Sound/Video/Home Entertainment Installations
BEFORE -- This was an empty alcove in the family room of a new house, flanking on the right the fireplace in the center of the end wall. This space was not particularly useful as set up. The family wanted to install a large-screen high-definition TV to replace the older small tube set, along with digital satellite and cable receivers, VCR, CD player, DVD player, and surround sound equipment. Provisions were also made for a home theater PC, to be linked via the home network to the DSL internet connection, to show streaming internet videos, DVDs, games, and web browsing using the HDTV as a large monitor for the PC. It will also connect to the surround sound system to play MP3 files, CDs, streaming radio, and other sound sources. The right channel speaker also needed to fit in this space. A cabinet and bookshelves were to be built in the left alcove, with the left front-channel speaker in this space.
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PLANNING
The TV was selected and other equipment (VCR, audio receiver, CD player, satellite receiver, cable boxes, DVD) was specified. An efficient design for a rather tight installation was based on careful measurements of the existing and planned video and sound equipment. The alcove had to be widened about 4 inches to accommodate the large screen high-definition TV (HDTV), but this also provided an opportunity to run TV and FM antenna, satellite, cable TV, speaker, and CAT5 network cables to the installation. An initial sketch of one concept is shown below. More detailed drawings of the final design were used to fabricate the pieces and build the installation.
AFTER -- A curved top was fabricated to fit the arch of the alcove. An adjustable shelf was added for the speaker. The shelves below hold equipment and have provisions for wiring among the various devices. Extra power outlets minimize extension cords and power strips. The large shelf on which the HDTV sits can be easily removed to access equipment and wiring in the future. Speaker wires for the rear channels were run along the ceiling and covered with a new molding, and a subwoofer wire was also run in the wall. Everything was painted to match the existing trim.
Here is another installation built to hold a TV and associated electronics.