Starting the AV Journey

[parfour]

Hello Forum
a complete noob just starting out on my AV journey - so please bear with me.

Moved house and in process of redecorating every room - obviously a good time to run cable.....here is what i am thinking....

Lounge
* HD Movies
* TV - currently via virgin media box and 32' Sony LCD - looking to upgrade the tv
* Projector - future as funds allow
* xBox 360

Dining Room / Play Room
* TV
* Audio
* Movies

Bedrooms
* TV
* Audio
* PC/Internet - when kids grow up

So I am looking to future proof as much as possible with cables - even if they lie dormant for some time (as in the projector)

Already started and completed the dining room/play room in terms of decoration and have run 3 cables to a central location (2 cat 5 and 1 cat 6). Also fitted 2 ceiling speakers for audio into a squeezebox - fairly happy with the squeezes so far....

Next is lounge - so here are the questions...

1. looking to upgrade the tv and place in centre on a false chimney above a fire....looking for recommendations on the tv front please forums.....lounge is quite big - 29ft x 16ft
2. What cable runs do I need bearing in mind I will have TV/Virgin/XBox/Amp as sources.....
3. Want to have the whole sound experience so what would people recommend in the way of amp/speakers - not a huge budget and needs to satisfy the wife factor
4. What do i need in terms of IR blaster if i choose to locate sources in remote location
5. Obviously will be creating a false chimney - what considerations do i need (ventilation etc) do i need to incorporate given i will be having a balanced flue fire....
6. What in terms of cables do i need for the projector....

Audio currently is using the squeezeboxes and wondered if i should stick with these or move to a higher (more expensive) level.

Have been reading a lot around the forums and picked up some good tips.

[gareth_alien]

Welcome to the forums.

I can't help too much in terms of TVs, but the main point I would make is don't underestimate how much cat5/6 you could use. I'd say purchase a reel, some plugs and a crimping tool as many different parts of the build can be connected to a computer network or use network cable as a connection. For example, a long run of HDMI can be expensive, but a set of HDMI-network baluns can reduce the cost.

I do envy you doing an install from scratch, just remember to plan every contingency first.

Regards,
Gareth