quote:
Posted by VABuckeye
The controllers are only part of (but a big part) of the issue. It's going to make more sense use multiple XBox systems.

However, I'd suggest multiple runs of Cat6 to each location from a central location in case there is technology in the future that makes use of them for gaming. At the very least it would give you a central location to distribute video via powered HDMI baluns which are more reliable than trying to push HDMI over recommended lengths without boosting the signal.

Running the Cat6 also gets you ready for whatever comes after HDMI because something certainly will at some point. I'd do a minimum of two runs to each area from the central location and if it were my house I'd probably run four.

Cable and runs are cheap when the house is being built. Very expensive and intrusive after.

Whole house cat6 is a given. I had 8 cat5 drops in the house I built in 04. 2 drops per location isn't a bad idea.

I've done internet research and controller is the biggest issue but I've seem where people have added a linksys antenna to there system. I've got a few wireless routers hanging around. I may try to increase the range.

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Posted by Guster

New Orleans

Member since Jun 2009

4441 posts

Posted on 4/12/12 at 9:47 am to T Ba Doe Tiger

quote:
Whole house cat6 is a given. I had 8 cat5 drops in the house I built in 04. 2 drops per location isn't a bad idea.

I've done internet research and controller is the biggest issue but I've seem where people have added a linksys antenna to there system. I've got a few wireless routers hanging around. I may try to increase the range.

Yeah, as you've said the controller is going to be the biggest issue. But from what I've read, 30ft distances from the box is not a problem, but obviously you're out of that range. I've read of a few people using USB extenders coupled with powered USB hub connected via Cat5 (though that might have been in theory, I've never followed it that much, b/c it's no use to me).

However, as far as what wiring you would want to do, I would just do the Cat6. Then, depending on the money you would want to spend, I would try to consult someone (or head over to AVSforum) and see what information you can find out about various media switchers (a la Extron ). I don't have much familiarity with them aside from what I've scanned in reading at AVSforum. But they do (and many other companies) make switchers and extenders, that transmit HDMI(audio and video) over Cat5. You should be able to couple this with touchpads or logitech harmony devices with an IR and RF set-up.

This set-up would be more expensive than just buying another box. But it would allow you to use other devices in a similar fashion in addition to hopefully preparing you for future gen consoles as well.

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Posted by TDswah

Member since Apr 2012

630 posts

Posted on 4/12/12 at 1:49 pm to T Ba Doe Tiger

I went with one of those Netgear Powerline setups. It takes your wall sockets and turns them into ethernet lines. I'm not sure how it converts home wiring but it works great. It's better than any wireless or bluetooth IMO. I have a router set up in my office with the base and the other part is in the living room connecting my TV, Xbox, Blue ray, and another small pc.

This could be an option you may want to look into.

Powerline Home setup Amazon

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Posted by jeffturnright

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2011

453 posts

Posted on 4/12/12 at 1:57 pm to TDswah

The possibility for failure and upkeep is growing exponentially with all of these routers, switches, etc that you are adding. Not to mention you may hook it all up and while in theory it should work it just doesnt and you spent all that money. I think they more than one x box is better. Link the xboxes maybe is an option, but not just using one xbox on 3 screens. I dont even see why you would prefer this. Its like the Direct TV thing thinking it is an advantage having all my tvs play the same channel.

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Posted by xXLSUXx