If you’re just getting started or planning your home theater and AV projects, here are some pointers from our custom electronics pros friends.

We asked custom electronics (CE) pros about the blunders they encounter when DIYers or inexperienced pros can’t get their systems to work.

Here are some of the rookie mistakes you should avoid:
Buying the least expensive gear and finding out it doesn’t have the features you need, like discrete control codes (on and off, for example) or enough inputs and outputs.

Hooking up equipment using substandard cables, connectors and adapters, leading to poor performance and, eventually, no performance.

Underutilizing gear that you already have. For example, connecting the DVD player using composite cable when it has component or HDMI outputs, and not setting the TV to the maximum resolution.

Never realizing you could be watching HD channels you’re paying for: “You mean Channel 4 is standard but 404 is HD?!  I never knew!” 

Compromising setups that you learn to live with, like having to leave a cabinet door open, or moving cables from one device to another.

Forgetting to install Ethernet jacks at the A/V locations.

Skimping on power protection. 

Mounting video devices in poor locations: displays too high and projectors not centered correctly when there’s no lens shift available.

Failing to wire distributed audio speaker locations for stereo.

Forgetting to put power where it’s needed: racks, TVs, projectors, powered seats.

Trying to use “rules of thumb” for speaker locations in unusual rooms, such as those with missing walls or angled seating.

Wiring low-voltage cabling parallel with the electrical, often done in retrofit situations when the installer or DIYer simply uses the same holes used by the electrical wires.

Inadequate ventilation for equipment, resulting in burned-out gear (and calls to the manufacturer for their “faulty” products).

 by EH Staff

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/13_classic_rookie_diy_mistakes_to_avoid

Custom Installation Services, LLC – Home Entertainment Audio and Video services in North Carolina.