Any time you're dealing with large numbers of electronics, you're also dealing with cables. Cable management can be a frustrating, time-consuming process, especially when you want your home theater to look just right. Depending on your goals for your home theater, you usually have three options: running cables through walls, hiding the cables, and going wireless.
Running Cables
Running cables can be costly and take some time. Ideally, it should be done by a professional; if you're doing it yourself, you run the risk of damaging your wall or something inside of it. This is usually the most elegant solution, however, because it hides the cables neatly where they can't be seen. On the other hand, it can also make it more difficult to move items on-the-fly if you feel as though you need to reorganize.
Some homes already have cable runs installed. This is common in newly built homes. You may have an empty face plate somewhere in the room that opens up to a hole. That hole may very well contain a place to put cables already.
Hiding Cables
If you can't run your cables through the walls, you can still hide them in different ways. There are cable hiding runners that can be painted the color of your wall. These are little plastic pieces that fit over the cables to keep them nice and orderly. Alternatively, you can always run your cables straight down the wall and along the floor and the corners. If you do this correctly, it may be barely visible.
Cable management is something that technicians practice, and a well-trained and experienced technician should be able to hide your cables well.
Going Wireless
A lot of technology is going wireless today. Speakers, televisions, consoles, and more can all operate through wireless internet access, to at least reduce the amount of cables that need to be run. Of course, power cables are still going to need to be run, and video cables will still have to be hooked up to your television. Still, wireless options may be able to reduce the amount of clutter in your space, and ultimately make it easier to manage.
Not sure what you want to do? A home theater installation company such as Audio Video Performance Innovations can advise you on the best build out for your home. Either way, you should be able to get a home theater that looks as good as the movies it plays.
