Get quotes from local structured wiring companies (they're usually security installers) to find out local rates.

The closet sounds good, but put all that equipment in a small space, and things start to overheat. Beware.

You will find all you need to know (and a lot more) at the AVS Forum. Lots of knowledgeable folks there.

Here is a link that might be useful: AV Science Forum

Thanks for the link to that site. I am going to check it out. Has anyone else designed their home this way? I am trying to weigh the pros and cons. Thanks!!!

We didn't do this but my BIL did something like it. He created a spot in the pantry for the stereo receiver and CD player and ran speaker wire behind the drywall to hook up to the receiver. This was an easy DIY project while the house was still under construction. They have speakers located throughout the house which can be turned on or off depending on where they want to listen. His wife is very happy with it. They don't have a full blown media center in there, just the audio. I wish we had done it.

We did the same thing. I didn't actually put the audio components themselves in the closet, but I did put in a structured wiring box which houses all our network connections, telephone, cable and whole house audio system. The audio components themselves (e.g. MP3 player, Satellite radio, CD player) can be input from several locations in the house (e.g. the TV room, the kitchen, etc). What so you think the chances are I will be able to decipher these connections when it is finally time to install everything? ;-)

A fine tipped permanent marker can be used to label (or number) those cables. Of course, it's easier if you do it as you pull them, instead of after they have been pulled . :-)

You can also get a wire tester for $50 to figure it out.

As for cost, if you have someone do it, costs are going to be everywhere, but a "typical" cost is $100 per "drop", which is an outlet for phone, data, or tv. That includes wire, jacks at either end, and maybe a patch panel and splitter for the catv. That will vary a lot depending on whether walls are "open" (i.e., no drywall up) or not and the size of the house, because wire isn't cheap. And if you put lots of jacks in one location that can save something (e.g., at each location you have one phone, one data, one catv).

I'm just kidding... They are all labeled at both ends, both on the cable and with on an attached piece of tape. I also have a tone probe that I used to verify the runs before we closed everything up. It's just been so long since I did all the pulls (I remember lots of FREEZING evenings) that it seems unlikely the project will ever be finished. ;-)

If it's been a LOOOONG time and you used masking tape, you may have "fun" getting it off.

Nothing like coming behind someone who used masking tape and pencil years in the past. The pencil writing is no longer legible, and you need solvent to clean the tape residue off of the cables. Grrrr.

Sorry, just venting a little.

We wired to the closet..

Basically it has 11 High Def TV locations, 12 rooms of audio, hardwired lighting control system, networking, and phones all wired to a closet. It will all be installed in a rack. There is also conduit ran for future wire..

Thanks for the info and the pic, Ericstac. That is very helpful!