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My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

#1
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12/16/06 at 11:27am
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57
Well it took almost 6 months of evenings and weekends to complete this project. I would come home after work and put in about 2 hrs a night. I had to re-do all the electrical, heating and plumbing to open up this room for the home theater.

The furnace and hot water tanks had to be removed and relocated. I replaced them with new hi-efficiency units which are smaller and quieter. The heating ducts had to be relocated as well especially since I didn't want a low ceiling height. The best I could do was put the ducts on either side of the room and raise the center of the ceiling. All the walls are insulated with sound proof batting and acoustic tiles were used for the ceiling. It's amazing how it sounds like a club in the basement and you can barely hear it on the main floor.

Two large french doors on either side open up the room when not in use. All stereo components are housed in a separate closet and only the center channel speaker is visible. Everything including the lighting is operated via a single RF remote control. I built a channel between the screen and the speakers to allow for black velvet drapes which are hidden when open.

After a lot of research, I went with a Da-Lite Cinema Contour high contrast screen. It's exactly 8 ft wide (110") with a black velvet frame. My projector is a Sony VPL-VW50, the new 1080p model which retails at about $6000 and provides an unbelieveable picture with the new HD-A2 hi-def player. Even at 18ft away, it almost looks like a nice bright TV screen, not a washed out projector image. It's actually funny to see the expression on people's face when they see the image...it's jaw dropping great! Not to mention the amazing sound...true dolby 5.1 digital.

As you can see, this room came a long way...

















HERE ARE SOME ACTUAL SCREEN SHOTS...
These pics were taken with a digital camera about 18ft away from the screen! The pics have not been edited in any way. The color, contrast and clarity is amazing.









Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#2
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12/16/06 at 6:52pm
  • Joined: November 2006
  • Post Count: 54

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

everything looks great, real real nice job,great colors, some day i'll have a dedicated HT room,
what size is the room? and what type of seating are you doing, 1 or 2 rows?
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#3
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12/17/06 at 1:13pm
  • Joined: March 2000
  • Post Count: 3,817

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Great job!! Nice symmetrical look. You've got me thinking of relocating some of my ductwork. Hmmmm...
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#4
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12/17/06 at 3:34pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrjvelazquez
everything looks great, real real nice job,great colors, some day i'll have a dedicated HT room,
what size is the room? and what type of seating are you doing, 1 or 2 rows?

The room is approx. 16x24ft. I am doing only one row of 4 seats.

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#5
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12/21/06 at 7:07am
  • Joined: January 2006
  • Location: Palmdale, CA
  • Post Count: 130

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

I love that look....very clean and simple Home Theater...not all gotti
Excellent job.

RayJr
Serving the Greater Los Angeles Area
Denon CI Certified - Certified Audyssey Installer

My Home Theater
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#6
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12/21/06 at 8:36am
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 3

Sony Projector

great theater, looks awesome! Just wondering what you thought of the 1080p projector and if its worth the extra money instead of buying a 720p and how they compare.
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#7
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12/21/06 at 8:08pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: Sony Projector

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparty02
great theater, looks awesome! Just wondering what you thought of the 1080p projector and if its worth the extra money instead of buying a 720p and how they compare.

I can't say enough good things about this projector. I did a lot of research on 1080p projectors within $10K and this model ranks among the top 5. There's a couple of indepth reviews online. I also looked at the Sony VPL-VW100 which is over $10K but it is difficult to justify the price difference when you look at the picture they both display. You can't beat beat the VW50 for what it has to offer. It was easy to setup and all functions power including lens shift and focus are done via remote. Also has 2 HDMI inputs among other features.

If you plan on getting a HD DVD player, you will see the results. If however you plan on using it for satellite or regular DVD's the difference between 780p and 1080p may not be that apparent. Obviously your source has a lot to do with the picture quality. There's no doubt you'll pay more for the 1080p but it's definitely worth it!

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#8
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12/27/06 at 6:50pm
  • Joined: February 2002
  • Post Count: 25

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

How far do you intend on sitting away from your screen?

Scott

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#9
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12/27/06 at 9:09pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Andrews
How far do you intend on sitting away from your screen?

I plan on putting the seats at approx. 18ft away from the screen. This should also give me about a 6ft distance from the rear wall and enough clearance to swing open the rear doors.

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#10
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12/29/06 at 11:30am
  • Joined: August 2004
  • Location: Central PA
  • Post Count: 227

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Very well done! and I'm sure very fulfilling. As I always say, "Make sure you find time to enjoy it!"

David
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#11
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12/29/06 at 7:28pm
  • Joined: December 2006
  • Post Count: 2

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

sweet!! i wan't to be you when i grow up....what i want to know is how did
you convince your wife to let you go ahead with such a large investment.Im still trying.
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#12
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12/30/06 at 2:38pm
  • Joined: April 2004
  • Post Count: 33

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

That looks really nice.

I'm in the midst of getting my home theater finished and ours looks kinda close.

Great job on this. Ain't it worth it?

AKA ¦§¦ScoobySnak¦§¦

~wacked on scooby snacks~

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#13
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1/6/07 at 12:03pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug65
sweet!! i wan't to be you when i grow up....what i want to know is how did
you convince your wife to let you go ahead with such a large investment.Im still trying.

The trick is to do it in stages! Obviously I didn't have the cash to go out and buy everything in a day, or hire a contractor to build the basement right away. I told her from day one that I'm putting in the time & effort to build the basement myself and the only thing I had done was the carpeting. I made it clear that what I save in contractor costs will be put towards my equipment.

I got what I wanted (My HT room) and she got what she wanted (Work out room, guest room and more storage space.) She was okay with that and even paid for my custom ordered HT seats! We now have a great basement and she's proud of the work I put into it. She's always showing off the basement when her friends are over...

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#14
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1/6/07 at 6:14pm
  • Joined: February 2004
  • Location: Buffalo, ny
  • Post Count: 1,204

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

What is the name of that paint color?
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#15
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1/7/07 at 7:53pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimi C
What is the name of that paint color?

Benjamin Moore HC-85. I painted my basement different shades of taupe and this is a beautiful color especially for the HT room.

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#16
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1/8/07 at 1:57am
  • Joined: April 2004
  • Post Count: 33

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

How did u get your digital pics of what's on screen to come out so nicely? I've taken pics & they've come out horrible. Wrong settings I'm guessing...

AKA ¦§¦ScoobySnak¦§¦

~wacked on scooby snacks~

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#17
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1/8/07 at 6:31am
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottBA
How did u get your digital pics of what's on screen to come out so nicely? I've taken pics & they've come out horrible. Wrong settings I'm guessing...

First PAUSE the onscreen video to prevent motion blurr.
Secondly hold your camera VERY still or use a tripod stand.
You will have to play with the shutter settings on your camera to get an ideal picture, or set it to night mode...

I used a digital SLR - Nikon D70 with high-end ED series lens so that may have something to do with it. My compact Canon S80 wouldn't produce near the results...

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#18
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1/8/07 at 11:40am
  • Joined: April 2004
  • Post Count: 33

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Thx for the reply

I have a Nikon Coolpix and it prolly can't produce near what you took, so I won't even try, especially after reading that you used an SLR.

My on-screen HD pic is absolutely stunning as well, but I can't share any images

I have the new Mitsu HC5000 and it's a very nice projector.

AKA ¦§¦ScoobySnak¦§¦

~wacked on scooby snacks~

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#19
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1/9/07 at 8:48am
  • Joined: January 2007
  • Post Count: 25

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Looks amazing! I love how you did the recessed lighting.
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#20
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1/10/07 at 2:08pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Quote:
Originally Posted by C&K
Looks amazing! I love how you did the recessed lighting.

Thanks! With the ducting in the way all I could fit was 3" recessed halogen lights. A nice trick with the lighting is a simple Lutron dimmer switch from home depot. The lights come on and off slowly just like in a real theater and with a remote control. You can then use a programmable remote control such as the Logitec Harmony to control all your AV equipment and lighting without spending $1000's!

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#21
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1/14/07 at 12:21am
  • Joined: June 1997
  • Post Count: 11,194

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Nice, nice and did I say nice?

Parker

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#22
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1/24/07 at 7:33pm
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Pic's have been updated with my new Palliser seats and custom framed movie posters. I decided to get them dry mounted without glass to prevent any glare. Even the anti-glare glass shines with lights above it. Now my theater is truly complete...

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#23
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1/25/07 at 5:32am
  • Joined: January 2007
  • Post Count: 30

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

I aspire to one day have a dedicated room that looks as good as yours. Right now, I have no choice but to share the family room using a portable screen. I'll have pictures up shortly, but they'll pale in comparision to your HT. Nice work!
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#24
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1/27/07 at 9:15pm
  • Joined: January 1999
  • Post Count: 7,367

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Way cool man. Way cool. Very clean and elegant looking too. I think my former HT room (Click on Club Timobi Wan in my sig )....was a bit too busy. Fun for sure...but maybe too much stuff out. My next one is going to be a little bigger and less stuff in it.

Great job and I am jealous. Lots of hard work and it has paid off. Hope you have many years of rich movie watching memories.
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#25
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1/28/07 at 8:17pm
  • Joined: January 2003
  • Post Count: 26

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

King, excellent Home theater, one of the best or the best that I have seen, self constructed. You should Pad your self on you back for such a fine job and the hard work

Do you have a 7.1 system or just a 5.1, if so what made you go that route?

Ralph

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#26
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1/29/07 at 6:18am
  • Joined: September 2006
  • Post Count: 57

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Thanks for the kind words guys! I'm just trying to make time to enjoy it now. It's funny when my wife keeps asking "You wanna' watch a movie tonight?" It sure makes the experience more dramatic to say the least. You hear sounds and notice details that would otherwise be missed. I've never been a big movie buff, but now I find myself at Blockbuster a couple times a week! I wish you could rent HD movies some place around here.

RalphJr: My Harman Kardon receiver definitely supports the 7.1 capability but from what I understand no movies are truly made in 7.1 yet. Almost everything out there is 5.1, so that's what I hooked up. When the new format is readily available all I have to do is add two more speakers. I even another set of Polk Audio's sitting in my storage room...

Sony VPL-VW50 1080p Projector, Da-Lite 106" Cinema Contour screen, Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player,
Harman Kardon 335 7.1ch receiver, Polk Audio RTi10 speakers, CSi5 center, RC615i surrounds, Velodyne DPS-12 Sub, Monster 400, THX cables

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#27
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2/22/07 at 5:26am
  • Joined: February 2007
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Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

All your hard work paid off.....BIG TIME! Fantastic JOB!
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#28
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2/22/07 at 5:53am
  • Joined: January 2005
  • Post Count: 1,615

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

Excellent job, love the Heat movie poster BTW, I have the same one.

I know enough to know I don't know enough!

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#29
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2/22/07 at 9:04am
  • Joined: July 2002
  • Post Count: 395

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

NICELY DONE SIR!

Bravo!

Really a very classy looking HT. I'd love to have mine very similar to that some day.

Guess what...

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#30
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2/25/07 at 6:32pm
  • Joined: February 2007
  • Location: CLt NC
  • Post Count: 2

Re: My Completed Home Theater Project... (pic's)

looks awesome i must say
No ads in signature, please

Brian Berg owner
cedia certified Installer 1
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