Hi guys. I'm planning the speaker pre-wiring for a new house, and I'd like to have pre-wiring done in the family room and on the outside covered patio. I currently have a Pioneer Elite 84 receiver.

Now... if I do a 5.1 channel setup in the family room, I can simply use the rear speaker outputs for the two outside patio speakers, and I'd be done.

Or... I can do a 7.1 channel setup in the family room, and use a separate amp or receiver for the two outside speakers.

What do you think? Any thoughts, suggestions & ideas would be appreciated.

If it makes a difference, the family room is 16.5' wide and 26.5' deep, BUT it's connected to the kitchen which is another 12' deep (so 16.5' x 38.5' total).

Thanks. :)

EDIT: Oh, I have to use ceiling speakers for the side and rear speakers. It's the only way it will work with this layout.

I would prewire the room for 7.1. I would only use 5.1 and use the additional channels on the receiver for the outside.

Right now there isn't too much 7.1 material, but by pre-wiring you are ready for the future. You do not need to buy another receiver/amplifier right now. You can upgrade later when the material is there by buying the additional 2 speakers and the receiver.

BTW - this is exacly what I did. I have a 5.1 sytem in my HT and my 84 powers this and then 2 speakers in my game room. I have the wire in the wall ready to upgrade to 7.2 if/when source material and desire is there.

I would prewire the room for 7.1. I would only use 5.1 and use the additional channels on the receiver for the outside.
Not a bad idea... thanks.

Right now there isn't too much 7.1 material...
What amount of material would you say is made for 7.1?

I'm having my room wired for 7.1 today but only using 5.1. The additional cables will be there for a later addition. Doesn't add much work or expense for the two additional cables.

Hmmm.... how long do you guys figure it'll be before more content is done in 7.1 ??

Hmmm.... how long do you guys figure it'll be before more content is done in 7.1 ??

I don't have a crystal ball so IM not really sure. It is kind of like a chicken and egg thing. People don't have 7.1 systems, so the studios don't make 7.1 source material. Because studios don't make 7.1 source material, people don't waste the money installing 7.1 systems...

With HD-DVD and BD starting to get more attention there is more demand for better sound in source material. With HTs becoming more prevalent I would guess more people will install 7.1 systems and ask for the material. Studios will start seeing this and I would guess adding these features to their material. With that being said the studios are huge juggernauts who do not like to change direction (just look at how long it is taking for HD-DVD and BD to expand) so I would guess it would be some time...

It is kind of like a chicken and egg thing. People don't have 7.1 systems, so the studios don't make 7.1 source material. Because studios don't make 7.1 source material, people don't waste the money installing 7.1 systems...
The ol' Catch 22 thing. ;)