The project is almost complete. Host Fuad Reveiz guides us through the installation of speakers, infrared emitters (to allow one remote to control the entire wall of monitors) and a few finishing touches.On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being most difficult, this project rates a 2.
Materials:
2 x 4, 2 x 2 and 1 x stock lumber
Drywall
Drywall tape
Drywall mud
Locking slide bolts
Drywall screws
Interior trim
Caulk
Paint (flat black spray paint and the color of your choice for the wall)
TV monitors (3, in this example)
Flat panel monitor
Trowel
Pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Utility knife
Biscuit joiner
Compound miter saw
Circular saw
Drill
Framing square
Framing nailer
Trim nailer
Hole saw
Paint brush
Bucket
- To keep the drywall dust away from the monitors, Reveiz installs the speakers first. He first measures form the wall to get the horizontal placement of the two outermost speakers. Next, he measures down from the ceiling for the height.
- These speakers came with templates that allow Reveiz to trace the speaker shape onto the wall at the correct position (figure A). A drywall saw is used to cut the shapes (figure B).
- The speaker installation is pretty simple. First, Reveiz attaches the speaker wires, then inserts the speaker into the opening and tightens it into place. Special tabs keep the speaker positioned (figure C). Once the speaker is in place, the front grill is popped back onto the speaker.
- The TVs slide right into position. One thing Reveiz hadn't counted on: the base of the two upper monitors extends past the surrounding opening. Reveiz uses a rotary tool to remove the excess base on both monitors.
- To control all the TVs with one remote, you'll need to install tiny infrared emitters (figure D).
- Position frames around the upper monitors and nail into place (figure E).
- Slide the plasma screen back board into the opening and against the back stops (figure F). Strike the barrel bolts with a hammer to mark the frame, then drill a hole at each of the marks. Replace the back board and tap the bolts into the holes to secure. Add a few extra screws around the edges.
- Attack the bracket to the back board mount, then connect the cables and slide the plasma screen back into the opening.
The completion of this weekend project not only improved the look of the room by giving everything a dedicated space and recessed position, it will also let an avid sports fan sit back and enjoy several games at once!