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HD distribution

post #1 of 11
9/7/12 at 7:46pm
Thread Starter 
So I'm about to pull the trigger to secure my lot, ink the contract, and plan ground breaking on a 2800sq/ft home (3800 with basement). I will be doing the automation and DV myself when the time comes. Current estimated completion date is Sept 13. So equipment will be bought as late as possible.

I have my automation pretty much wrapped, and now I'm looking at DV. I'm trying to get my actual wiring needs streamlined to what's actually needed, and not just pulling wire for the sake of pulling. Why pull 18 cat6 when 2 is all that's needed?

I plan on having 3 TVs at first. Master bedroom, upstairs living room (kids play/toy room) and main living. After the basement is done it will have 2 more (rec room, and bar, same source is fine as its an open room). I will also have a dedicated theater.

My question is, what system would you use, and what would you pull to each location, here is what I'm thinking.

Hardware:
- HDanywhere multiroom+ 4x4 (or equivalent on this side of pond, all I can find is uk stuff). This seems so easy. Single cat6, 4 sources, 3D/HD/4k, Internet, and IR control pass through.
- 2 bell pvr, 2 ATV (or other that could play lossless BD rips off NAS). ATV is nice for AirPlay of funny clips etc from people's phones etc, but can't do lossless from server, requires re-encode.

My estimated pulls:
- 3 cat6, 1 for HDbaseT, 1 for spare network, 1 spare for phone/fax/future IR etc.
- 2 RG6, this gives me the option of putting a dedicated PVR at location, or RF.

What are your thoughts. Are there better options? Does the HDanywhere receivers combat the 2.1/5.1 audio issue when using a matrix? More cable? Do I jump to 8x8? Or use splitters, if I add addition TVs? I don't see needing more the 4 sources. But maybe just more outputs. 8x8 is steep, I'm trying to keep the costs realistic.

I'm just trying to price the wire, and get labour quote to install it, should my work keep me far to busy.

Thanks for your time everyone



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post #2 of 11
9/11/12 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 
What are other options are there to HDanywhere multi room+? Reviews seem positive, but it's across the pond.

Does it combat 2.1/5.1 in the receiver/extender? Or still an issue? Can't find that info, and only 1 bar 3G on site at work, so tough to call the UK.
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post #3 of 11
9/11/12 at 5:14pm
The HDAnywhere looks very slick. DId a quick search and it looks like the 4x4 and 4 receivers convert to around $2,500 US and the 8x8 is over $10k US (ouch).

Are there any other HDBaseT systems that are not that crazy for an 8 way? Guessing not since it's still so new.
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post #4 of 11
9/11/12 at 5:16pm
Thread Starter 
*corrected on proper conversion, removed my incorrect conversion*

Yeah, it's a bit pricy but not bad. All in one kit, IR pass through and Ethernet. The 8x8 is crazy. I'd love to see a 8x4 myself. I don't think the average consumer needs 8 sources, but with bedrooms etc, could have 8 TVs. But I guess splitters/extenders can do this.
Edited by N49ATV - 9/11/12 at 5:45pm
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post #5 of 11
9/18/12 at 12:48pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone know how to contact hdanywhere? I'm not sure if I'm on a mobile version, or of the only contact is Facebook and twitter.

Anyone ever dealt with them?
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post #6 of 11
9/18/12 at 5:33pm
Personally, I'd do a Crestron DM 6x6, but that's not DIY friendly at all, and quite pricy. But I'm a Crestron programmer, so it would work for me, doubt it's really an option for most people in your situation.
Otherwise, HDBaseT for sure, all other HDMI balun/extender solutions are somewhat hit or miss. With HDBaseT, I'm pretty sure they all have to use the Valens chipset, so you should be good with any of them, from that perspective.
Quote:
Originally Posted by N49ATV View Post

My estimated pulls:
- 3 cat6, 1 for HDbaseT, 1 for spare network, 1 spare for phone/fax/future IR etc.
- 2 RG6, this gives me the option of putting a dedicated PVR at location, or RF.

Your wiring plan looks reasonable. I would, however, add 1, maybe even 3 more Cat 6 pulls to each location. If you have 4, you can get a nice 4 jack punch-down plate to terminate them to, same thing with 6. I'd defiantly go with 6 at locations you think might have game consoles, etc. You can always add a small switch at the equipment, but running everything back to a central switch is almost always preferred if you have the cable.
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post #7 of 11
9/19/12 at 1:59pm
Thread Starter 
What is not user friendly with the crestron? The integration via serial? It appears to be a superior unit, though the cost reflects that.

From what I see it's a 6x6 matrix, with down mixing receivers, so no matter what you get the highest resolution and highest channel audio, no matter what's connected to it. So if you are 7.1, 1080p, in the theater, it can also have stereo, 720p in the bedroom. Without affecting each other. Is this the case?
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post #8 of 11
9/19/12 at 3:21pm
Crestron isn't DIY friendly - unless you're a dealer/authorized programmer, the software can be very difficult to obtain. You would also need a Crestron control system to control it, either using the Crestron as your home automation system, or as an interface to your automation system of choice.

There are options for scaling/down-mixing receivers, receivers with audio amplifiers, or non-scaling, pure HDMI receivers. It also handles RS-232, IR, and USB HID through the matrix. It's a pretty sweet product, but it's not cheap, or DIY friendly.
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post #9 of 11
9/19/12 at 3:44pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I guess that's not the best option then.

Where do you guys suggest the equipment? I have 3 options I think. In my laundry room, I have some cupboards, I could use. I could put it on a shelf/cupboard in the garage. I also have a spot planned in the basement, for a AV closet, but I think ventilation would need to be addressed.
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post #10 of 11
9/20/12 at 12:16am
I'd look at getting a small equipment rack. Middle Atlantic wall-mount ones are nice (they mount to the wall, and then swing out so you can access the back), but might be pricy (floor standing racks, and tons of other options are also available, depending on where you want to put it.) . I'm sure you can find alternatives that are cheaper, perhaps with comparable quality. Then, either put your equipment on rack shelves, or get rack mount brackets/ears for equipment that supports it. A few notes though - always get a rack with rear rack rails. They are great for installing odd gear (networking switches or power supplies, for example) as well as lacing bars - basically a strip of metal that attaches to the rack rails to use for cable management.

Depending on your skill level, you may be able to build your own equipment rack for much cheaper. Rack rails are available from a number of manufactures for pretty cheap, and you just build a solid case and mount them ~19" apart. Same thing on the rear for rear rails.

Personally - location wise, I'd probably go for garage - no real logic, just personal preference. A big wall mount rack won't look as bad in a garage (imho)
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post #11 of 11
9/20/12 at 3:55am
My vote is for basement, and address the ventilation issues. Electronics wouldn't like the dust, heat, and cold of a garage. I've had mice in my garage, and they can chew cables.

Rack mounting is pricey, but worth it, IMO.

I've been happy with a cheap used server rack, but it's deep and needs space.
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