Preferred video distribution - Cat5 or Coax?

Do you mean distribution of HDMI? Or CATV / satellite?

HDMI distribution from matrix switches or other distribution systems will be easier with cat5e / cat6 (and today, a pair of category cables can enable some cheaper solutions). But for "normal" distribution of signals from providers to set-top boxes (from CATV or satellite), a coax cable is necessary.

If you're asking about how to wire a home or remodel - the answer is both.

Jeff

At least 2 cat6, preferably 3 or more, to each display location, plus at least one RG6 (preferably 2) is my recommendation for pre-wiring. You don't want to commit to one method of distribution forever, so best to have the common forms of cabling available for the future. With your equipment list, you should be looking at the HDBaseT matrix switches from Atlona and others.

Jeff

As Jeff says once you are talking about distributing HD Video + Audio from a centralised ‘Hub’ to multiple Zones you are moving away from Coax (unless you are plugging Sources into the Coax in each Zone) and increasingly ‘standardising’ on CAT6.

If possible run the cables in or have empty conduit as part of your plans – with a draw wire for future updates.

Using CAT6 plus a central HDMI In/RJ45 Out Matrix can also deliver an IR return path to the Matrix, Sources and an AVR if you are not considering a stand-alone ‘control’ layer.

Joe

3 now and conduit. Category wire is cheap. Save the conduit for the future stuff we can't predict.

Oh, and anyone bought into this hobby enough to have a K-scape should definitely run extra cat6... 'cause that's a good indication you'll probably find other toys to use that wire!
Edited by jautor - 2/26/13 at 4:39pm

Overwire now to avoid headaches in the future.

Wire all potential display locations, possible speaker locations, irrigation controller, and WAP locations.

If you're considering a pro control system, get that dealer involved with design now, before the pre wire. I'm partial to permanent in-wall and on-wall controls/tablets/keypads, that don't get lost/hidden. Both mounted and held-held controls are ideal.

There are so many details to get 'right' that you could make a career out of it. And what do you know, they're called Custom Installers.

If you want to put in a good deal of time and effort, you will have a decent system, but it will not rival a pro installed system.

Pull the cables to the exact spots, and take a crap ton of pictures, before the drywall goes up. Literally, take hundreds or thousands of pics, to make life easy down the road, when you need to cut the drywall to find that cable. Sort the pics into folders by room.

Drywall over all cables you don't plan to use in the immediate future.

Leave a few feet of cable slack at each end, behind the drywall. Leave lots of cable slack in the wiring closet.

Don't terminate your category cables that you're using (or may be using) for video distribution. Don't use keystone wall plates for those, use wall plate scoop plates aka pass through plates. Keep the number of connectors for those runs as low as possible.

Your in-wall or on-wall tablets/keypads may be powered locally, wired in-wall from a nearby outlet, or may get power from a category cable (or 18/2 cable) run to the tablet location from the wiring closet.

If you don't want to shell out the bucks for full-blown Crestron, find a local Elan or Control4 dealer to make sure you have all the cables you need. At a minimum, run your design by the Elan dealer, to make sure everything is there that he may need in 3 years, when your wife is about to leave you when she can't control the alarm from your iPad app.

If you don't try to do too much - keep it basic, avoid the scope creep - your wife will be happy with it.
Edited by Neurorad - 2/27/13 at 3:02am

I would just reiterate everyone's comments so far....

You should wire both RG-6 (for a direct cable, satellite, or OTA signal) and Cat5e/Cat6 wire (for network, and other signals like HDMI, etc via the use of baluns). Don't leave out the RG-6 because you are going to distribute signals via another method. You may have a desire to hook up a TV directly without using the other distribution method, or someone else may want to in the future.

Depending on the construction of the home, running conduit can be very helpful if you will not have access in the future (ie no crawlspace, basement, or attic access in a room). If you will have access via one of those methods, running conduit really isn't necessary unless you plan on changing access in the future (ie finishing off a basement, etc).

Don't run wires in conduit while you have the opportunity to run them outside of the conduit. So if you plan on putting in 3 Cat6, 2 RG-6, and conduit to a room, run the wires outside of the conduit and leave the conduit free and clear for future use.

Good luck!

one huge benefit of the conduit is if a wire is bad or you need to replace a wire with a new wire that may come out in future or just pull something else you will be able to after the drywall is up. always run conduit if possible. just my opinion!