Hi, I am trying to find someone in the Cali/North Bay area to install my new 50" Panasonic 700u over my fireplace. I am getting sticker shock.

Here's my current set-up: http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/9/7/13/f_DSCF2383m_1be2d8a.jpg

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INSTALL
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One company I called, the cheapest, ranges from $675 to $975, but the guy said he would work with me on the price, if I hooked the cables up myself, to the units (no prob). He also said that I should get a Panamax 5100, which I can get for around $215 from the buy.com marketplace. No prob. I asked about the Panamax in-wall kit, but he said it was actually legal to run an extension cord through the wall, if it can plug into both ends. I questioned this, but he said it is legal. Hmmm....

Based on the photo above, what do you think the cost of installing a plasma would be? I would like the PS3, DRV-Cable box, and receiver to be in that built-in console to the right of the fireplace. Cables would only have to be 3m long to reach from above fireplace to bottom of console, methinks.

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CABLES
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I bought one HDMI cable from Panasonic (EPP plan), but then was told by one person that it wasn't an in-wall HDMI, and wouldn't work. He happens to sell a 3m in-wall cable for $105(!). Do I really need an in-wall HDMI cable?!? I mean, it is an un-insulated wall...

For my own edification, I would run HDMI from PS3 to tv, from DVR-HD Box to tv, and run component from receiver to TV, right? Then optical from PS3 to receiver?

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POWER
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I don't have a problem buying a Panamax 5100 unit (or would I only need a 4300?). This would be a good thing, right? And wouldn't need to worry about surges?

As for the power through the wall situation, I have read every post in this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=670683&page=1&pp=30&highlight=inwall+hdmi and understand that it should be to code. I am NOT a DIY'er, so might have to spring for a Panamax unit ($200 on Amazon, I think). The company that installs HT systems, who said it is ok to run an extension cord through a conduit, as long as it plugs into both ends, was pretty matter-of-fact about it.

The wall is un-insulated, but is above a fireplace, though we would probably never use the fireplace again.

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MISC
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Firstly, thanks for all of the contributers on here. I hope to be one someday, but for now, thanks for all of the help!!!!!!

Things to do on my end:
- Buy a power conditioner, so I can get it cheaper.
- Buy some in-wall rated audio cable, and re-run the wire.
- Buy some speaker stands for the front 2 speakers (they are on floor now), and for rear speakers hanging from ceiling (they are hanging by wire now). Any recommendations?
- Call Comcast and order DVR-HDTV box.
- Wait for response to in-wall HDMI cable, and possible order online (monoprice only seems to have 35' cl3-rated cable).


UGH. SO much I want to do, but for right now, I just want my TV mounted so I can turn it on!

Thanks again for any responses,
Matt :o

Search the forum; there are some good threads out there.

I just had mine mounted over my fireplace. I hired a pro because it was a tricky install (marble tile). He did a great job. The entire install cost me $500 and this included 2 guys (a carpenter plus the AV guy) who put the TV on the wall and ran all the cables, including wall mounting and hooking up two surround speakers in the back of the room. It was money well spent.

Seems like the guys you are talking to are either not very knowledgable or trying to rip you off. Might want to look elsewhere.

You don't need a Panamax unit though it is certainly a clean solution. I mounted a clock outlet behind the plasma and ran ROMEX cable (the ONLY cable you are allowed to run inside a wall) to another outlet.

The HDMI and other cables were run between remodel boxes in the wall, with special faceplates to make it look clean and professional.

For the cables go to bluejeanscable or monoprice and you won't go wrong. There is no reason to overpay elsewhere.

AFAIK, running standard-grade electrical extension cords into the wall is not legal. Fire hazard if you go through it with a nail/screw. Read your state's/citie's building code.

just go to ......uh, oh..MAGNOLIA

even though everyone swears that trusting them is like trusting dr. Jack K. with your life

but after seeing hundreds of their installs and talking to some of their customers, i decided to go with them. Instead of half assing it my-way. They'll also ENSURE ANY AND ALL DAMAGE DUE TO ANYTHING FALLING (as in they will pay for your plasma, and damaged walls, and marble flooring if that event does come) They quoted me 500 to install it. Go check 'em out.

also, if you are going to ru power cables through walls, check your local contractors as to what in-wall power cords you can use... Ul-2 (in my knowledge) is sufficient for in-wall useage. But sine it's over a fireplace, just let an electrician do it.

-jl

i would do it myself. id cut a hole in the wall, run a 4" flexi pipe to the case on the right, drill another hole for the wires to come out. id then run all my cables including power cable through the pipe to where it needs to go. if you have to run extension cords just pull them beofe you sell the place. no harm no foul.

i would do it myself. id cut a hole in the wall, run a 4" flexi pipe to the case on the right, drill another hole for the wires to come out. id then run all my cables including power cable through the pipe to where it needs to go. if you have to run extension cords just pull them beofe you sell the place. no harm no foul.
No harm until the cable overheats and you can't smell the burning plastic because it's inside of the wall.

I don't get why people want to skirt the codes. The electrical codes exist for a reason. Why play with fire (literally).

You can build your own extension with an outlet and romex cable bought by the foot at Home Depot, for cheaper than it would cost to buy a heavy duty 16ga extension cord.

No harm until the cable overheats and you can't smell the burning plastic because it's inside of the wall.

I don't get why people want to skirt the codes. The electrical codes exist for a reason. Why play with fire (literally).

You can build your own extension with an outlet and romex cable bought by the foot at Home Depot, for cheaper than it would cost to buy a heavy duty 16ga extension cord.
i would definitely go with your route, but if you cant then no other choice. if the cable over heats behind the wall or on the floor its gonna over heat. get a higher end extension cord?

Yes, have searched forum, quite a bit :)

Thanks for the replies. I don't know $^%# about electrical, so I had to look up what a romex wire was (yeah, I know... I don't watch sports on tv either). But I am not afraid to tackle something I haven't done before, though I wonder if my hours of frustration and learning, by doing it myself, would be worth the satisfaction. I am purchasing all of the cables (monoprice), mount (monoprice), and power units myself, so would just need someone to hang the TV, mount the Panamax, and run the wires.

I dunno... I guess I should buy the Panamax in-wall kit like a couple of installers mentioned, as well as a Panamax 5100 power conditioner. John Leavold, a member on the board, gave me his number, and talked to me for an hour about installation. God bless him!

He actually used a Furman ac215, mounted to a wall mount, and a levitron electrical box.

m.