Hi the following is the result of my research from this and other posts (avsforum) regarding how to wire my new home during construction. I would appreciate any feedback on your own experience and any alternative controller / home automation setup suggstions.
Sorry is this duplicates anything already posted. Just want to see that what I have here is a correct interpretation.
Regards.
I think that I would likely go with the CAV6.6 w/ 6 S2 keypads, to start off with. You can tell me or suggest other options based on the description of my configuration below.
I see the PR line with doorbell, telephone, paging, etc. also looks interesting. Can the CAV6 expand to do this also? Is the PR series only for Professional installation or can a PC and technical-savvy person (me) handle it as do-it-yourself? I would also consider the Xantech stuff, but I'm not sure that I could support it myself and whether there is anyone locally that can do it for me.
Since I am building new, I will wire it up with as much as needed for future expansion. I am planning something like the following.
(big thanks to zuke376 and mcascio for their avsforum thread)
ZONE - for each major zone:
* 2 - 14/2 speaker cable - back to CAV6
* 4 - CAT5e - 2 back to CAV6 (keypad and 1 extra), 2 back to CLOSET (for internet/phone, and 1 extra)
* 2 - RG6 - 1 cable TV and 1 video sources - both back to Closet
* 1 - CAT6 - for expansion
Sources will be DVD, HTPC (digital audio and video), tuner, CD
For future expansion, an HDTV matrix switcher,
http://www.cinemaronline.com/hdtv_switches.html , for multiple video sources
CLOSET - server closet on lower-level:
* File server for HTPC over Ethernet, (HTPC connected as 2 source zones of the CAV6)
* Cable modem --> Router --> patch panel --> 6 CAT5e for internet and phone (this is 1 of the 2 for each room)
* Modem to enable keypads to display caller-ID (read about this but don't know how it works)
From CAV6 to Distribution Panel:
* 4 - RG6 - 1 from each video source near CAV6 to distribution panel
* 1 - CAT5e - for HDTV (component) thru baluns, i.e. component source --> balun --> CAT5e --> balun --> component display
* 2 - CAT5e - for possible control via a global cache (and future expansion)
* 1 - CAT6 - for future expansion
How does Russound handle sub-zones? What is ABUS? Any wiring requirements?
What are the requirements for closed-circuit TV to be able to have videocams around the house?
Does Russound CAV6 expand into home automation? If not, how would I do this? (i.e. control lights, videocams, A/C, appliances, etc.)
What is the wiring between keypads and local speakers connections (as opposed to what goes to in-wall spkrs)?
I know I already have quite a bit of wiring and maybe more than needed. But I only want to wire it once and have future expansion available and many options to change sources. Currently I have no HDTV and my displays will need to be upgraded over time. I'm not sure what I will encounter there since it haven't played around with it much yet.
I want to have at least whole-house audio and video and internet from the start. I guess the home automation and other expansion can be phase 2, but I need to get any wiring requirements in now.
Any suggestions on initial junction boxes and other wall fixtures that might be needed.