Re: AV & Media Room Design

[Abe <noone@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>I've come to the somewhat sad conclusion that a media closet just isn't big
>enough, especially when Father Time means less agility and willingness to
>move around on one's knees or in tight spaces.  My next house will need a
>whole room devoted to PC's, DVD players, etc, etc.
>
>Since I'm going to be moving soon, I would like to be more proactive in
>designing a whole house AV system than in the past, when things just sort of
>grew together as I acquired them.  I envision starting from scratch.  About
>the only specification I know about in advance is that it will have to be a
>"wheel-friendly" house like a rancher, preferably with a basement, but not
>necessarily.
>...
>Another consideration for me is that my dad (who helps with setting up on
>occasion) is in a powerchair, and although it's got a pretty narrow turning
>circle, it needs room.  My dad's chair and my new Roomba's gotten me
>thinking about how important unimpeded access for wheeled devices will be in
>my future.  I'll have to measure the height, but I think the wheelchair arms
>are
>...
>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.

I hate to say it, because I usually like to design and build stuff
myself, but it sure sounds to me like this is the time in life for you
where it might be best to consult an A/V design specialist. A good one
will take your requirements (space, access, expandability) and create
a plan you can follow for the build.

If you find a good one, it'll well be worth the few hundred dollars
for the consult.