By Bob Gatton
Planning audio and video wiring for a home can get complicated enough if you are simply planning on today's technical requirements. Trying to anticipate future needs can make the job very difficult. When I'm planning the prewiring for a system, I try to envision future needs of the client. (See Pre-Wiring a Media Room). I usually include an extra run or two of coax cable and/or CAT5 to certain rooms, but it's impossible to envision all future changes in equipment, technology or the client's requirements. When a client asks about "future proofing" the installation, I have to admit that my crystal ball is a bit cloudy.
Enter Impact Acoustics, which makes a line of products called RapidRun. The line features three types of multi-purpose cables, called runners: one primarily for PCs and video, one for home theater and one for HDMI and DVI.
The cables are relatively thick, but they replace multiple individual wires. The first two types of runners are available in a variety of stock lengths from 15 to 150 feet; you also can order custom lengths. The HDMI and DVI cables are available in lengths from 15 to 65 feet. The runner can be pulled through 3/4-inch conduit with a 90 degree sweep.
At each end of the runner is a proprietary Rapid Run multi-pin connector. Attached at the end of each multi-pin connector is a screw-on cap with a pull ring. The cap protects the connections during construction, and the pull ring can be used as a connection point for pulling the runner through conduit or framing — a very handy feature.
After the walls have been finished, just unscrew the protective caps and attach any of the broad variety of terminations, which Impact Acoustics calls break-aways. There are two types of break-aways: flying leads, which have 1.5 feet of cable; and Decora-compatible wall plates with sockets. Terminations for the HDMI/DVI runners are available as passive (for cable lengths of 35 feet or less) and active (for runners over 35 feet).
There are some real benefits to this system:
- Save time during the pre-wiring; you only need to pull one wire.
- Save time when terminating the cables; simply screw on a break-away. No special tools or training are needed.
- The homeowners can change the break-aways as their needs change.
- The website offers a "wizard" for planning the system.
For more information, check out the RapidRun video.
Bob Gatton is a freelance writer and consultant for home automation, home theaters and home electronics.
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