at different sites with them but none of them have any type of checklist (for lack of better term) of if your ordering "this" you will need "this", "that" and "other". Any of you mind breaking it down that way?

How are the different components being mounting?

Shelves. These racks should be compatible with "standard" rack shelves used in data centers, music studios, etc.

http://www.middleatlantic.com/images/iracacc/u2.gif

One option is to just get some heavy-duty shelves and stack a few pieces of gear on each one. If you want everything to look really clean and neat, there are also custom shelf+faceplate services (http://www.stayonline.com/rack-custom-shelves.aspx) that can provide shelves that exactly fit your equipment, though at $100 each it can get pricey.

http://www.stayonline.com/images/menu_imgs/rsh-custom-shelf.jpg

How does the rack itself get mounted into the opening?

That depends on the design of the rack. For the ones you pictured, I think one approach is to build a platform behind the wall at the proper height, and just sit the frame on it (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10521581#post10521581). Some models are floorstanding or on casters. Some are designed to bolt to the wall framing, slide out like a drawer, and rotate. Or you could go the DIY route and just mount some screw rails directly to your framing -- though the distance between them needs to be accurate to about 1mm and it can be tedious to get it just right.

What is the 4U - 20U represent? I'm assuming some type of measurement?

The height of rack-mountable equipment is measured in terms of how many "rack units" it takes up. 1U = 1.75 inches of rack space. The screw holes in the rack rails are spaced so that that each U has three holes at very specific locations. It's all been rigidly standardized (http://www.server-racks.com/eia-310.html), so for example someone planning a data center can buy three 2U computers and a 1U network switch, and know that 7U of rack space will accommodate them and have mounting holes in all the right spots.

Most home theater gear is not directly rack-mountable and not necessarily sized with rack units in mind, but the mounting flanges on the shelves you get will be measured in U.

Dammit Just noticed the gap in the ceiling in the first picture!!!!

I know your pain. The good thing is that you're probably the only one who will notice, unfortunately you have noticed.

Nice looking setup.

--Mike

thanks for that break-down!

Looking at the picture

http://www.middleatlantic.com/images/iracacc/u2.gif

the four holes in front im assuming they are for moutning, anymore or the sides or back? those four holes up front are enough to suppot a 40+ pound receiver??

http://www.middleatlantic.com/images/iracacc/u2.gif

the four holes in front im assuming they are for moutning

Yes, you put screws through the shelf holes into the rack rails. Note that the exact fastening system depends on the rails. I think most Middle Atlantic rails (especially for home theater) are threaded to take 10-32 machine screws directly into the rail. You might also see some that have large round or square holes, in which case you need to use caged/clip nuts.

anymore or the sides or back?

Depends on the rack. Some large ones will have a second set of rails in the back, sometimes with a way to adjust their depth from the front rails. These are intended mainly for heavier equipment. A rackmount computer will often use a kit where you mount horizontal slides to the front and rear rack rails, then fit the computer into them just like a drawer. That way you can pull the computer out and open the top to work on it without removing it from the rack.

those four holes up front are enough to suppot a 40+ pound receiver??

Yes, though it can depend on what gauge of material was used to make the shelf, whether it has an extra fold/lip in it for stiffness, etc. You should be able to get a weight rating on whatever shelf you buy. This one for example is 2U, 16g steel, and rated for 50 pounds:

http://www.stayonline.com/images/products_240x240/9269.jpg

The 3U equivalent says 70 pounds. With front and rear mounts you can use things like this 3U cabinet shelf that handles 500 pounds:

http://www.stayonline.com/images/products_240x240/4506.jpg

I just ordered the slim 5 rack by Mid Atlantic. I have never used one of these before. I ordered a couple of custom shelves and flat shelves but figured I'll know what I'll need once it's set up. So, any pointers building and configuring one of these racks? Anything else I should order, certain types of screws or trim pieces?

Thanks,
Mike