Re: AV & Media Room Design

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

"Oren" <Oren@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

<stuff snipped (sorry I've been so late in replying!) >

>> I'll be looking at houses today and I thought I'd pick everyone's brain
as
>>to how best design an accessible AV center.
>>
>>Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Consider a "Server Rack"; used in network closets.
>
> This site** has a three step click and buy (only a pointer link).
>
> **Server Racks Online's rack configurator lets you "Click & Design"
> server racks from leading manufacturers. Build a rack to your specific
> requirements, and we'll ship the rack you designed!
>
> http://www.server-rack-online.com/

Thanks, Oren.  Since asking that question here and elsewhere, I've come up
with a DIY approach with double slotted heavy duty shelving that I think
will serve my needs.

I'm going to put the "servers"  - by which I mean PC's, DVD jukeboxes, etc.
in the basement.  I've decided to put all of the equipment in an "island"
configuration the way some kitchens are designed.  That way, there should be
"wheel around" access to all the components.  This design appealed to me
because all the wires could be routed to conduits and wouldn't be lying on
the floor where they would interfere with powerchair wheels.  Since I've
gotten a few floor cleaning bots, cords on the floor are a real
show-stopper.

The issue I am facing now is the length limits on all the new cable schemes
like HDMI and USB.  If the server room is just below the living room, I'll
be able to route the HDMI and USB cables directly.  The plan is to have very
little "artifact" in the living room.  Right now I envision a remote
control, an external single disk DVD player - perhaps even a "slot load"
drive that can be built into the wall or into some furniture.  With PC based
music and video servers, it should be possible to operate nearly everything
remotely.  The upstairs DVD player could be used to play rental DVDs and
disks friends bring over.  After fussing with a number of DVD and Tivo-like
stand-alone recorders I've given up on them and will build my own video
server.

Thanks for your input,

--
Bobby G.