02 Mar Common DIY Audio Video Installation Mistakes (Part 2)
I recently blogged about problems involving connecting cables, remote control units and managing power that do-it-yourselfers often run into when they’re trying to install a complex home theater or audio video system. Two other areas where we see lots of DIY mistakes involve what I call management issues: managing heat, and managing room noise. Here are the basics of controlling these issues every DIY home entertainment installer needs to remember:
Heat management: All electronic equipment generates heat. And that’s especially true for devices like home theater amplifiers, digital surround sound processors, and cable/Sat boxes. Proper ventilation of the audio video components is essential for the system to work properly and to ensure maximum longevity. In a home theater, it may be necessary to have the room zoned separately for air conditioning. Projectors and in-room a/v components can generate enough heat to raise the room temperature. You are not going to enjoy your new home theater room if you wind up sweating every time you try to watch a movie because the room is too hot. Make sure the projector has room to breathe, too. Just a few inches of clearance around a projector can mean the difference between enjoying the latest blockbuster, and having the projector go into a thermal protection mode just before a game winning field goal kick.
Managing Room Noise: Crank up the volume of your home theater speakers or a home entertainment system and the vibration from the sound can make room fixtures rattle and hum. Try to reduce this extraneous noise by securing loose, vibration-prone items and fixtures. Make sure HVAC ductwork is laid out to reduce air noise, and that all parts of the light fixtures and any wall art is secured to reduce rattling. Also, use sound dampening insulation in the walls and ceiling to reduce noise transmission into other areas of the house. Don’t let your midnight movie marathon be spoiled by awakening a sleeping spouse or children.
As the source for high quality home entertainment systems in northern New Jersey, we’ve had customers from Chatham, Livingston, and throughout the region come to PAC-NJ for help fixing these and other common DIY mistakes. With proper planning, these common home stereo and home theater installation problems can be avoided. Then again, you might consider having an audio pro handle the design and installation, and make sure the job is done right while saving yourself a lot of time and aggravation.