Wire Your Home Entertainment Center

Every system is a little different, but if you feel overwhelmed, here's a place to start.

Steps

Place the components, TV, LCD projector, computer, speakers, etc, where you want them. Don't worry yet about how to connect them.
Test length of power supply power strips and extension cords are very useful for allowing placement of equipment to work space
Label all of your cables
Plug in all the power cords into a power strip, but don't turn on the strip until you are all done.
Connect a few test cables for example: connect cable to TV
Test, adjust if required
Connect next set of cables and then test
Use the concept of 'signal path' to connect the necessary outs to ins. Cables are needed to give the signal a path to travel from one piece of equipment to another. Out of the antenna, in to the modem. Out of the DVD player, in to the TV. Out of the receiver, in to the speakers, etc.
Turn everything on.
Review and edit labels on the connections you've made.

You may want to turn equipment sideways on the shelves so you can get to the connections in the back.
Now, there's audio and there's video. They essentially connect the same way, but don't mix them up. RCA Video connections are often yellow, audio connections are often red and white, but newer systems can have more varieties. Typically you'll need to make sure the color you are plugging in to is the same for both ends of the cable.
- If all else fails, read the instructions.
- If possible, do not run any low voltage wires parallel within 1' of high voltage wires as this can adversely affect signal quality.
- Be mindful of trip zones and tape down or hide cables as much as possible.

Power cords can be an electrocution hazard, especially if they are worn or damaged. Be cautious and safe around electricity.