[Javik]

I would like to do something more than the typical home distribution panel. I don't want to have coax cables simply all going directly to a single splitter or amp and doing nothing more, because as times change you can use the cable for so many different applications, like HDMI over CAT6, or HDMI over coax.


Also, I don't understand why there is usually a single unbroken coax line from satellite dishes to the receiver, because it is tacky having to drill holes in floors to have a 150ft long wire poke straight up through carpet or a hardwood floor to the sat receiver.


,


I want a termination/patch panel like you see in professionally wired networks, where the wires come in to the distribution room/closet, and they all go to a row of termination connectors. If you want to use a connector you run a patch cable from the termination to the splitter/amp/switch/media-converter.


Outdoor satellite dish connections and so forth would also come to the termination panel. If a satellite signal needs to go to a particular room, run 0.5 meter coax patch from the satellite input port to the room port, without having to hack holes in the floor for the satellite cable.


,


It's odd but it appears the idea of a termination/patch panel is totally foreign to most home wiring systems.


It looks like I am going to have to blow a pile of money going with professional termination components:


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HDMI termination panel, up to 16 ports:


1.75" X 19" Blank Panel w/ 16 Universal DB9/HD15/HDMI Cutouts, Black - $53
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=30846


HDMI Panel Mount Adapter, Female to Female, $10 each .. 16 is $160
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=9016


----
Coaxial termination panel, 16 ports:


1.75" x 19" Panel (Black), 16 F Coupler -- $80
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=853


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CAT6 termination panel, up to 16 ports:


Category 6 Keystone Jack, 110/RJ45 (8x8), EIA568A/B -- $8 .. 16 is $128
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7804


1.75" Blank Panel Accepts 16 Keystone Couplers -- $ 30
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=9357


----
6U swing-out rackmount panel


6" Pivoting Panel Wall Mount Cabinet, 6 Rack Spaces -- $103
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=4962


----
1U panel blanks for labeling connectors


1.75" Panel, Blank Steel -- $21
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=8799




Total cost for 16 HDMI, 16 CAT6, 16 coax + rack + 3 1U blanks for labeling ... $617


....but I would like to find a less expensive option if possible.


Apparently there aren't any other options.

 

[savaytse66]

I don't have any links handy, but I am looking at a 96 port blank keystone panel. I can then add keystones for any type of connection available. I've seen RG6, CAT 6, binding post, etc. I have no first hand experience with these, but I am going to try one out with my distribution system, which is currently under development.

 

[cshepard]

The biggest reason you see "unbroken" runs of RG6 that come through the floor is because most sat/cable installers won't fish wires in walls. No wires in the wall=no need for wall plates. I ALWAYS install a wall plate when I run a new cable/sat line.


Patch panels look great and are very useful. But be careful--I would NOT put anything related to HDMI on a patch panel or terminated on a wall plate either, if it can be avoided. This goes for regular factory made HDMI cables, Cat5/6 drops that will be used for HDMI baluns/extenders, etc.


HDMI is finicky as it is, and the more "breaks" in the signal, the more difficult your life will be. Many manufactures of HDMI baluns expressly warn against terminating your Category cable on a wall plate.


When we wire for distributed HD video, we typically run Cat5e x4, and an RG-6. I usually terminate the RG-6, Cat 5 for data, & cat5 for control with keystone inserts, but just bring the Cat5(s) for HDMI through a blank keystone port on the plate.

 

[Neurorad]

Patch everything but the HDMI.


Compare prices at different distributors. I've found AutomatedOutlet.com and ASIHome/Worthington to be good resources. Call them with questions, and buy their stuff if they help you. You pay a little extra for good support for a reason.


If you want a really clean look, use a a low voltage enclosure for your patches (Channel Vision, Leviton, OnQ, others).

 

[Neurorad]



Channel Vision 8 port F-connector patch module, snaps into CV enclosure.

CV 8 port cat6 patch panel


Don't forget the cost of factory-made jumper cables (Monoprice is good), and the enclosure. Enclosure is also a good place for distribution amp(s), add a 110V outlet inside the enclosure using the enclosure outlet knockout. Different size enclosures available, flush mount with a hinged door is preferable, up to 50" in length.