I have an unreal amount of cables behind my tv/audio stand. Receiver, xbox, ps3, wii, hd-dvd, power conditioner, sirius home dock, speaker wire and tv. I was looking for advice on what others do to organize their cables and if there is a proper way to keep them from interfearing with the audio/video signals.

I was thinking about shorter power cords to the power conditioner, like 1ft to 3ft. Any one know where i can find some replacement power cords this short. Also what cables should i keep appart from others, or does it not matter much. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

The best way I know of is to use custom lengths of everything and lots of zip ties. However with the game systems, this can be a PITA (but not impossible by any means....one could always cut and reterminate the ends).....shorter power cables are always a good idea and inexpensive if you dont go overboard. I know tributaries has started distributing short power cords, and they are readily available online many places.

As far as keeping power cables away from signal cables, it shouldnt be an issue in the rack or cabinet. But out of habit and "why not?", I normally try to run power away from signal.

Also, most signal cables have a limit to how much you can bend them before it alters the signal passing through it. I have never looked, but there may be some kind of database or guideline that illustrates how far you can bend X type of wire.....or something. I know with network and data cables, bending past a certain point will cause negative effects....not sure on other types of cable and wire.

Good luck....a clean system is a happy system. :)

go to lowes and get those cable organizer things which look like long rectangular boxes with slots on the sides and a cover. They are around 2' long with adhesive backing.

. I have them stuck on both sides of my rack's rears.

One side routes and hides the power cables, the other side has the low voltage stuff (signals).

Works like a charm and no mess. No zip-tie cutting when reconfigurating the system

You're getting some good advice here- power away from signal, short runs when possible, stay away from sharp bends, etc.

The parts that rajdude mentioned sound nice.

Right now I use these plastic, adhesive- backed squares that have a slot for a zip-tie. Maybe not pretty, but you can't see them unless you lean back behind the rack. Anyway, it gets the wires up off the floor and keeps things neat.

Also, velcro strips can be handy for general wire organizing.