Cutting the cable, lets talk options and media setups

Awesome, I'm sold. Thanks a lot. I definitely wouldn't mind picking your brain for ideas once my house is closer to being finished, regarding must-have drops, which items, software, etc. Everything is dropping to the server/media room/closet, including direct tv boxes, receivers, etc, and the goal is to just have the TV's hanging on the walls. I'm just researching the best software setups I'd like to use now, and what I will need in the form of lights, switches, cameras, etc to get it working. I have 2 fairly beefy servers that I already use, so horsepower and storage space is covered. I would just rather stay open source, and Linux where ever possible.

Sure, feel free. I definitely learned a lot and there are a few things I would do differently. I will say that the DTV genie system is really nice (although this probably isn't the thread to discuss that :hihi: ), although you are limited as to how many boxes you can have (4 total). You will want to run homerun RG6 for both the DTV and cable internet installers. It made both installations super easy that they didn't have to wire into the house.