I couldn't possibly add anything on the data/video/etc cable discussion, it is all far more than I would think of or have expertise in. Lots of good ideas.

Now here is my story. My new home, built 3 years ago, just before I bought it) has 2 runs of cat5 in every room, coax in every room (and two points in the larger rooms), wired speakers (a la MD) in most rooms, 2 video monitors for the front door, etc. No automation. All done by the builder. Despite that, I found it easier to use wireless for data than terminating any of the cat5. Shows you how lazy I am. One access point in the den covers 4 rooms with 4 computers on 3 levels. Hard to argue with that, in a 6000 sq ft house.

But my suggestion is, pay attention to power as much as data. Lots of outlets, lots of locations. Don't forget switched and unswitched outlets in multiple zones outdoors as well. I found prewired boxes for all the outdoor lighting, which I didn't know I had. I found power outlets in places I never would have looked (ie cupboards with coax and cat5 terminations) and really appreciate it.

One more thought: ensure that everything is labelled. I see lots of installlations where the documentation is non-existent. It doesn't have to be. All points should have some type of identifying label, data and power.

I wouldn't call it future-proofing (more like risk management), but I think a little effort in those two areas can go a long way, on top of all the other higher-tech considerations others have covered.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue