New Build Cable Connections and Types

[devildog1205]

Currently about halfway though a new 20' x 16' room build. Walls are open and I'm putting electric and other cables in wall before the drywall goes up. Thought I would ask the folks here what cable types your currently using to connect the different pieces of hardware in your SIM set-up. Below is what I'm thinking I'll need. Let me know if your doing something different or have other ideas. Thanks!

Video1- PC to Projector (HDMI)
Video2- PC to Wall Monitor (HDMI)
Audio1- PC to Soundbar (Optical)
Audio2- Projector to Sound Bar (Optical/HDMI) (Roku Stick in Projector)
Audio- Use of a Receiver??
Sensor- QED to PC (Ethernet)

[devildog1205]

Well, this post now has me thinking. The only audio out on the Optoma GT1090HDR is a 3.5mm out. Is that my only option to get audio from the Projector to the Sound bar?

Components:

PC video to Projector
PC audio to Soundbar
Roku video to Projector
Roku audio to Soundbar

[InRange]

You’re ahead of me, starting construction after Christmas, but what you’re saying sounds about right to me. At least thats what I’d do but I’m planning on using receiver and surround sound system. The only thing you may want to do is:

Make the QED on an switchable outlet.

If you plan on video recording down the line you may wish to wire USB cables to the mounting location of camera if you want them permanently mounted. Otherwise just run cable(a) on tripods.

[Treyc321]

Anyway to run your Roku off your PC and run everything through there?

[jasonreg]

I would run cat 5e/6 to every device (LM, projector, monitors etc.). It is cheap insurance and useful in may ways. Depending on your LM you may require the run for it to function correctly. I love wireless connections but things are just so darn stable when wired it is usually my goto. I would homerun a single Cat6 to my main switch/router or whatever you have and use a small unmanaged switch at the gaming PC to run things from there as required.

[lalonder]

This took me a while to figure out connections but I have a receiver and it has 4 hdmi outs and in arc hdmi. I run the out arc hdmi from receiver to projector (Benq) hdmi. I use the outher 4 hdmi in the receiver as follows - 1 for firestick (if i want to watch movies), one for lighing cable for iphone or ipad, one for my gaming PC tower (which I have a splitter to get the monitor to work), and I have one hdmi from cable box in another room for cable signal (cannot change the channel). Over all works good. Only think I do not like but I could change is that when I am playing TCG2019 I have the sound on and I really cannot play music but not a big deal. I also have a second tv in the back with seperate hook ups.

[Will]

You could always place conduit in the walls and guess the right size for the future. Or, use an extremely effective, personally used, wire raceway. 1.5x1, 2x2 and 3x3 products were used in my build. They were simply surface mounted on the wall/ceiling corners.
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...d_bap_d_rp_8_t

I use fiberoptic DisplayPort cables and they will carry your video & audio needs. The wire raceway is in the upper left corners of the images.

[mgunner0331]

Definitely agree with jasonreg on running cat 5e/6 to every location. I had done a layout of all components and connection types and ran additional cables for future use if needed as well. I use a Denon receiver as the main hub. All connections (PC, Xbox, PS, ChromeCast, etc.) are HDMI to the receiver. Then use HDMI out to the projector. Much easier to control and less items to turn on/off. Use a Wi-Fi outlet/switch for powering on/off the sensor and spotlights.

[devildog1205]

You’re ahead of me, starting construction after Christmas, but what you’re saying sounds about right to me. At least thats what I’d do but I’m planning on using receiver and surround sound system. The only thing you may want to do is:

Make the QED on an switchable outlet.

If you plan on video recording down the line you may wish to wire USB cables to the mounting location of camera if you want them permanently mounted. Otherwise just run cable(a) on tripods.

What’s the reasoning for having the QED on a wall switch?

[devildog1205]

Definitely agree with jasonreg on running cat 5e/6 to every location. I had done a layout of all components and connection types and ran additional cables for future use if needed as well. I use a Denon receiver as the main hub. All connections (PC, Xbox, PS, ChromeCast, etc.) are HDMI to the receiver. Then use HDMI out to the projector. Much easier to control and less items to turn on/off. Use a Wi-Fi outlet/switch for powering on/off the sensor and spotlights.

Does the QED require powering off after each use? The back on at next use? I guess I was just envisioning it being plugged in 24/7. And it would go in a stand by mode when not in use. But that’s just an assumption.

[mgunner0331]

Not sure if it is required, but it is recommended. I think with any piece of tech, power cycling will help the longevity of the unit. I have the unit and my lights on the same group to power cycle so when my lights are off I know that the unit is off as well.

[devildog1205]

Thanks all. I just changed the wiring in the wall and put the QED outlet on its own wall switch. Great idea.

[pizzaslice]

would the projector need to be on a switch as well? are you guys using one dual outlet for both QED and projector?

[mgunner0331]

Separate outlets for me. Projector set to power on and off with source input (receiver/PC). Otherwise, I can use the remote to power on/off or change settings.

[Shanks]

I hadn't thought about doing 2 separate outlets for the LM and projector yet. Construction hasn't started yet. I guess I'll have them add that in.

[Stetson]

Ah the old wiring conundrum. I think the key is to get an AV receiver with HDMI switch so you can send any video feed to any screen you choose.

I would use an AV Receiver with switch so that I could run a single HDMI to my projector. At that ceiling receptacle I would have an outlet, Ethernet jack and HDMI cable. (Power Projector and Uneekor + internet for Uneekor)

At the AV Receiver I would have video input from computer (x3) and input from streaming device. This would allow me to watch anything on projector, monitor, or tv that I choose. I would also have Ethernet for computer and streaming device, not WiFi. Audio out from AVR to sound system of choice (sound bar or surround).

The receiver will add expense but the flexibility it adds is well worth it.

[Fhacker]

While a receiver is a good choice, just for a golf simulator situation it may be a little overkill. Unless u plan on running a surround sound system, for instance if the space will also be a home theater, I think an hdmi switch and powered soundbar is more than adequate for a sim setup. And cost should be less.