yes, i've heard of the bolt and string method.
OR, you can try what my coworker did. Pull out the baseboard and run the wires behind it. He "gouged" a space big enough for his svid cable, but you can also drill holes to fish the wire through. When you're done, put the baseboards back, w/ some paint retouching. That'll also save you the trouble of having to worry about studs.
You can also try raceways if you're not comfortable going into the walls. These can be painted. I got a set from Home Depot.
