DIY Network

Cleaning Up A/V Clutter With a Media Wall A couple streamlines their home entertainment system and eliminates the "wire spaghetti" syndrome from their living room. From "Tech Out My House" episode DTMH-102

Homeowners Eric and Michelle Gins consolidate their a/v system and clean up the appearance of their living room by building a media wall.

Eric and Michelle Gins are up to their necks in technology--and it shows. In fact, that's what all their friends and family notice first when they visit.

When living rooms become home to big screen TV, stereo components, computer, digital photo equipment, wireless network and more, the components themselves as well as the wires and cables can get visually obtrusive.

Michelle and Eric want an upgrade that helps them get the most enjoyment out of their electronic equipment and gets rid of the wires and clutter to clear up the room, leaving a better first impression.

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	The flat-screen plasma TV is mounted behind a frame to give it a less obtrusive appearance. Note: Included below are downloadable .pdf files with diagrams and additional information on this project.
	PDF Info chart: flat-screen TV's
	PDF Room floorplan
	PDF Frame diagram
	PDF Wall diagram

In this project, Regina Lewis of DIY's Tech Out My House and tech expert Ryan Lampel help the Gins upgrade their living room by streamlining their technology, making it practically invisible to their guests. All it takes is adding a 45-degree wall to the Gins living room along with some new high tech components. The technology oriented room upgrade includes in-wall speakers, wall-mounted flat-screen plasma TV--framed in wall to look like a picture--and a system for integration of TV, DVD, PC, wireless networking and internet access.

Below is a summary of the project steps as shown in the DIY episode, as well as a list of tools and materials used.

Materials:

Drywall saw
utility knife
measuring tape
drill
drywall sheets
drywall tape and mud
finishing nails
hammer
fishing pole
electrician's tape
plywood
level
coaxial stripper

	Figure A
	Figure B

Constructing the Media-Center Wall

From displaying photos, to surfing the web to watching TV, homeowners Eric and Michelle want to bring all of that together in this one room. Regina and Ryan help the couple clean up the clutter. They start by getting rid of the outdated TV to make room for a new high tech wall. The new wall will act as a high tech media center that will enclose the new flat screen TV. Regina also suggests creating a cabinet to hold all the components, installing surround sound speakers to the wall, and set up a network between the couple's desktop, laptop, and plasma screen.

Steps:

• First, remove any vent covers and all the moldings from the base boards and ceiling (figures A and B).

• Measure and mark the dimensions for the wall, making sure that it will accommodate the dimensions of the plasma screen and the size of the component cabinet.
  

  Figure C

• Next, make sure the cable connection is in the right place for the new set up.

• Measure, mark and drill a hole through the floor (figure C) and feed the cable through the hole.
  

• Use a coaxial stripper to strip the wires (figure D), then attach the F-connector making sure the copper wire is exposed and that it fits snugly onto the cable.

• With the cable connection on the right side of the wall, it's time to close things up by putting up two sheets of drywall (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  	Figure F
  	Figure G

The wall is carefully framed to ensure that the TV and cabinets will fit perfectly. Ryan and Eric work together to ensure that the cable connection is in the right place for the new set up, drilling holes and feeding the cables through so that they are hidden by the wall.

Steps:

• First a cut a hole to size to fit the cabinet. Once the hole is cut, it should be taped and mudded (figure F) before proceeding to the next step.

• Drill holes in the top for ventilation (figure G) and in the back for equipment cables.
  

• Add additional support inside the wall so the cabinet can remain sturdy and level (figures H and I).

• Once in place, secure it to the wall with finishing nails (figure J).

  Figure H

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  
  
  

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  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Cleaning Up A/V Clutter With a Media Wall