Not sure if this is the right forum, but I didn't see one that was more appropriate.
Recently moved into a new place and I need to setup my Sony Home Theater/Surround system. In my old place, I did the "run the wire along the edge of the wall/floor thing" and tried to make it look as decent as possible. Of course, I was renting and not all that concerned with how it looked. Now that I own my place and we're decorating the crap out of it, my wife and I want to make this look as clean as possible.
I've considered a few options:
1. I've looked into wireless solutions that would make installation simple. However, there are some drawbacks. First, interference from other wireless devices in the house and surrounding area. Second, the wireless units only work for 2 speakers at a time - so I would need at least two units for my 5.1 (the units are about $175 a pop). Finally, the units themselves need some proximity to the speakers, so more clutter.
2. I have friends that have run wire through their walls, above the ceiling, and down to the other side of the room. Cleaner install, but damn that's a lot of work. Given the construction of my living room (vaulted ceilings), I don't think it's practical if at all doable.
3. The other suggestion I've received is to run the wiring under the carpet or flooring. Normally this would not be a practical idea, but I am going to lay new laminate flooring in the next week or two. This idea is the most appealing to me for that reason. I'm thinking I'll run wire for the back speakers under the floor, the front speakers I'll run up the wall and recess the speakers into the wall. My biggest concern here is the wire under the floor. Yes, I know that once we put it down, we won't have much flexibility in rearraning the setup. But we're willing to live with that. No biggie. The main thing I'm concerned about is the "feeling" the wires when we walk on that area of the floor.
I'd love to hear anyones' experiences with any of the above, or if there is some other method out there that I should consider.
Thanks.
Recently moved into a new place and I need to setup my Sony Home Theater/Surround system. In my old place, I did the "run the wire along the edge of the wall/floor thing" and tried to make it look as decent as possible. Of course, I was renting and not all that concerned with how it looked. Now that I own my place and we're decorating the crap out of it, my wife and I want to make this look as clean as possible.
I've considered a few options:
1. I've looked into wireless solutions that would make installation simple. However, there are some drawbacks. First, interference from other wireless devices in the house and surrounding area. Second, the wireless units only work for 2 speakers at a time - so I would need at least two units for my 5.1 (the units are about $175 a pop). Finally, the units themselves need some proximity to the speakers, so more clutter.
2. I have friends that have run wire through their walls, above the ceiling, and down to the other side of the room. Cleaner install, but damn that's a lot of work. Given the construction of my living room (vaulted ceilings), I don't think it's practical if at all doable.
3. The other suggestion I've received is to run the wiring under the carpet or flooring. Normally this would not be a practical idea, but I am going to lay new laminate flooring in the next week or two. This idea is the most appealing to me for that reason. I'm thinking I'll run wire for the back speakers under the floor, the front speakers I'll run up the wall and recess the speakers into the wall. My biggest concern here is the wire under the floor. Yes, I know that once we put it down, we won't have much flexibility in rearraning the setup. But we're willing to live with that. No biggie. The main thing I'm concerned about is the "feeling" the wires when we walk on that area of the floor.
I'd love to hear anyones' experiences with any of the above, or if there is some other method out there that I should consider.
Thanks.
