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n00b needs a introduction to Home Theatres!

post #1 of 4
9/3/09 at 7:41pm
Thread Starter 
Hello, I am moving into a new home soon and want to set up a home theatre in the basement!  But first, thanks for reading this!  I enjoy reading your responses as you are way more experienced about this stuff.  I had a few questions...

1)  Screen or chroma paint?  I've seen a lot of people using screens and some people using that HT paint.  What would you recommend?  I have a nice, flat surface.  Not sure about screen size yet.

2)  I plan on getting that new PS3 "slim"... so I am set on Blu-ray and DVD upscaling, but I also have a lot of OLD systems, a VHS player, and a lot of stuff that runs on either coax or AV cables.  Can you suggest a decent projector for all of that?

3)  Audio, I plan on getting a basic 5.1 surround.  How does that sound?
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post #2 of 4
9/4/09 at 3:46am
Well, un-fortunately I don't know anything about projectors or screens but you did mention getting a "basic" 5.1 audio system. I hope you're giving at least as much thought to the audio side of things as you are the video. A really good sound system can add a lot to the HT experience.

Also, other members are going to need the room size and a budget to help with any screen size and projector recommendations.
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post #3 of 4
9/4/09 at 5:00am
1.  Is your surface for paint PERFECTLY FLAT.  I mean any little imperfection can cause issues.  You can also build a screen an paint it.  There are hundreds of options.  I built a frame and border with wood from Lowes and used blackout cloth from Hancock fabrics.  The total cost was $75 and a weekend of work for a 103" screen.  Well, not the full weekend, most of that was black paint drying on the screen border.

2.  Projectors have multiple inputs.  My Panasonic AE-900U has 1 HDMI, 2 component video, 1 s-video, 1 composite video and 1 VGA.  Since I have multiple HDMI sources, I use a Monoprice HDMI switch box.  They do not have RF inputs (what you call coax) because they are a display device only.  Not tuner is included.  Most of the time there is a work-around.

3.  If you are going with a basic audio system, then you will probably need a switchbox as well.  More advanced receivers have HDMI switching capabilities.

Even though you are a noob, I suggest that you ask a mod to move this to the Theaters and Projects section.  If you want to do this and do it correctly you are on a crash course and will soon pass noob status.

-Robert
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post #4 of 4
9/4/09 at 7:24am
Thread Starter 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert_J View Post

1.  Is your surface for paint PERFECTLY FLAT.  I mean any little imperfection can cause issues.  You can also build a screen an paint it.  There are hundreds of options.  I built a frame and border with wood from Lowes and used blackout cloth from Hancock fabrics.  The total cost was $75 and a weekend of work for a 103" screen.  Well, not the full weekend, most of that was black paint drying on the screen border.

2.  Projectors have multiple inputs.  My Panasonic AE-900U has 1 HDMI, 2 component video, 1 s-video, 1 composite video and 1 VGA.  Since I have multiple HDMI sources, I use a Monoprice HDMI switch box.  They do not have RF inputs (what you call coax) because they are a display device only.  Not tuner is included.  Most of the time there is a work-around.

3.  If you are going with a basic audio system, then you will probably need a switchbox as well.  More advanced receivers have HDMI switching capabilities.

Even though you are a noob, I suggest that you ask a mod to move this to the Theaters and Projects section.  If you want to do this and do it correctly you are on a crash course and will soon pass noob status.

-Robert

1)  I like the concept of building my own screen if the price is right.  The work or tools are not an issue.

2)  The inputs of any HDMI capable projector will probably work for everything, I am pretty sure you can easily find a RF to AV switcher or something.

3)  As gene c suggested, I am going for a good audio system... but, being that I do video for a living, I always put video first and audio second.  But, I know you need both, hand-in-hand, for a great home theatre arena.

So... knowing what you know now, here is some more info.  The room would be about 15'x15' and the sitting area would be about ten feet or more from the screen.  Can you suggest any projectors?  Let's say cost is not a limit, but what is practical?
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