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Home AV Cabling

What is Audio Visual

Audio Visual via home AV cabling is the type of media that contains both a visual and sound element in its transmission. Both elements are not always present in each application but one of those is always a part of that transmission. Home AV cabling is what links all the hardware together into a centrally controlled system

Audio Visual installation companies like ourselves will undertake the design for both the hardware and the cabling. In addition the electrical installation design can be built around these

What are examples of Audio Visual in the Home

Residential installations have many constant applications and due to advances in technology several bespoke uses are making their way into the audio visual elements of a home. Audio visual installations in London an be even more complex with the rise in basement rooms and the increased AV requirements

Common elements in  home audio video systems

  • Televisions, aerial and satellite transmission such as Sky or Virgin TV
  • Wireless speakers and centrally distributed music systems for home sound installation
  • Bespoke home audio systems such as vinyl players or decorative CD players
  • Games consoles and Bluray players
  • Media players, movie storage
  • Projectors and home cinema installation elements

Newer audio visual elements in the home

  • Audio visual doorbells
  • CCTV linked to home networks and televisions
  • Intercoms and door entry with both a voice and video elements
  • Voice activated home control
  • Mobile signal booster for home

With the correct design all the above elements can be incorporated into a home automation installation

Home AV Cabling

Over the past few years, the use of technology throughout the home has exploded. Public expectations of technology have also increased. Therefore people are taking on more and more ambitious projects in their homes.

Newer technology requires greater bandwidth and therefore a higher grade or structured cabling. Furthermore this cabling needs to be installed to a certain specification

This is in part due to the growing popularity of smart home devices. Devices such as Amazon Echo and Nest. However it is also due to a rise in more sophisticated and affordable home AV systems. While the ability to play music in every room of the house was once something only available to the rich and famous, it is now becoming far more commonplace.

Systems such as these would in the past usually require a dedicated audio visual cabling design. The design would require each room or zone to connect each individual audio visual components. A lot of these requirements can now be connected wirelessly

Home AV Cabling Check List

  1. Plan ahead for data cabling
  2. Install network cabling as well and WiFi
  3. Install an industry recognised cabling brand
  4. Allow for more cables than you think for future technology and growth
  5. Check manufacturer requirements for cabling links

When designing your home AV cabling systems, there are several key things that you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Plan ahead

    – Make sure you spend sufficient time upfront thinking about the needs and desires of everyone impacted by this cabling project. This will determine the cabling that goes to each room. Furthermore the types of connections that you desire. Failure to invest this time up front can lead to things being forgotten or overlooked. If you are not sure about the cabling needs in particular rooms, it is better to assume that you will need them anyway and install data cabling fur later use

  • Don’t just rely on Wi-Fi

    – While the vast majority of devices today are wireless or have wireless capability, it is best not to rely solely on Wi-Fi for AV systems. Hard wired systems are far more reliable and secure and there is nothing more annoying while watching a movie than being interrupted by a poor data connection.

  • Invest in the best

    – Your choice of cabling and networking equipment can have a demonstrable impact on the rest of the systems so it is vital that you don’t simply make this decision on cost. Going for the cheapest option will result in substandard video or audio that you are likely to regret further down the line.

  • Future proof 

    – Modern technology moves so fast that is makes sense to keep one eye on the future. Your AV cabling should meet your needs today, but also have flexibility to grow and evolve as your needs and desires change in the future. To future proof your cabling you should think about things like installing the highest bandwidth possible, and including more access points that you currently need.

  • Install the correct Home AV cabling

    – Audio Visual transmission requires greater bandwidth than most data applications. Specific audio visual data cables or Cat6a as a minimum are recommended throughout the home for a fully structured audio visual cabling system

Seek Expert Cabling Advice

With so much to keep in mind, getting home AV cabling right can be a real challenge. While some people think they can get by installing the cabling themselves, it always pays to consult a professional. Going it alone can lead to costly or dangerous mistakes.

Even if you have installed cabling in the past, it makes sense to get the opinion of a professional on the latest developments or trends in order to make your project a success.

Residential homes are by nature a finished structure with little or no chance of adding data cabling at a later date. Spending time on the design and allowing for additional cabling in areas where you may  grow into is advisable during the initial installation rather than suffering the disruption at a later date

For more information on Home AV cabling r to talk through the various options with one of our expert practitioners, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For further Audio Visual articles please visit our Audio Visual Knowledge Page

About NM Cabling Solutions – Network Cabling Specialist

NM Cabling is a technology and structured cabling integrator working throughout the United Kingdom.

We have created a comprehensive Knowledge Centre for our industry which can be viewed at https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/