The post AV Installation Guidelines appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

What do I need for a home cinema?

With the technological advances in large screen televisions, home cinema systems have become a lot more achievable for a larger range of homes. In the past, a home cinema system required a large projection screen and a projector to create the image. The installation of these elements and the link cabling was disrupted to the property. Furthermore, large screen televisions were a very expensive consideration.

However, that’s not to say that large screen projection systems still don’t have a place in home cinema design. The advantage is that you now have so many more options to create an amazing cinema space

To have a real home cinema experience, here are some things to think about.

The main ideas are

1. The shape and form of your room
2. Lighting in the room,
3. How to incorporate the surround sound system, and where you are can install speakers

The ultimate home cinema is a dedicated room. It is not uncommon for spectators to redesign their garage, spare room, or their loft. However, many incorporate it into their main living room

How to create the perfect home cinema system

Audio and TV technology has improved significantly in recent years. This means it’s possible to create a home cinema setup that is close to the real thing.

Below you will find a guide to complete your home cinema setup.

Choosing components

AV Receiver

Regardless of the screen selection, the basis of any good home cinema is sound. All systems regardless of size and budget will run through a central AV receiver. This unit is the central hub to the system and its associated equipment.

The visual equipment will all plug into the receiver, and this will feed the display source, and therefore be able to manage all the inputs to the single display. Furthermore, some receivers allow for multiple outputs, which then allow output to both a television and a projector. This is useful if you wish to have a cinema in your living room and don’t want a large display for viewing

The majority of AV receivers will not take the sound from the television. Therefore, if you wish to watch the television through smart apps, the receiver can amplifier that sound through the cinema system

The types of equipment that potentially be plugged into the AV receiver are

1. Satellite / Cable TV boxes
2. DVD players
3. Zone Music controllers such as Sonos
4. Smart TV Dongles such as Chromecast, Amazon Fire, etc
5. Game Consoles
6. PC’s

The speakers and subwoofer will also all connect to the central receiver. The sound design will dictate how many speakers there are, and therefore how many speaker cables to connect

Choosing a Home Cinema projector

The choice of a projector will depend on

1. Size of image required
2. The distance between the screen and projector options
3. The quality of the image
4. The functionality of the projector
5. Budget

The projector is probably the most important part of a home cinema because it lets you go beyond the size of a TV. However, many television manufacturers are creating unlimited-size televisions. However, they come with a budget to match their increasing size. One such example is The Wall by Samsung

For a mix of size, quality and budget, a projector is a great solution.

Our design team can survey your space and give several options of projectors to suit your space, requirements, and budget

The one downside of a projector compared to television is the effect of outside light on the image projection. Therefore, part of the design is positioning the screen correctly, surveying the light entrance, and solutions to blank out the room

Home Cinema Projector Mounts

Where you mount a projector is sometimes one of the hardest decisions. It is as much about aesthetics as it is the position. It also depends on the construction of your room. 

For example, if you have solid ceilings, then the projector will need to be mounted below the ceiling on a bracket. Another option is mounting it on the back wall. However, should you have a ceiling void, you can install a motorised projector lift. This unit houses the projector and only drops down when in use. When it is not used then the lift slots back into place and hides all the equipment

Choosing a Projection Screen

One of the first considerations is the size. Most cinema rooms will maximise the wall space and have the biggest screen that they can contain. The projector is then matched to suit the screen

However, in a room where the cinema isn’t dedicated then a pull-down screen is employed. The screen can either be pulled down or motorised. It can also be mounted on the wall or recessed into the ceiling. When possible, a motorised recessed screen is the best solution.

In rooms where the cinema isn’t used exclusively, we generally install both a television and a drop-down screen. It is not always desirable to watch your daily viewing on a 100-inch plus screen

Therefore, in these situations, we install a wall-mounted screen, perhaps a 65-inch or 75-inch. Further, a motorised drop-down screen is placed, so it then drops in front of the existing television when required. This may be a 100-inch plus screen. The AV receiver can send images to both or be programmed for the projector to override

Choosing a Home Cinema TV

Once again, as with the choices in projectors, televisions come in many different options to suit different situations.

Once again, the choices will match those of the projector for

1. Size of image required
2. The quality and resolution of the image
3. The functionality of the projector
4. Budget

Depending on which model of television you go for, the price can change dramatically. The newest model can be double or triple the price of an older model of the same size. This is where your requirements will determine the design we create for you

Some customers will have a fixed budget. Therefore, the choice is a smaller screen with a higher-tech image. The reverse is a larger screen, but maybe a year older model. The prices in many cases are the same, and the choice is yours. Of course, some systems have the biggest screens and the best technology, and no limit on budget.

That’s why an experienced design team such as ours is important. The options we create for you will enable you to have the best system for your situation

Get the cinema lighting right

Lighting is essential for your home cinema when planning your room. It’s best to avoid rooms with lots of windows, but if that’s your only option, it’s worth installing some blackout blinds so you can easily block any outdoor lighting. The type of lights you use is also important. Therefore, dimmable lights are important because you want to be able to control the light level accurately. 

Find the right sound system

As with the visual elements, there are many choices for sound in your home cinema

The simplest, quickest, and most affordable option is a soundbar. A soundbar is an easy option and very easy to set up. Some high-end cinema soundbars have multiple speakers within the single unit that cleverly bounce the sound around your room to mimic the entire surround sound system.

When installing a dedicated surround sound set of speakers, again you have a few choices

Some surround sound options include 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, Dolby Atmos, 5.1.2, and so on.

In essence, all home cinemas start with a centre speaker and left and right speakers. In addition, a subwoofer is part of the system. These are

1. Centre below the display
2. Left of the display
3. Right of the display

5.1 is therefore 5 speakers and a subwoofer. Thus, two rear speakers are added to the front three to make five. 7.1 is four rear speakers added to the front three, plus the subwoofer

Some systems will have 2 rear speakers and 2 side speakers. Dolby Atmos 7.1 is one such system when you have three front speakers, two rear and two sides. There is also a 9.1 version where 2 additional front speakers are added

Connecting everything

All the above elements in the home cinema will need to be connected. All the speakers will require speaker cables back to the central receiver. Furthermore, the receiver will need to connect to the television, projector, or both. This is generally via HDMI cables. However, specific av cables can also be installed for the overall functionality. For example, a trigger cable can be installed between the projector lift and screen. Therefore, when the projector lift kicks in, the screen automatically drops down

The cabling routes will all depend on the construction of your property. In a new build, the routes will be simple to make and install. However, in an existing building, installing the cabling may incur considerable disruption. 

Our experienced team is here to assist you in your design and options. Call us today for advice and options

For further articles with regards to What do I need for a Home Cinema please visit our Knowledge Center HERE

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post What do I need for a home cinema? appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

What does AudioVisual Mean?

Audiovisual, or audio-visual, is a technology that has both a visual and an audio component, or, more simply, an element of both sight and sound. However, in regard to installations by an AV Company, what does AudioVisual mean?

Every building and client is unique; the type of audiovisual installation can differ in many elements and will depend on the following

• The type of building
• The sector i.e
  • Education
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • Hospitality
• The requirements of the customer and how the AV company can assist with those requirements
• The budget
• The suitability of the building for installation
• The data cabling and electrical requirements

What are the examples of Audio Visual?

Audiovisual systems differ by requirement, such as those above. However, many of the common elements are found on the majority of AV Company installations

• Television or display screens
• Speakers, whether ceiling or wall-mounted
• Video Conferencing
• Control Systems via Touchscreen or wall-mounted button displays
• Projectors
• Interactive Whiteboards
• Media servers
• Distribution systems for audio and visual elements
• Home Cinemas

In addition to the different hardware elements, you also have an extensive range of equipment that powers and controls the audiovisual system. Accordingly, the hardware will distribute the audio and visual elements throughout the building and allow control of each of those elements via control systems such as an iPad App or a dedicated control panel

Furthermore, different software systems will be incorporated to run the control systems and provide “live” content to each device. For instance, where Spotify is installed onto a SONOS system that is then distributed throughout a hotel for background and ambient music

Data Cabling for Audiovisual

One of the major elements of every audiovisual installation is the data cabling that connects it all. Furthermore, the data cabling must be installed according to a precise design and standard. Thus, without correctly installed data cabling, the overall AV system will suffer.

To this end, data cabling is installed between the control hardware and the floor-based AV elements. Generally, the AV control hardware is located in a dedicated cabinet in the communications room.

In addition, localised audiovisual or audio-visual systems and data cabling will be installed within specific rooms. For example, with a Video Conferencing system, there will be a cabling map for installing cabling between the desk, display screen, and camera position.

With the advances in audiovisual quality and displays, the requirements for transmitting these signals have also increased. In the past, HDMI was possible over Cat5e and Cat6 cables, though not always recommended. However, in the current installation requirements, a specific AV cable or a minimum of Cat6a is required. Consideration, therefore, should be taken when installing a data cabling network in a new building or fit-out, when the audiovisual elements are yet unknown

Some Examples and Case Studies of Audiovisual Projects

Below are some case studies of different AV installations, ranging from London to abroad

1 AV Installation – Luxury Apartment, Knightsbridge, London

2 AV Installation – Wyck Hill House Hotel, Cotswolds

3 AV Installation – Wellesley Hotel, Knightsbridge, London

4 AV Installation – Wellesley Yacht, Turkey, Italy and France

For further articles regarding what audiovisual means. Please visit our Knowledge Centre HERE

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post What does AudioVisual Mean? appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

What is Audio-Visual (AV)?

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

Examples of Audio-Visual Systems 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 AV 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 Trends in Home AV Technology

• 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

Planning and Installing 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 Checklist

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 – Your Trusted Network Cabling Specialists

NM Cabling Solutions is a leading provider of structured cabling and technology integration services across the United Kingdom. With expertise in data centre cabling, fibre optics, and AV installations, we deliver reliable and future-proof solutions for businesses and residential projects.

Explore our Knowledge Centre for expert insights, industry best practices, and technical guides: Visit Here…

The post Designing Home AV Cabling appeared first on Cabling Solutions.