DIY Network

High-Tech Home Gym A fitness-minded couple turns a basement storage room into a smart and high-tech home gym. From "Tech Out My House" episode DTMH-101

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The flat-screen TV is set up so that it can double as a PC monitor.

As soon as they're done installing the new flooring, Matt and Ryan begin work installing the wall-mounted plasma screen TV monitor--complete with cable, DVD and internet capabilities.

To complete this installation, they'll need to locate and mark the studs on the wall, cut a hole in the wall to feed the cables through and also install a junction box near the baseboard. The video and computer cables can then be connected, and the TV mounted to the wall.

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A hole is cut in the drywall to accommodate the TV and computer cabling.

Install A/V Receiver and Flat Screen TV with PC Interface

Materials:

a/v receiver and flat-screen TV
installation hardware
junction boxes and wiring hardware
drywall saw
fish wire
cordless drill
stud finder
utility knife

Figure A

Steps:

• First, use a stud finder to locate the studs in the walls. That will determine the placement of the TV.

• Next, set the anchor points for the wall brackets. Use a level to mark the wall at each screw hole (figure A).
  

• Then, drill pilot holes at each point (figure B) before driving in the screw bolts.

• Next, cut a hole in the wall just large enough to fish through the cable for the TV (figure C).

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Then, cut another hole for an electrical outlet right next to the TV (figure D).

• Cut a junction box near the baseboard for additional video and computer connections (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Matt devised a way to mount the receiver to the wall (figures F and G) by hanging it vertically using picture hangers.

• A small gap between the baseboard and floor served to conceal VGA (video graphics array) cable leading from the PC to the receiver. The VGA cable allows the computer to be connected into the AV system for web access, downloaded music and other high-tech applications.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

• Now it's time to wire up. Connect the cables in the junction box and connect the audio and video on the receiver (figure H).

• Once you're all hooked up and you've plugged the power to the power outlet, you can mount the TV (figure I).

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

Meanwhile, Heather and Host Regina are getting started on the workout room's mirrored wall and ballet bar.

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