DIY Network

Cable Conundrum / Finishing the Project From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-210

One of the items high on the couples list of changes was eliminating the tangle of TV cords and cables. Carpenter Nathan Haun focuses on re-routing the cable.

Materials:

Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Cable connectors
Drill
Wood bits
Masonry bits
Staples
Cable clips

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1. First, Nathan drills a hole through the wall to the outside and routes the cable along the exterior features of the house from the attic down the basement (figure A). If you are getting new cable TV service installed by your local cable company, this job is best left to them. When routing your cable on the exterior of the house it is also good to do a little planning of the route you are going to use in order to avoid obstacles and hide the wire as much as possible. In this case, Nathan used the natural borders of the house to hide and align the cable.

2. It's important to consider the type and quality of the cable you will use. Coaxial cable is available in various lengths. The amount of shielding, as well as the RF attenuation makes ordinary cable from the local hardware a poor choice. Check with your local cable TV provider for packages of precut lengths of cable, which is usually of the very best quality.

A tangled web of home entertainment.

Figure A

A close-up of the contemporary metal accents on the new mantle.

After: the Hamstead's can now enjoy the cozy fire while simultaneously enjoying some sleek new electronics from Motorola.