CAT5 is simply a designation for a kind of wire typically used for computer networks. I don't know about FIOS but AT&T's Uverse can also use it to transmit a signal for television. COAX is a type of wire used for television transmission exclusively. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have COAX run to every room you're likely to have a television in and CAT5 to every room you are likely to have a television and/or a computer. Wireless networking (for computers) is just that - no wires. It's often called WiFi (pronounced Y-fi). The obvious advantage is that you don't have to run wires anywhere. The disadvantage is that it's often not quite as fast as a wired network. WiFi is less secure than a hard wired network and susceptible to interference.

yosemite bill - thanks for answering this in details. Wanted address your questions in kind. Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 While you're heading in the right direction, I would highly recommend talking with a reputable home audio/video installer first - not just a low voltage contractor - to help determine your needs. I really thought I was going the simplest route LOL! Dedicate video distribution to all the rooms & really audio to only one room. ********************************************************* Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 Running 2x2 cable right now is the minimum since products may require one CAT5e for signal distribution and the other for an internet connection. What about a wired internet connection for a computer in that room? What about some wired land-line telephone connections? The 2 RG6s should be OK though the inflexible quad-shielding coax is only used due to interference from the CAT5e's running along inside the cable jacket. Distributing video+data was really my main objective. But wire internet & phone are being taken cared of by wireless for the most part in most of the rooms. & if some1 really needs to plug in, they will have one of those CAT5e or maybe even the newer Cat6 wires. ********************************************************* Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 If you're planning whole house audio, you'll need another feed, maybe CAT5e (for line level distribution and control signals) or 16/4 (for speaker distribution) for that as well. I am unfamiliar with the term "16/4" - can you please explain? ********************************************************* Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 BTW 2x2 cable ran before the rock goes up for most construction is usually pretty good to work with, but sometimes it can also be a real bear to work with - talk to the person who will be installing it. Noted! ********************************************************* Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 Regarding your specific questions: 1) Depending on the video content you are attempting to stream from the NAS, I don't believe Synology is DLNA certified and may not be your best solution. NAS media streamers from companies such as Buffalo Technology may be a better option, especially if you're also trying to distribute auido streams such as iTunes. Like I said above, I am not locked into the appliances yet. It's more about getting the pipes ready for what will eventually come on down & you are helping me with all the talking points! ********************************************************* Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 2)Rather than centralizing all the equipment, which would also require cross point switching in the equipment rack, just put equipment such as Blu-Ray players in each room. I think my feeling on this has always been I'm trying to reach that Utopian ideal of centralization of the equipment to cut the clutter in each room but also fully knowing that it we are not there yet as enthusiasts & equipment makers & thus this could be very painful & costly! LOL! ********************************************************* Posted by yosemitebill (My Page) on Thu, Jul 19, 12 at 19:26 3)5.1 surround in the family room would be standard in-wall speaker wiring to the speakers - which if for home theater, the speakers should be in the walls - not the ceiling! But then maybe consider wiring for a 7.1 receiver with 2-zone capabilities so that you could send a separate source to the kitchen or patio areas. I.E. - 5.1 surround sound video playing in the family room and stereo music in the kitchen or on the patio. Great suggestion! However, due to budgetary constraints, I was going to overcome the remote audio to kitchen or patio by either putting in portable stereo or using something like an Apple Airport Express to stream music. Question: where does a receiver go in the entire scheme with a server? Does the receiver go through the server? or the server goes through the receiver? ********************************************************* Thanks again yosemitebill!!

"Can you explain the need for the additional Coax & CAT6? " Sure - if you already feel you may need one of each then you are simply providing a backup for future needs. Let's say you have a television with internet access built-in - you then have used one RG6 and one Ethernet connection. Now, you want to add a Blu-Ray player to the television, which also requires an Ethernet connection for BD-Live, the ever so often required connection for firmware updates, or streaming media - now you need another network connection. Let's say you want to distribute an HDMI signal from another location - you can do passive over two network cables using baluns or active over one network cable using a mod/demod solution. Either way, you've lost at least one network cable. Want to add line level audio distribution over CAT5e to each room - you need one of your CAT5e cables. Want to add your surveillance cameras? You can use CAT5e with baluns or RG6 with a local power supply. Want to add a terrestrial antenna feed, as well as cable/satellite? You'll need a second RG59/6 feed. The cables have become very inexpensive, the labor is really the same, so just run it to excess. I certainly agree with brickeyee's suggestion of smurf tube and it makes things much easier for additional cable drops. I'm not sure about tjdabomb running VGA cables - it is basically very antiquated for signal distribution and does not carry any audio or display protocol information - maybe what he meant to say way HDMI?

WHile you're pulling the regular RG6 (coax for standard def) why not run the cat 5 (well go cat 6) and the HD cable too? The outlay for the cable itself will be not that big, compared to the future benefits. You just need a standard wall plate for now, tuck the other cables in behind it. According to electrical regs, you shouldn't run the cable between the same two studs as any power cables.