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ohsix PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 6837
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:16 am Post subject: ohsix' House |
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I thought I'd make a thread to post pics and updates of the building of my house. Mostly because I enjoy following threads of this nature. Also, to get input and ideas along the way.
When my wife and I married, we wanted a house in a certain older neighborhood. We looked around, but everything was too expensive and/or needed a lot of work. Back then, I didn't have any extra time to allocate to remodeling a house. We ended up buying a new house in a new development.
For the past couple of years, we had some discretionary income, and I have a little more free time, so we started looking for a house in the old neighborhood again. Last September (after looking at a couple dozen houses) we found a lot that we really liked. The only problem was we had to buy the house to get the lot.
We bought the house and immediately started working with an architect with the plan to renovate and add on to the existing house. By the time we were done drawing, we weren't keeping much of the original house, but the architect still thought renovating would be cheaper than starting over. 3 out of 3 contractors agreed that the architect was wrong.
Luckily, we hadn't sacrificed much of what we wanted when planning to renovate the existing house. Therefore, re-drawing the house didn't take long.
After planning to start construction in January, we're finally starting in late-April.
The almost clean slate:
I'll take another picture today or tomorrow. They've done some dirt work and tree removal which I'll explain more in my next post. |
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Swass Soul Rider
Joined: 27 Oct 2011 Posts: 427
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:27 am Post subject: |
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Cool! Looking forward to progress pics. |
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jt09 Ladies Man
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 22083 City: Austin
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:30 am Post subject: |
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ah yes, the old "we had to destroy the house in order to save it" angle. lessons from vietnam being put to use in midland 40 years later. |
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jason_ssr Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 4054 City: Dallas, Tx
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:37 am Post subject: |
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After I built my first house I learned alot of the things I missed or didnt plan for. Some may not apply, but here is some off the top of my head.
Gas outlet for your grill. I was a charcoal guy so I didnt think about it. Changed over to gas, and now Im whipped to death by tanks.
CAT6 everywhere. the more drops the better.
YOU define the wiring termination location. Preferably in a closet where you office\media server\equipment will be located. Not the master closet like my inlaws. Have it patched on a panel.
external water outlet on any 2nd story balcony\porch.
If you do underground rainwater recovery tanks, get the biggest you can afford. 500gal seems like alot, but its not.
If you do Christmas lights, add an outlet in the eve on an interior switch.
Have all the rooms blocked for fans even if you dont initially plan on having one there.
Have attic planked and cut for a future room. (will keep them from putting weird braces across the middle of the space)
couplings on all water lines in and out of the tank\water softener\recirculator area. So you wont need a plumber every time something breaks. _________________ TONA
My avatar is NOT a pic of me! HAHA! |
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vette74 Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 2144 City: Houston
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:48 am Post subject: |
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Put a hot water hose bib near the driveway to wash your car, dog or boat.
Don't let your architect design your foundation.
Place a charging station in your front entry closet or somewhere close so you can charge your flashlights, rc-cars ect.
Think on where you want to put your outlets in relation to where your bed and night stands are.
Don't let your architect design your foundation. _________________ There'll be two dates on your tombstone/ And all your friends will read 'em/ But all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em... |
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jgriffith Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 21 Mar 2012 Posts: 1454 City: Boerne
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:57 am Post subject: |
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Quote: |
CAT6 everywhere. the more drops the better
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Why? What do you use that for? I run everything wireless in my house. |
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jryoung Ladies Man
Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 7664 City: Man Jose
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 9:15 am Post subject: |
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The timing on this couldn't be better since I am going to rebuild myself. Love the tips coming in.
- put a faucet above the stove for filling pots
- 6" elevated floor in the corner of the entertainment room with brass pole. _________________
Quote: | You don't meet many old vegans. It's mostly young priviliged kids trying to figure out where they stand in the world. | - Steve Rinella |
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jryoung Ladies Man
Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 7664 City: Man Jose
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 9:15 am Post subject: |
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vette74 wrote: |
Don't let your architect design your foundation.
Don't let your architect design your foundation. |
Why and who would be better suited? _________________
Quote: | You don't meet many old vegans. It's mostly young priviliged kids trying to figure out where they stand in the world. | - Steve Rinella |
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goofyboy Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 4463 City: Houston
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 9:17 am Post subject: |
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Because you just might want to hardwire.
We are also in the process of building. We have framing up and I just went over the electrical / wiring with my GC yesterday. I'll post some pictures when it is done.
I added the plugs on the outside of the house. Also added a faucet near the garage for car washing. All rooms are blocked for fans. We have Cat5 everywhere.
Also, I'm getting my media room. Woohoo! _________________ Work SUX! |
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wakeboarderdave1 Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 3161 City: St. Thomas, MO
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 9:25 am Post subject: |
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Wireless is way less reliable(signal isn't as strong) and is slower than wired. _________________ RIP DLS.
"When you've got that many stars on your hat, you're pretty good." - Keith Jackson |
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Nor*Cal Ladies Man
Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 9:58 am Post subject: |
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jason_ssr and vette74 both have great ideas.
I'd add:
Electrical every 4-6' or so in the garage,
220v in the garage for compressors, larger welders, ect...
Spare capacity for another 220v line to a hot tub and/or pool.
Gas and Electrical in the laundry room so you can have a choice on appliances
Quote: | CAT6 everywhere. the more drops the better. |
I recently did structured wiring in my house, 3XCAT6 (can be punched down to phone if needed) and 1XRB6 in every room, some rooms in multiple spots. Also consider running audio cables, under the eaves in the back of the house and where surround sound speakers might be placed, back to where you're home theater will be. _________________ If I agreed with you we would both be wrong. |
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jgriffith Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 21 Mar 2012 Posts: 1454 City: Boerne
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 10:03 am Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Also consider running audio cables, under the eaves in the back of the house and where surround sound speakers might be placed, back to where you're home theater will be
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Yeah, I would load up on audio cables everywhere.
I guess I just don't understand the hardwire network cable, I have never had a problem with wireless (streaming videos), but I don't have much experience with networking and don't do a whole lot on the computer, so if its cheap enough why not I guess. What are yall doing that requires a better connection than wireless? Is it mainly for security? |
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vette74 Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 2144 City: Houston
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 10:03 am Post subject: |
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jryoung, A structural engineer _________________ There'll be two dates on your tombstone/ And all your friends will read 'em/ But all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em... |
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chavez Ladies Man
Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Posts: 27375 City: Roseville
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 10:14 am Post subject: |
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CAT6 drops all over for sure. Wireless is great, but until it can hit 1gbps+ using pretty much any device I'd go hardline. I love having hardline in the living room right now. Makes my setup much easier to deal with, especially when streaming from a media server located in another room.
Ever going to own an RV? If yes, consider 30 amp service somewhere accessible out front.
Ever going to own an RV? If yes, consider a sewer access point near the end of the driveway.
Definitely do power in the garage everywhere possible. I've got to drop power to where my new workbench setup is which I am not really looking forward to.
Audio everywhere is a great idea. Just really think about where you might put speakers before committing to any holes for speakers or low voltage boxes.
Have you thought about a media closet? Think a central location where all of your AV equipment can live, and get distributed throughout. If I was to do it, I'd wire this with CAT6, HDMI, and speaker leads. I'd also to an audio distribution system - not just use "dumb" controls in my zones.
Other than that, love the ideas above. Hot water in an easy spot to wash cars would be nice. So would a faucet above the stove and the stripper pole. _________________
Quote: | That's Mr. Gingermex to you a$$hole. |
RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006 |
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ohsix PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 6837
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 10:56 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the ideas. Already have an RV and store it at my shop, which is where the welder and air compressor are as well. I think I'll add a sewer access point to dump the RV as it is mostly used for boondocking. Good idea on the hot water hose bib. Already have a media room with A/V closet in the design. Slab is engineered, by an engineer. Outdoor kitchen with gas and water is in the design. I'll have the house wired with CAT 6. That may already be on the electrical plans. Good idea on Christmas light outlets.
Keep 'em coming. |
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RampageWake Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 23 Jul 2003 Posts: 2002 City: Houston
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jt09 Ladies Man
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 22083 City: Austin
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 11:35 am Post subject: |
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i'd be worried apple products wouldn't work w/ that, given their oem/partner reqs. |
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pyrocasto PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 5291 City: hendersonville
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 11:48 am Post subject: |
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Sweet, look forward to watching this progress! _________________
eeven73 wrote: |
At least 50% of the population is retarded so I discount what they think or feel automatically. |
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RampageWake Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 23 Jul 2003 Posts: 2002 City: Houston
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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JT - no problems so far, the mfg of his outlets may be partner approved, I dunno... _________________
Rhawn wrote: | You should have a less retarded friend read over your posts before you hit "Submit"
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RIP M.H.Legge |
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Nor*Cal Ladies Man
Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac
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Posted: Apr 24, 2013 12:38 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, and I've replaced all my toilets with ADA compliant ones. I'm 6'3" and appreciate the 2-4" of extra height.
jgriffith wrote: | I guess I just don't understand the hardwire network cable, I have never had a problem with wireless (streaming videos), but I don't have much experience with networking and don't do a whole lot on the computer, so if its cheap enough why not I guess. What are yall doing that requires a better connection than wireless? Is it mainly for security? |
My "cable" provider brings the signal in over fiber-optic so the cable boxes all plug into CAT6.
Oh, and I'd also run RG6 from wherever you might mount a sat dish to the same closet you choose to drop your structured wiring into.
The main point is being able to change your cable, internet, and/or telecoms provider without wires being run by their technicians. They come in, plug in their boxes, and other equipment and it's done. Also, you can network the house so that all the televisions can access your HTPC.
I'm contemplating installing some of these on my houseboat. _________________ If I agreed with you we would both be wrong. |
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jason_ssr Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 4054 City: Dallas, Tx
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 11:04 am Post subject: |
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Great ideas on the multiple types of cables into the wiring closet. The materials cost is relatively cheap, and they generally charge you per "pull". They dont care how big the bundle is. Its also one of the more costly and difficult things to do after the fact. _________________ TONA
My avatar is NOT a pic of me! HAHA! |
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eeven73 PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 5377 City: Halfway
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 11:46 am Post subject: |
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At $20+ an outlet that could get out of hand _________________ Is President Obama a Keynesian? |
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chavez Ladies Man
Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Posts: 27375 City: Roseville
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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eeven73, I've seen them at $13/per, but still.
I'm probably going to throw a few of those in some "high value" locations. _________________
Quote: | That's Mr. Gingermex to you a$$hole. |
RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006 |
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goofyboy Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 4463 City: Houston
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 12:18 pm Post subject: |
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chavez wrote: | eeven73, I've seen them at $13/per, but still.
I'm probably going to throw a few of those in some "high value" locations. |
Yep. I have a couple of spots that those would be great at. _________________ Work SUX! |
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eeven73 PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 5377 City: Halfway
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 12:52 pm Post subject: |
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I totally agree with some key spots, however having a contractor do an entire house would get ridiculous.
Especially when it is probably a 5 min job to change one out where ever you really need them. _________________ Is President Obama a Keynesian? |
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Corporate Addict
Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 957 City: The Cats in spanish
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 1:29 pm Post subject: |
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A lot of good recommendations here already many of which I would second. We do a lot of entertaining so a must have for us was a separate butler pantry of the kitchen with some counterspace, a second sink, and another dishwasher. Our contractor does higher end stuff and installs a Servo-drive kitchen cabinet for the kitchen garbage. I thought it was over the top at the time but it is really handy being able to tap the cabinet with your foot and the garbage pop out when you have wet or food covered hands.
-hardwired and mounted space heaters in the garages
-wine storage that is temp controlled
I'll stop now before I get too carried away. |
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Okie Boarder Ladies Man
Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like a good start...looking forward to the progress pictures. Lots of good ideas, so far. Some things I'd add...hose spigots everywhere you can think you might want them, if you're doing a sprinkler system, think about where you want system components for easy access and repair, think about electrical in the garage on the ceiling, too (various additional lighting, cord reels, etc.), have too many electrical outlets throughout the house instead of not enough, think about kitchen cabinet design and how you use the space and want it to look - things like appliance garages and bread boxes are nice to keep in uncluttered. That's all I can think of at the moment. _________________ If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? |
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nmballa Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 3906 City: Milwaukee
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 2:11 pm Post subject: |
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jgriffith wrote: | Quote: |
CAT6 everywhere. the more drops the better
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Why? What do you use that for? I run everything wireless in my house. |
I ran it through out my house. Have never used. So completely agree. _________________ jt09 wrote:
I used to get all happy when the girlie would make a colonic appointment. That meant she was going to be breaking out the "fine china" soon.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=509037985&ref=profile |
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chavez Ladies Man
Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Posts: 27375 City: Roseville
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 2:27 pm Post subject: |
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One use for cat6 that most people don't even know about is video distribution. HDMI can be converted and transmitted over cat5e/6 and is a pretty efficient way of doing longer runs around a house.
Conversion plates are cheap too, under 20/pair from Monoprice. _________________
Quote: | That's Mr. Gingermex to you a$$hole. |
RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006 |
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Nor*Cal Ladies Man
Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 3:48 pm Post subject: |
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nmballa wrote: | jgriffith wrote: | Quote: |
CAT6 everywhere. the more drops the better
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Why? What do you use that for? I run everything wireless in my house. |
I ran it through out my house. Have never used. So completely agree. |
I have a centralized server with my media library. With Roku, AppleTV, ect, or even a cheap raspberry pi media player w/ XBMC at other TVs I can access any of that media from those locations which in my case includes my detached garage, both bedrooms, basement, and living room. I could go wireless but I prefer not to have my server on my wireless network at least at this point. _________________ If I agreed with you we would both be wrong. |
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wakeboarderdave1 Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 3161 City: St. Thomas, MO
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Posted: Apr 25, 2013 5:23 pm Post subject: |
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chavez wrote: | One use for cat6 that most people don't even know about is video distribution. HDMI can be converted and transmitted over cat5e/6 and is a pretty efficient way of doing longer runs around a house.
Conversion plates are cheap too, under 20/pair from Monoprice. |
Got any more info on this? _________________ RIP DLS.
"When you've got that many stars on your hat, you're pretty good." - Keith Jackson |
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chavez Ladies Man
Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Posts: 27375 City: Roseville
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jason_ssr Wakeboarder.com Freak
Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 4054 City: Dallas, Tx
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Posted: Apr 26, 2013 4:46 am Post subject: |
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Wireless is fine for internet surfing and streaming internet-quality video, but sux for any real data moving compared to gigabit wired connection. Wireless connections are very inconsistent, but it is unnoticable when browsing, or even saving data to another source. I mean, whats a few hundred ms to you? However, in high end streams, its the difference between epic quality and pixelated crap.
In the future when you need to pipe 1080P+ video to a media device your wireless will be lacking.... trust me. Im having to run one of my GTV devices wirelessly, and anytime I try to stream a large 1080P file from my media server it chokes. The wall its on is basically impossible to rewire without taking the entire wall\staircase down (its on the outside wall of a bi-level staircase).
The future of home entertainment is streaming content. You see bandwidth numbers increasing every few months it seems. As speed increases, content image quality is going to be increased. it will eventually exceed the wireless capabilities. So, wire it now when its cheap and easy to do so.
Like Chavez mentioned, CAT5e\CAT6 are universal twisted pairs. They can be patched to do anything from HDMI video to gigabit to telecom\fax service to home automation. You want as much of this stuff ran as many places as reasonably feasable.
Your contractor will want to leave it all loose in a box panel for you to figure out later with masking tape labels that fall off 20min after he leaves. You have him comb it and patch it on a patch-panel with labels. From there on out, there is nothing you cannot do from a connectivity standpoint. You decide one day you want a fax machine on your workbench in the garage --- you go to your data closet, you take a whip and patch it from the phone line to the port on the patch panel labelled garage\workbench. TADA! You have a nephew over who wants to play a FPS on his laptop on a hardwire in the spare bedroom --- you go to the data closet, you run a whip from your router to the port on the patch panel labelled Spare BR2. TADA! No toning out lines (like I have to do at my inlaws every time they want to change something) or adding RJ45s to bare wire. Just click and your done. _________________ TONA
My avatar is NOT a pic of me! HAHA! |
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DCdave56 Wakeboarder.Commie
Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1008 City: Central Cali
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Posted: Apr 26, 2013 6:57 am Post subject: |
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Washer/Dryer hook-ups in the master bedroom closet... Always wanted that. _________________ Spread the stoke. |
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Nor*Cal Ladies Man
Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac
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Posted: Apr 26, 2013 8:08 am Post subject: |
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What jason_ssr said... _________________ If I agreed with you we would both be wrong. |
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