Browse Forums Home Theatre & Automation Re: Do l really need Starserve? 5Feb 28, 2009 11:07 am l have already read the other threads....which still left me unsure....and to be honest l couldn't understand half the stuff people were talking about
Ok, so from the replies, l gather that Starserve is not absolutely necessary, but l do need to at least wire all my stuff to a central location yeah? I really don't want tv quality/reception to be compromised and one is saying use splitters (whatever they are ) and the other says that splitters won't do the job properly, and WBA says just to use an amp....l'm confused I think l may go and vist my BIL again this weekend and get him to explain all this stuff to me again. Thanks guys for taking the time to comment Re: Do l really need Starserve? 6Feb 28, 2009 12:13 pm most installs i've seen are done into places that arn't usually seen by visitors in new houses..ie like into the Garage right near the NTD.
as for network points in bedrooms at least 2 data sockets in each room. as VOIP comes the standard of making calls, so then you can have a "PC" a VOIP handset installed at the same time and as POE is the best way to power them you have killed two birds with one cable..... a small 4RU or 6RU rack with a lockable door at least 1 patch panel, 24port POE switch (they only come in 24 or 48way), 1 shelf to put the modem/ router or a Billion BiPAC 7404VNPX VOIP/802.11n/Gigabit/ 3G/ADSL2+ Firewall Router with PSTN fixed line support http://au.billion.com/product/voip/bipac7404vnpx.php this unit has removable antennas which means you could get soem cable ran into the roof space and have "better" antennas installed to increased coverage and at most 3 data sockets along with TV sockets in areas you "might" put a TV. esp with all the moderm generation of consles wanting to be online some how may as well run a cable. TV distro amps are the best way to ensure good signal to multy TV's.... i really can't wait to build my own place and will gladly tell the "builder" to butt out of the networking/ TV side of the build 1. they charge too much hence when people want to retro fits they arn't keen on paying what their friends did on a new build... 2. Data/ TV cabling should be left to the experts Kodiak Data Cabling onFaceBook Consult*, Design and Installation Data, TV, Home Theatre/ AV Cabling, Multi Room Audio, IP CCTV and Door Intercoms Ask for a Quote. *DIY DATA Cabling Is Ilegal Re: Do l really need Starserve? 7Feb 28, 2009 6:01 pm ^^ Builders just hire sub contracting sparkies to do the cabling. As long as they draw the cabling map properly the job will be done by experts.
And you dont need a PoE switch, total waste of money for most home setups. Just use power bricks on your phones and pocket the hundreds-thousands extra you would pay for a PoE switch just to save a couple of power packs. As for the patch panel about 6u sounds right, one for a patch panel (24 points, if you want over that then 2u for 28 points). 1u for the modem/router 1u for the switch 1u for ATA possibly (would fit with the router though, or get a router with ATA ports) So thats 4-5, so 6 is about right for future growth. We have decided on base plan ATM, so looking into the best place to put that gear. As there are only two of us ATM a bedroom (4br) seems like a good place, but then it probably wont always be a bedroom. The theatre room is another, but really I want to avoid that sort of noisy gear in there. As its 4 bed, we dont plan on 3 kids, it can be patched to the wardrobe, etc. I think it will end up in the 4th bedroom, just so its at a good but out of the way area. Probably a larger rack for me though as Ill end up putting 1-2 servers in there, two routers probably, etc. But Im a total geek, my PC is the size of a small horse, so Im the exception and far from the rule there.` Re: Do l really need Starserve? 8Mar 01, 2009 7:00 am Hellman,
I think Pugs meant the builders sparkies aren't data cablers. Sparkies generally know about the little blue cables and keep them away from power but they don't really know what they are doing fully unless they do it all the time. As most builders sparkies concentrate on domestic rough ins and fit outs, they don't do much on the proper data side. I'm on the same page as Kiwi. I see starserve as a good way to "network" a house without going overboard yet as room to expand. It may not be right up there with the HDTV stuff, but as I have said before, do you need HDTV to every room? I wouldn't be putting a cabinet in a house but thats my opinion. They need to be mounted very well (not just wall anchored to gyprock) and are the size of a microwave! Fair enough if you have a lot of gear but, fair crack of the whip here folks, a 24 port switch!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! who needs 24 ports??!?!?!?! who has 24 PC's or network devices? So thorney. You are at a point where you could use a Starserve system to make it all look pretty and combined or go for separate tv/network and save some cash (maybe). You are smart in the phone system. Cordless with extra handsets. A central filter will take away all those ADSL filters hanging around. it can be installed at the incoming point or at a starserve cabinet. With technology advancing towards everything being IP based (over the net), one cat5 or cat6 to each room would suffice. Wireless is getting better so even if you don't use the cat5, you have a draw wire to pull in new cables later. I have two cat5's and a tv point in all the rooms and don't use it at all! The handiest thing about starserve I have used is the CCTV on all my TV's. I would recommend it but its a personal thing. Has anyone got it and thought later, wish they didn't or didn't do it initially and regretted it later? What you should do is ask non-tech heads what they think. I have installed starserve in one friends house who wonders why they did it. They don't use all the features and because it is an non-active system, they forget its there and think its a waste of money. Licenced Sparky and Data Cabler If "The Data Guys" is too long to type, TDG will do. Re: Do l really need Starserve? 9Mar 01, 2009 8:12 am The Data Guys I have installed starserve in one friends house who wonders why they did it. They don't use all the features and because it is an non-active system, they forget its there and think its a waste of money. This is exactly what I'm concerend about. I currently use wireless with my laptop and desktop. I only have a wired connection running on the floor from where the Optus modem/router to my Xbox360. I'm using a wire because the wireless adapters can not handle DVDRip movies I don't have Foxtel, and no Satellite dish. The only thing I need now is 2 TV points (one at the Rumpus and one at the Family Room), and three phone points (1 at the Rumpus to be used as the incoming ADSL signal, 1 at the kitchen, and 1 at the master bedroom). The question is, would it be cheaper to install the StarServe system later on ? (single storey home). I might as well use the money allocated for the Starserve on the downlights Re: Do l really need Starserve? 10Mar 01, 2009 8:43 am iTalk The question is, would it be cheaper to install the StarServe system later on ? (single storey home). I might as well use the money allocated for the Starserve on the downlights If you don't get it installed now, I guessing you'll never get it installed. Please don't take my comments as a criticism but your reasoning, which is fully valid by the way, is all about the WOW factor. I.e. spend $5k on the new TV, and $500 on the new audio system. We all have budget constraints, and anyone that has ever built or in fact owned a home will know full well the expenses don’t stop when you get handed the keys. So if the downlights are a more important feature for you at this point in time then go for it. Re: Do l really need Starserve? 11Mar 01, 2009 9:07 am kiwi056 Please don't take my comments as a criticism but your reasoning, which is fully valid by the way, is all about the WOW factor. I.e. spend $5k on the new TV, and $500 on the new audio system. Non taken. It's not about the WOW factor, it's more about future assurances. I recently started asking myself, do I really need the Starserve system ? I'm quite happy with my current cheap setup, so when I get Foxtel or a satellite dish, then I'd start thinking about it. You never know, by that time, Clipsal might come up with some method of transferring HD signals over the existing cables. Re: Do l really need Starserve? 12Mar 01, 2009 9:33 am iTalk kiwi056 Please don't take my comments as a criticism but your reasoning, which is fully valid by the way, is all about the WOW factor. I.e. spend $5k on the new TV, and $500 on the new audio system. Non taken. It's not about the WOW factor, it's more about future assurances. I recently started asking myself, do I really need the Starserve system ? I'm quite happy with my current cheap setup, so when I get Foxtel or a satellite dish, then I'd start thinking about it. You never know, by that time, Clipsal might come up with some method of transferring HD signals over the existing cables. It’s also about priorities and lifestyle, if what you currently have does the job you need it to do then why change, this I agree with 100%. I bought a PVR last week to record TV programs I keep missing out on watching during the week, as a bonus it also allows the streaming of video, this now gives me a third streaming device, i.e. now I can watch streamed video both HD and SD content from my HT server via LAN on three different systems without interfering with what others want to watch. BTW my WOW comment was based on the consideration of redirecting funds from basically a hidden/non descript product to a visual one, hence the use of the TV/audio analogy (probably not a good one to use). Re: Do l really need Starserve? 13Mar 01, 2009 10:14 pm The Data Guys So thorney. You are at a point where you could use a Starserve system to make it all look pretty and combined or go for separate tv/network and save some cash (maybe). You are smart in the phone system. Cordless with extra handsets. A central filter will take away all those ADSL filters hanging around. it can be installed at the incoming point or at a starserve cabinet. With technology advancing towards everything being IP based (over the net), one cat5 or cat6 to each room would suffice. Wireless is getting better so even if you don't use the cat5, you have a draw wire to pull in new cables later. I have two cat5's and a tv point in all the rooms and don't use it at all! The handiest thing about starserve I have used is the CCTV on all my TV's. I would recommend it but its a personal thing. Has anyone got it and thought later, wish they didn't or didn't do it initially and regretted it later? What you should do is ask non-tech heads what they think. I have installed starserve in one friends house who wonders why they did it. They don't use all the features and because it is an non-active system, they forget its there and think its a waste of money. Thanks TDG, My BIL came around tonight to discuss the electricals...and we are getting Starserve now. He got a fantastic deal on it and we would've been crazy not to take advantage of it Coincedently, he also said almost exact what you said about the technology heading IP based and the Cat 5 & 6 cables. Oh and also about the CCTV on all tv's too... I'm feeling much better about Starserve....must admit that the price played a huge hand, but after learning more about it and what it could do, now and in the future, l'm convinced that it will be money well spent. Thanks TDG.....your post really helped ...mainly because l don't believe in coincidences Re: Do l really need Starserve? 14Mar 01, 2009 11:17 pm The Data Guys Hellman, Fair enough if you have a lot of gear but, fair crack of the whip here folks, a 24 port switch!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! who needs 24 ports??!?!?!?! who has 24 PC's or network devices? Let's see: Media computer (records and streams TV and audio) A3 laser printer Inkjet colour printer Scanner Work computer Web server Linux box 3 boys + wife = 4 desktops Now that's 10 ports already. When any of our boys holds a LAN party, they invite a variable number of friends along, each bringing their own computer. I think around 8 or so extra computers have been placed on the network. Who needs a 24 port switch? We've got one - and it's used! Re: Do l really need Starserve? 15Mar 01, 2009 11:37 pm I'm not sure that I'd want to lock myself into a proprietary system.
Don't forget that CAT 5e cables can also handle telephone. A thread on www.slashdot.org, a web site for nerds, on a similar topic, has convinced me that installing conduit is the way to go, as this is more future proof than a proprietary system. To start, CAT 5e cable can be run through the conduit. With audio capable computers already in most rooms of the house, I'm not convinced that we need something like StarServe. Everyone wants different music, and if I want multiple rooms to be playing the same audio, I can stream the audio over the computer network. I am able to stream live TV from our media computer and control channels etc with free software (e.g. VCL). Re: Do l really need Starserve? 16Mar 02, 2009 7:43 am Fiffaro I'm not sure that I'd want to lock myself into a proprietary system. Don't forget that CAT 5e cables can also handle telephone. A thread on www.slashdot.org, a web site for nerds, on a similar topic, has convinced me that installing conduit is the way to go, as this is more future proof than a proprietary system. To start, CAT 5e cable can be run through the conduit. With audio capable computers already in most rooms of the house, I'm not convinced that we need something like StarServe. Everyone wants different music, and if I want multiple rooms to be playing the same audio, I can stream the audio over the computer network. I am able to stream live TV from our media computer and control channels etc with free software (e.g. VCL). Any chance you can give us a link to the thread? Having trouble finding it. I'm in the same boat, trying to figure out how to wire up the house. Is it absolutely impossible to do wiring without ripping the place to pieces in a double storey if you need to do some later on? I've got a family of sparkies including one who has wired his whole house with starserve and cbus so there's definitely someone experienced there. My thoughts are that I'll just get the place wired up with cat5e through to a patch panel with my phone line running directly to it so i can switch ports to telephone wherever i need it. For video, I'll just run HDMI cables or something between the HT and upstairs lounge / master bedroom. I'll also get the main open plan area and alfresco wired for audio through to the HT. Maybe infrered repeaterto one open spot in the open plan area and one each to the upstairs lounge and master bedroom for control of the tv/receiver. Stevep79 & Principessa Finished building Wisdom Homes Impression 33mkII in The Ponds, Sydney http://lilypadintheponds.blogspot.com Re: Do l really need Starserve? 17Mar 02, 2009 9:00 am stevep79 Fiffaro I'm not sure that I'd want to lock myself into a proprietary system. Don't forget that CAT 5e cables can also handle telephone. A thread on www.slashdot.org, a web site for nerds, on a similar topic, has convinced me that installing conduit is the way to go, as this is more future proof than a proprietary system. To start, CAT 5e cable can be run through the conduit. With audio capable computers already in most rooms of the house, I'm not convinced that we need something like StarServe. Everyone wants different music, and if I want multiple rooms to be playing the same audio, I can stream the audio over the computer network. I am able to stream live TV from our media computer and control channels etc with free software (e.g. VCL). Any chance you can give us a link to the thread? Having trouble finding it. I'm in the same boat, trying to figure out how to wire up the house. Is it absolutely impossible to do wiring without ripping the place to pieces in a double storey if you need to do some later on? I've got a family of sparkies including one who has wired his whole house with starserve and cbus so there's definitely someone experienced there. My thoughts are that I'll just get the place wired up with cat5e through to a patch panel with my phone line running directly to it so i can switch ports to telephone wherever i need it. For video, I'll just run HDMI cables or something between the HT and upstairs lounge / master bedroom. I'll also get the main open plan area and alfresco wired for audio through to the HT. Maybe infrered repeaterto one open spot in the open plan area and one each to the upstairs lounge and master bedroom for control of the tv/receiver. I get the feeling many are missing the point. If you’re going to have your house wired up with LAN cables then one end of these cables need to be terminated at a common point. 1. You can just have the cables hanging out the wall and terminated whatever way you see fit, and have any associated hardware laying anywhere it will fit. 2. You can use six gang plates with RJ45 sockets installed as the point of termination, likewise the patch leads will be on show and any associated hardware will need to be put somewhere. 3. You can install a data cabinet and have all your points terminated in the cabinet along with any hardware all out of sight. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 4. Or you can install a flush cabinet with all your data points terminated, have any hardware installed all out of sight. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Now 1 & 2 options you can also have your RG6 cables terminated also, again quite messy, but from some peoples comments I’ve read in some posts, they’re happy with this. Or if you use option 3 or 4 then your RG6 cables can also be terminated in a nice tidy manner out of sight. Remember this is your house, and you can have it setup whatever way you see fit, myself I prefer neat and tidy in a nondescript out of sight cabinet. I’ve seen full height data cabinets installed into a recess with rear access via another room also work well, albeit expensive, I’ve also seen one set into a HT room with the shelves used to accommodate the equipment and it works a treat, also being set into a custom recess reduces the industrial look. There is no hard and fast rule, do whatever you feel is right for you! Re: Do l really need Starserve? 18Mar 04, 2009 10:05 pm stevep79 Any chance you can give us a link to the thread? Having trouble finding it. I'm in the same boat, trying to figure out how to wire up the house. Sorry, the link should have been slashdot.org This time I tested before posting. The link to the main thread on wiring is: http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/03/12/229231 I hope this helps. do not pay until you are satisfied with workmanship windows require flashing over the head archithrave and up under weatherboards 3 28319 Hello It is good to have a planned bathroom reno to suit your budget and design, living for 10 years I think you need a bathtub 4 10410 Looking to start the journey of becoming an owner builder in SA. Feeling pretty (overly) confident on the building and construction details, but really struggling to find… 0 8471 |