QQQ, I also design and program systems of this scale and always stress the importance of a solid wiring infrastructure. In large scale broadcast and production facilities I have worked on there is no expense spared when it comes to cabling. Adjust your budget with equipment choices that are easier to change later than the wiring.

Here is a quick story. I worked on a large communications NOC where they skimped on BNC connectors to save money since there where about 3000 of them on the job. They had to pay the union electricians to re-terminate when the cheapo connectors where failing left and right during testing! So besides the labor to re-terminate there was extensive overtime in order to complete the job on time. I don't think the integrator made a dime on that one.

I stopped drinking D&D coffee at the beginning of this year. Instead I brew my own and save big $$.