Question for the AV gurus

[Jake]

How do you run your cables when you wall mount a TV?

I was about to just install a double HDMI wall plate and an outlet behind the TV, but I don't really want to plug the TV into an outlet without a surge protector and not sure I want too many breaks in the HDMI cable either.
What's the best way to go about that?

And yes, I've been reading a lot of stuff over at avsforum.com, but that place is giving me a headache.....

[Jay Henley]

I am going to be in the same boat before long. I think I would rather poke one or two holes in the sheetrock in an open area of the center of the mount and figure out some way to fill in the gap around the cable versus a wall plate. It would not look good but it would be hidden behind the TV and it would be one continuous run. Where will your receiver and dvd player be located?

[Cope]

Originally Posted by Jay Henley

I think I would rather poke one or two holes in the sheetrock in an open area of the center of the mount and figure out some way to fill in the gap around the cable versus a wall plate. It would not look good but it would be hidden behind the TV and it would be one continuous run.

You can buy a solid cover plate and drill whatever size hole for the cable.

[ldelacruz]

Most of our work is hidden by the TV and the stand that houses the player so we use 1 cable to connect the the TV to the player or satellite box.

Mount your TV wallmount bracket.

Cut your hole for the power and HDMI cable above the bracket and below the top of the TV. ( if your TV is going to be mounted high 4' to 6' at the top cut the hole above the bracket so you will not see it when sitting but below the top of the TV )

Cut your other hole directly below the top hole.

Use a plumb bob and a string to drop a piece of string between the 2 holes and leave slack in the string.

Mount the TV.

Tie the cables and power to the string in the top hole and tape them to the string and pull them down.

Install 2 piece faceplate to cover holes in sheetrock.

If you need further help send me a PM.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by Jay Henley

..... Where will your receiver and dvd player be located?

They will be in a stand. I will have something like this about two feet under the TV.
I plan on running everything though the receiver and just having one HDMI going up to the TV.

So behind the TV I was thinking of having a outlet for power, a HDMI and a coaxial for the antenna.
Here some cheap cables and wall plates.

I don't think I can just run the TV's power cord though the wall. Probably not up to code

Anyone know if you have to keep HDMI far away from electrical when you run it in the wall?

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

They will be in a stand. I will have something like this about two feet under the TV.
I plan on running everything though the receiver and just having one HDMI going up to the TV.

So behind the TV I was thinking of having a outlet for power, a HDMI and a coaxial for the antenna.
Here some cheap cables and wall plates.

I don't think I can just run the TV's power cord though the wall. Probably not up to code

Anyone know if you have to keep HDMI far away from electrical when you run it in the wall?

The powercord that comes with the TV is insulated and the so are the other cables. It would be better to have an electrician put an outlet in the wall behind the TV but it is not going to be cheap.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

The powercord that comes with the TV is insulated and the so are the other cables. It would be better to have an electrician put an outlet in the wall behind the TV but it is not going to be cheap.

Getting the outlet behind the TV in the wall is not a big deal (I know people).
But I'm wondering if I want to plug straight in without some kind of surge protector. I guess I've aways used one, not sure how needed they are really.

Would plugging staight in to an outlet be the best bet?
Or running the TV's powercord though the wall be fine?

[Ahh!]

Surge Protectors of various types can be built into the outlet or added into the circuit at the breaker. Ask your people.

Simple SP's just take the hit and die, so a strip attached to the wall behind also makes sense. If your are buying into the megadollar voltage regulator / surge combos hype (ya, I don't), then you have a logistics problem of more sizable proportions than I can/should handle.


Some have cool lights on them that add to the ambience, so, whatever....

[ldelacruz]

Either way I would use some type of surge. You can let it rest on the ground or attach it to the wall or bracket behind the TV.

I use them and would suggest it.