Wiring for surround sound?

[Jmruth72]

Originally Posted by partdeux

UoH,

That's going to be an interesting room to set up for HT.

I would have to agree with you. I am not sure how I would set this one up. The only wall that can accomodate a TV of any size and have a decent seating position is the one opposite of the kitchen. The other issue is that the rear speakers are going to be a PITA. There is no easy way that I can see to run the right rear speaker. The only way that I can see to get speakers on the wall opposite the TV where I would put it is conduit under the floor. Being is I bet it is on concrete slab that will only be an option if the slab has not been laid yet. Then I would run junction boxes at about the same level as the electrical outlets then use stands and pigtails for the wiring to the speakers. The other down side is that the seating doesn't really condone itself to talking with whoever is in the kitchen. It is certainly do able, but probably not strictly by UoH. Some will have to be done professionally. All I can do is advise the best that I can and give him food for thought. The kitchen and great room interaction will be interesting and great for races, superbowl, etc..

[UofHdevildog]

Originally Posted by partdeux

UoH,

That's going to be an interesting room to set up for HT.

Well I'd put it in one of the bedrooms, but one of them is going to be turned into an office/trophy room/gun safe area. The other is going to be left as a spare in case someone needs a place.

[thetravlor]

I'm not reading the whole thread but insulate the walls of your house too. Minimum R-13 in every wall between rooms makes a big difference later. A little expense now and naps/sleeping late can be enjoyable

[bdavison]

Originally Posted by UofHdevildog

You just scared me with all that jargon. I don't plan on having a dedicated theater room even though I'm buying the house as a bachelor.

Looking at my floor plan is it even feasible to run surround sound in such an open great room?

KB - Houston Interactive Floor Plan

My recommendation...
In that great room where it says "optional window"....opt out. Mount your screen on that wall facing the pantry. As far as equipment...you have three options. Put it out in the open in a simple cabinet, or build a equipment closet in that corner where the great room meets up with the master bedroom, or steal that coat closet near the entrance since its centrally located and would be good for running cable throughout the house.

You should be able to run wall mounted speakers or in-wall speakers on the wall with the screen. Rear surrounds would probably be best ceiling mounted firing down slightly behind the seating area. You can pretty much rule out 7.1 since there really isnt anywhere for the extra speakers unless they too were ceiling mounted. A 6.1 setup would work well, but you will have to find a place for the rear center speaker, the subwoofer positioned near a wall and away from the windows.


5.1 = Center, Left, Right, Left surround, Right Surround, Subwoofer
6.1 = Center, Left, Right, Left surround, Right Surround, Rear center, Subwoofer
7.1 = Center, Left, Right, Left Mid, Right Mid, Left Rear, Right Rear, Subwoofer

Then there is 10.1 which is only being tested right now, because there isnt any source material that can run it. Give it some time...THX is working on it. Front Center, Front R, Front L, Front R Wide, Front L Wide, Front L subwoofer, Front R subwoofer, Rear R, Rear L, Rear Center