Whether you're setting up a classroom, boardroom, training suite, or home cinema, properly wiring your AV install is one of the most important steps in achieving a clean, reliable, and future-ready system. Poor planning can lead to signal loss, tangled messes, constant troubleshooting - or worse, expensive rework.
In this guide, we break down the key steps and considerations to wire your AV install like a pro from planning cable routes and selecting the right cable types to long-term maintenance.
Start with a Plan: Define the AV Layout
Before you run a single cable, you need a clear AV plan. Ask yourself:
- What devices will be connected? (e.g. projector, TV, speakers, microphones, cameras)
- Where will they be located in the room?
- How many inputs & outputs are required?
- Will this room support hybrid meetings, presentations, or video conferencing?
- Is there existing infrastructure (e.g. cable trays, wall conduits, floor boxes)?
Sketch a simple room layout diagram with cable runs and connection points. This will help determine what kind of cabling you'll need, where it needs to go, and whether you need wall plates, trunking, or in-wall AV boxes.
Choose the Right Cables
Choosing the correct cables is essential to avoid signal degradation, latency, or device incompatibility.
Common AV Cables:
- HDMI – For video & audio signals to displays and projectors - remember not all HDMI cables are built the same! Ensure the HDMI specification matches the quality of signal you want to transmit (especially ARC / eARC)
- Cat6/Cat6a/Cat7 Ethernet – For networked AV (HDBaseT), PoE devices, control systems, and internet access.
- Audio (3.5mm, RCA, XLR, Optical) – For speakers, soundbars, amplifiers, and audio interfaces.
- USB (A/B/C) – For touch screens, webcams, microphones, and BYOD systems.
- Power cables – Ensure every device has proper electrical access with surge protection.
Pro Tip: For longer video runs, use HDBaseT extenders, Fibre Optic HDMI for Wireless Adapters for 10m+ distances.
Cable Management & Routing
Well-organised cabling isn’t just about appearance, it improves airflow, reduces interference, and simplifies troubleshooting.
Best Practices:
- Use conduit or trunking: Ideal for running cables behind walls, under floors, or across ceilings.
- Label everything: Use heat shrink or Velcro tags to identify inputs/outputs and devices.
- Avoid signal interference: Keep data/video cables away from electrical wiring to avoid cross-talk or EMI.
- Allow extra slack: Leave a small loop for future repositioning or service access.
- Plan for hidden routing where possible: inside furniture, wall voids, or via cable raceways to keep the room clean and professional.
Connectivity for BYOD & Control
Modern meeting rooms are increasingly used with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and wireless presentation systems. Ensure your wiring supports:
- USB-C & HDMI inputs for laptops
- Network cabling for wireless dongles, access points, and AV-over-IP/HDBaseT
- Touchscreen connectivity via either USB-C or USB-A with HDMI
- Control systems (Crestron, Extron, etc.) for unified AV management
Don’t forget to wire in network access for firmware updates and remote diagnostics.
Splitters, Switches, and Matrices
These are vital for installations where you need the same image across multiple displays, multiple sources plugged into a display, or a combination of the 2.
- Splitter - Take 1-2 input sources (e.g. Sky Box & games console) and duplicate that signal across multiple displays. These typically come with either 2, 4, or 8 outputs.
- Switch - Take multiple input sources and send to a single display, with the ability to change the input source via the switch.
- Matrix - For when you need multiple input sources and multiple displays. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to show the same or different images across multiple displays at the same time.
Testing & Commissioning
Once everything is wired:
- Test every cable
- Connect and configure devices in the correct sequence
- Check for latency, signal drops, or resolution mismatches
- Label cables and ports clearly
- Also ensure remote controls, software, or automation systems are communicating properly across the network
Did you know we also do installations? Call our team now on 01256 882629 for a quote or to discuss your own installation.
