A HOME THEATER NETWORK consists of HOME automation, home THEATER and home NETWORK systems. Connecting a Home Theater Network can be confusing. Cables seem to go everywhere with different types of inputs/outputs such as HDMI, DVI, digital coaxial, fiber optic, USB, firewire, S-Video, component, VGA, and many more. A block diagram is provided below to make connecting home theater networks easier. You can also click on the home theater network equipment in the block diagram to get "what to look for" and "how to connect" information.

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Home Theater Network Examples

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Home Theater Network Tips

Home Theater Networks are no longer just for the upper class. Prices have dropped substantially over the past few years to make quality HDTVs, wireless routers, receivers with distributed audio , computers, speakers, and other HTN equipment affordable.
The numerous wires and cables in the block diagram above may seem overwhelming, but keep in mind that most of the connections are repetitive.
The block diagram above shows the extreme side of a home theater network. Taking bits and pieces out of the block diagram should give you a good starting point, and give you ideas on how to efficiently connect your home theater network.
See the video, audio, and data connections sections for detailed information on which cables carry the highest quality signals.
Cable adaptors such as a DVI to HDMI or S-Video cable adaptor can be used to connect different types of cables together.
As shown in the Master Bedroom (Zone 2) example, you may use your HDTV for video/audio switching if you do not have a receiver. You may also connect the audio output from the HDTV to a stereo for a higher quality sound.
It is recommend to use Ethernet wires whenever possible to network your HTN equipment. Ethernet wires are more dependable and secure then its wireless or powerline networking counterparts. Use wireless or powerline networking when running wires is not feasible.
If you are planning on doing any remodeling, think about running some audio, video, or data cables. For example, you can run cables on the floor behind the baseboards if you also remove the baseboards while redoing any flooring.
Keep audio, video and data cables away from power cables. The AC frequency from a power cable can induce noise onto your audio, video, or data cable if they are placed close together.
The distributed video from the receiver in the family room (Zone 1) to the TV in the master bedroom (Zone 2) can be very useful in circumstances such as wanting to finish a movie in bed that you initially started to watch in the family room.
Standard DVDs can be upscaled to high definition resolution. The video quality won’t be at the same level as Blu–ray or HD DVD, but it will beat standard definition video. See this upscaling section for more information.

It is possible to get HD broadcasts through Over-The-Air (OTA) signals instead of using a cable or satellite box. This method requires an antenna, and either an external tuner or a built-in tuner inside your HDTV. You can also attach an antenna to a HD capture card inside your HTPC in order to create your own DVR.
It is possible to control your receiver through some software on a computer. Your receiver would have to be connected with a USB, Ethernet, or serial cable depending on the manufacturer
If your receiver has enough HDMI inputs, then a HDMI switcher won’t be necessary. Be aware that some HDMI equipped cable boxes and DVD players are having trouble passing their signals through receivers. This is because of the HDCP encryption standards and some software settings not allowing the use of HDMI repeaters.
If your HDTV has a VGA interconnect, then you might want to connect your HTPC straight to the VGA port instead of the receiver. This will help solve any video scaling issues that may arise.
The block diagram above shows a generic cable/DSL modem connected through a cable line. A telephone line would have to be used if you are using a DSL modem.
Networking appliances are gaining popularity, but the choices are still limited. Make sure your networking appliance uses common networking standards, and doesn’t force you to buy all your appliances from a single manufacture.
Even though most of the signals are low voltage and have specific interconnects, always be careful when connecting your home theater network equipment and note that hometheaternetwork.com and its partners are not liable for any damages. Make sure to read your HTN’s equipment manual.
Check how your cable lines are connected in your house if you are using "cable" for TV or broadband purposes. Older houses designed in the pre-internet days could be wired incorrectly, which could slow down your internet and effect video quality. The cable modem should be connected as close as possible to the main "cable" input to the house. To increase performance:

The amount of splitters should be reduced.
RG-6 cables should be used over RG-59.
Connectors should not be corroded.

See the following sections for more Tips:

Connection Diagram	Home Theater Network


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