pro-ton:
The reason for spec'ing termination boards and conduit is for that very reason. If you read the spec, you would see that fiber is there already. If some other wiring is to replace something that will be obsolete, then it may be run more easily using the conduit rather than snaking wires with no guide. This standard is designed to do as you have asked! From the DIY'er to the professional, this wiring standard can have any electronic equipment introduced to the home and that homeowner will be able to use it with no more problems than currently experienced. Just be careful of wishing technology a wide open environment. Remember, part of invention is IMPROVEMENT. If we reinvent the wheel each and every time, we lose momentum, materials, and position-the same as a chess game. Don't you want to win strong?

QQQ:
Do you know how long I've been in this industry? What's the largest project that I have ever completed? How can I verify your knowledge? Are you certified by anyone that is NOT a manufacturer? Hmmm, it seems that words alone cannot prove anything, but observation and questioning created Mt. Rushmore and skyscrapers.

The public, believe it or not, believes in the realtor, builder, and architect MORE than the 'AV guys', 'wiring guys', or 'automation guys' PERIOD! Why not give these industries some knowledge in a way that they can feel they're helping to dictate how technology is integrated into THEIR designs and products (we ARE on their turf. We have no purpose if there is no residence). I hardly believe there is an architect or builder on the planet that does not know what a home network or home automation system is. Luxury realtors go out of the way to list amenities such as automated lighting, camera surveillance, and home theater. If an architect can specify an HEQ and a series of KP locations instead of saying 'Lutron lighting system', can that help you when the homeowner calls for an install? I think so.

chardero:
Be quiet when grown folks are talking! Smart ass comments like that help no one! If you wish to keep this industry stagnant, do it on your own time! I'll bet you aren't even the type to apologize when proven wrong!

bob griffiths:
This wiring standard is put together to be INDEPENDENT of the equipment that will be installed on top of it. This standard does not show anyone how to specify equipment, this is still your show. So, preventing that scenario from happening is up to YOU, Mr. AV guy;) Wiring certification is just for the wiring. If you decide to install without this standard and its a good job, God bless you. The intent of this standard is first for nationwide acceptance, then worldwide adoption. If this standard meets its goal, how will your 'good install' fare?

And bob, you're not even close to being funny...

sirroundsound:
Expertise in high end- and ultra high end solutions is still for you to place on top of this standard. The basic design of this standard is to cover a certain group. That group does not include the super-picky, audiophiles, and videophiles. It is for the general public. After the public is satisfied with the quality of the install, it is your professional suggestion to do better. That kind of quality will not be supprtable by the public because not everyone wants or can afford such quality at once. And just becasue we deal with an affluent market on a daily basis, does not mean that they want to spend that kind of money all of the time. Many became affluent because of frugal habits, don't forget.

You do make an important point of power requirements, however, that I will have to add to the standard. Thank you for your response.

rhm9:
The same way we probably can't verify each other's education or background, you can only go but so far with convincing a builder or architect of anything. Most of them feel that they are at the forefront of their trade 80% of the time, so what good does you telling them that they should trust you or your profession do for them? (this is an actual question I got when I started making presentations) If we focus that trust on a larger body that builders and architects reference regularly, we have won half the battle!

If you believe that our industry should not standardize anything, then you are lost. The computer industry standardizes EVERYTHING and it changes faster than our small industry (try 1 offering per month) successfully. Everyone complains about the changes, but keeps up regardless. Wiring will probably not change simply because it is dependent upon the manufacturers' decisions on connectivity. Right now, such changes will cause too many ripples in the water. This is why Firewire hasn't caught on as it was toted to.