I've never found a good way to manage cables, generally I tape them with masking tape or something. So about once a year I have a hideous mess of tangles cables...would cable ties be better? Does anyone make a cable management system, same idead as the ones for cables that're plugged in?
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how do you manage extra/loose computer and AV cables?
- Thread starter aerotive
- Start date
ballistic
Gawd
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2002
- Messages
- 742
I don't manage them, not with my current setup anyways.
When I move into my new house and get a good desk I will try to make my setup more eye catching.
I would try twist ties, zip ties maybe those velcro cord holders that I have seen (They let you open it up to add/remove cables)
When I move into my new house and get a good desk I will try to make my setup more eye catching.
I would try twist ties, zip ties maybe those velcro cord holders that I have seen (They let you open it up to add/remove cables)
Well, some general tips should be outlined to start.
Reducing the number of cables seems obvious enough, but I see many setups where the owner has not optimized as much as they could. For instance, some have used multiple USB hubs in several locations, where one hub could serve the same purpose and save on unnecessary cables.
Also, cables should be only as long as necessary. It's okay, in some instances, to use 6- and 12-inch cables instead of 1-meter cables and so on. Zip-tie the excess length neatly and away from the casual eye.
There are fancy cable management systems built into some furniture. This is definitely worth considering when buying new furniture, but one can make do with existing furniture. One possible alternative would be to buy adhesive zip-ties that mount to a flat surface. You can then gather up a bundle of cables and thread them through.
A word of wisdom: don't bundle analog audio and video cables closely alongside data and other cables. This produces an inductive effect that could affect sound and video quality. Ideally, you want analog (especially unshielded analog) cables to cross other cables at a 90 degree angle to minimize inductive effects and interference.
Reducing the number of cables seems obvious enough, but I see many setups where the owner has not optimized as much as they could. For instance, some have used multiple USB hubs in several locations, where one hub could serve the same purpose and save on unnecessary cables.
Also, cables should be only as long as necessary. It's okay, in some instances, to use 6- and 12-inch cables instead of 1-meter cables and so on. Zip-tie the excess length neatly and away from the casual eye.
There are fancy cable management systems built into some furniture. This is definitely worth considering when buying new furniture, but one can make do with existing furniture. One possible alternative would be to buy adhesive zip-ties that mount to a flat surface. You can then gather up a bundle of cables and thread them through.
A word of wisdom: don't bundle analog audio and video cables closely alongside data and other cables. This produces an inductive effect that could affect sound and video quality. Ideally, you want analog (especially unshielded analog) cables to cross other cables at a 90 degree angle to minimize inductive effects and interference.