From the beginning, where do I start? (1 Viewer)

[mrpaseo]

I have embarked on the mission to install a Home Theater in my home. Sadly, I know little to nothing about the task, thus, I am here to learn. I searched around a little on this site and found a few questions that might help you help me if answered. So here goes.

Some questions to get you started:

1. What are the dimensions of your room?
Not that big at all, I do not have exact dimensions (Not at home right now, haven't been for about 18 months). I'm guessing about 12X15 with a small closet. Also, one window, one door.

2. Is this system primarily for music, home theater, sports, or gaming?
I would say movies (Home theater), music, gaming, sports...

3. What type of music do you listen to?
All sorts, my line of work exposes me to a large array of music. I have about 300GB of music on several external HDs. I plan on setting up a 2TB RAID 5 networked HD.

4. Do you prefer loudspeakers, bookshelf speakers, in-wall speakers?
Not sure... I do not believe in-wall speakers are an option at this time. The room has two outside walls exposed (2.5 actually) the third wall is a closet and a wall into a closet. I would have to build false walls to accommodate but the room is small already so I don't think this is an option. I would like a nice surround sound system that I can feel while watching a movie.

5. What components does your present system consist of? Or are we starting 100% from scratch?
100% scratch, no time line on the build. I am looking to put no more than $5,000 into the project but I want it all planned out first.

6. Are you looking to purchase all new, or some components second-hand?
I am open to opinions.



NOTES:
- projector: I am undecided if I want a projector or an LCD TV. I don't know much about either so I am open to opinions.

- mount for projector: Either way, TV or projector I will need to mount the item.

- screen: Undecided, I think I will take each thought, research and make a decision. I think I need to start with the decision of projector or LCD TV.

- 5.1 or 7.1 speakers/subwoofer: I have no idea what this means.

- a/v receiver: Open for suggestions.

- blu-ray player: Will these be around long enough to balance the cost? As I understand it these are pretty expensive (The movies themselves), I hope this does not turn out like the laserdisks.

- universal remote: Opinions appreciated.

- speaker cabling, subwoofer cable, hdmi cables: Opinions appreciated.

- surge protector: How large?

- entertainment cabinet or shelving unit: Opinions appreciated, I will probably build a shelving unit in my closet though.


- installation, calibration, wiring: I hope to do this all myself with the help of the www.

So there is it, what are your questions?

Thanks,
Ray

 

[David Willow]

Hi Ray, welcome to HTF. You came to the right place

Before anyone can help, we need to know your budget? It would also help to know your expectations. Are you looking to create the ultimate movie theater experience or are you building your HT around your living area (sharing the room).

EDIT Never mind on the budget... Somehow I read past it... Guess I'm getting old.

 

[chris.big.money]

5.1 is 5 surround speakers and one subwoofer. 7.1 is 7 surround speakers and one subwoofer. Based on your dimensions, i'd think 5.1 would work well. $5,000 is probably enough (in my opinion) to get a 1080p or high-end 720p projector and a decent receiver coupled with some nice speakers.

The closet will work to your advantage for putting all of your components in, assuming you can properly ventilate it. How high are your ceilings, and is there already a ceiling in place or do you have exposed beams?

If you absolutely want the best of the best, then get a blu-ray player. PS3s are getting rave reviews because Sony can update them with the latest firmware when needed. If you don't go that route, a good upscaling DVD player will be a good bet.

As for the networked storage. If you have a network drive filled with music, i'm not sure of a way to hook that up other than using a cheap computer that can be [either wired or wirelessly] hooked up to the drive and receiver.

Miscellaneous extras: Remote - if you put the equipment in the closet, you're most likely going to have to get an RF-IR receiver with an RF remote so you can control your components without pointing the remote at them. Mount for TV - a projector mount is a bit less money than a large flat screen mount, but it just depends on which you choose. This shouldn't be a major deciding factor.

I'm sure that the more experienced guys can give you better recommendations on specific components and brands to buy. For projectors, I personally like Panasonics or Epsons. For receivers, pretty much any brand will do you good, as long as you're looking at some major ones; Denon, Onkyo, Marantz would be a good place to start. I've found that the Onkyo's are the best bang-for-buck receiver, because they offer a lot of features.

Did i miss anything?

 

[mrpaseo]

Thanks for the questions, as noted I do not mind investing 5g's into this room, though I figure most of it will go into the actual equipment as the room is a finished room. I do plan on dedicating this room to the HT save for a spot int he closet where I will hook up the wireless network and maybe a desk to do the bills (Close the door, hide the desk is the objective).

"Ultimate" is a strong word, I wish I had a basement or large room that I could overhaul but that will not happen until I move again and as of yet we do not plan on moving for some time now (Read that as no plans to move for at least 13 years, but who knows what the future holds).

The motivation that is fueling this project is the fact that my wife, daughter and I really enjoy going to the movies, so much so that we find ourselves in the box office at least three times a month. As you know, that can get costly these days. That and I always wanted a home theater. I figure it's at least 25 dollars per trip to the movies and at least 30 for a meal before/after the movies. If I do this right I could turn that $100 dollar day into a $10 dollar day.

Thanks,
Ray

 

[mrpaseo]

Great information, thank you for your response.

I agree that the 5.1 should do me well in such a small room. My goal is to capture the ambiance of a movie theater even though the room is so small. Comfort, a large screen and good quality sound should provide enough to fulfill my needs/wants.

You described both the LCD screen and projector. I would like a few opinions on which would be better in my situation. My own thoughts are, since the room is so small I might do well with a 60" TV rather than a projector but I do not want to sell my experience short if I do not go with the projector. Truthfully, I can break the $5000 barrier if need be, but I will have to save up for it. I do not plan on building the HT for at least eight months. With the reading I have done on this site I am finding that one of the biggest regrets has been not enough research and planning before the project begins so I am trying to allow maximum planning time while I save up the $$.

The ceiling is finished (The house was built in 1999), I will have to do mild (Hopefully) construction to insert cables and lighting if I decide to put it in. I will have to work on ventilation as I learn more about how much I need. Most likely I will put the components in an enclosure with a fan at the bottom and top cycling the air through the cabinet. I am probably going to have to build a cabinet for the equipment (Due to the size of the closet) and I do not want to have to try to install the equipment on shelves that I can not reach the back of. I'll work on this.

Receiver: I just did a quick search, this one caught my eye: Receiver TX-SR806 Black Receiver, 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver. It has great reviews and not a bad price at about 550. Opinions? Pro/cons? What am I looking for in a receiver? I see this one offers 5 in 1 out HDMI connectors which should be ample for my set up. I see there is a 100kw as well as a 130kw. Can you tell me the difference?

Thank you all for your time and patience,
Ray

 

[David Willow]

Alright, a few comments/suggestions.

For the size of your room, a projector may create a picture that is too big (can't believe I just said that

). You can get a nice TV for under $2000 - don't rule out DLP. Add a Blu-Ray for $300.


You can get a decent AVR (Onkyo 706?) for $400 - $500. Add your cables for another $100 and you have $3300 or so for speakers.

Take about $800 - $1000 of that for a subwoofer (SVS highly recommended) and then you know what you have left for speakers (at least $2k).

Now that you know the budget for the speakers, go to local shops and listen to everything in your price range or a little higher (you can always get a discount). Also have a look at Axiom Audio, SVS, Elemental Designs, and other internet direct speaker companies.

A very nice universal remote can be found for under $100 (Harmony). Get you cables/speaker wires from Blue Jeans Cable or Monoprice (both online).

For calibration, get a copy of Digital Video Essentials on Blu-Ray and purchase an SPL meter from Radio Shack. Also, if you get Onkyo, Denon, and a few other AVR brands, you will get Audyssey with it. Audyssey will really help calibrate your speakers.

Now it is up to you to see what you like. Go shopping, pick out a few items you like and research them (and ask questions here).

 

[chris.big.money]

David makes a good point - if you think a projector is gonna overwhelm the room, find a nice Plasma (or even DLP). Although, I personally like a projector because is makes the room feel more cinema-like. As for the receiver, that's a really nice model especially if you get the PS3. You'll have HD sound and the HD1080p video depending on which TV you get.

 

[Doug_H]

I disagree, I am set up in a 15x12 room with the system in the narrow part of the room with a 98" 16x9 picture and it is perfect. The rear speakers must be set up on the side walls but work well.

You can get a very good 1080p projector for $1500 with a little research and have a much bigger, more realistic movie experience.

 

[David Willow]

I won't argue

If you go the projector route, don't forget to budget for the screen and mounting hardware. Your cable budget will go up a bit as well.

 

[mrpaseo]

Thank you all very much for your guidance, I will keep you up to date on my progress and there will be many more questions.

Ray

 

[Shad R]

As for the LCD versus projector dilema let me just say this...
When I was looking to upgrade, I moved from a 42 inch Toshiba 1080 television to a 720 projector. I gave up some of the picture quality for bigger picture. You will have to make a choice. If you set aside a specific amount of money for your picture, you will be able to get an absolutely stunning smaller picture, or a very good gigantic picture. In the $2000 price range I have not seen any projectors that match the quality of a $2000 52-60 inch LCD or DLP. However, I was willing to give up picture quality for a bigger screen. Let me tell you...I do not regret my descsion one bit. I have a 100 inch screen and it's AWESOME! Friends started showing up at my door with DVD's, and people's general reaction is "HOLY CRAP IT'S LIKE A THEATER IN YOUR LIVING ROOM!" That coupled with a good sound system, and I (as well as countless friends and nieghbors current and past) prefer my house over the movie theater. And that's saying something, since I worked at a movie theater.
Definately get blu-ray either way. That was the best improvement I made on my home theater.

 

[Allan Jayne]

For me:

Room dimensions: 12x20, in the basement

Primarily for: Home theater. I may be doing other things including working on a computer while movies are on.

Favorite music: Show tunes, 60's rock, classical. But nowadays I use lesser quality equipment such as portable stereos rather than go to the living room or theater to listen.

Best speakers: Haven't given this much thought. Except for a pair if (best of their kind for the time) Acoustic Research AR4x's all my speakers are secondhand.

Components: Featuring a (Sanyo PLV-Z3) 720p LCD projector and (Lumagen HDP) stand alone HD video processor. Rest of equipment is non-descript, mostly secondhand, and includes laser disk players.

Best advice for now: Screen size is totally up to you. You can even try things out by making a rectangular frame, propping it up somewhere and seeing if it looks big enough without your getting tired tilting or moving your neck back and forth a lot. If you want a front projector, to get a picture over about 6 feet, you must have a darkened room.

More: Constructing a Basement Home Theater

 

[mrpaseo]

Alright, so I have determined that the receive is the best place to begin, I am looking at the Denon AVR-2809CI.

Specs:
Sound Processing
Sound Supported - Dolby Digital (5.1), Dolby Digital EX (6.1), DTS (5.1), DTS 96/24, DTS-ES (6.1), DTS-HD Master Audio, THX Surround EX (6.1 or 7.1)
Virtual Surround Sound Technology - DTS Neo:6, Dolby Pro-Logic IIx, Dolby Pro-Logic II, Dolby Pro-Logic
Supported Audio Channels - 7.1 Channels
Audio DAC - 24 Bit

NOTE: I plan on starting with a 5.1 speaker system but want room to grow, this system provides that opportunity.

Amplification
Watts Per Channel (Main) - 115 W/channel
THD at Rated RMS Power (Unbridged) - 0.05 %

NOTE: From what I read, 100 w/channel is a nice minimum to go by.


Connectivity
Input - A/V (Composite), Audio - Digital Coaxial, Audio - Digital Optical, Component Video, HDMI, S-Video, Serial RS-232C
Number of RCA Stereo Inputs - 2
Number of Digital Optical Inputs - 3
Number of Digital Coaxial Inputs - 3
Number of HDMI Inputs - 4
Output - A/V (RCA Composite), Audio - Digital Optical, Audio - Line Out (1/4"), Component Video, HDMI, S-Video, Variable/Fixed Audio
Number of RCA Stereo Outputs - 2
Number of Digital Optical Outputs - 1
Number of HDMI Outputs - 1

NOTE: I read more HDMI input is better. 4 in one out looks good to me.

Other Features
General Features - Audio Delay Adjustment, Crossover Adjustment, iPod Ready, Multi-Room/Multi-Source Capability, On Screen Display (OSD), Sirius Satellite Radio Ready, Tone Control, Video Switching Function, XM Satellite Radio Ready

Dimensions
Height - 6.75 in
Width - 17.125 in
Depth - 17.7 in
Weight - 28.2 lbs

Warranty
Warranty Information - 2 Year Limited Warranty

More Info
URL - Denon USA | AVR-2809CI


So, please talk me out of this one.
Ray

 

[David Willow]

Nothing wrong with the Denon. Just make sure you are spending more on the speakers than the receiver. In the grand scheme of things, the AVR is not as important, especially since the cheaper ones have nearly as many features.

 

[CB750]

Back December I was in the same boat as you are. My HT was a 27" 15 year old GE tv hooked up to my 40 year old stereo. I joined this forum and got a lot of good information to help cut through the fog.

As I see it your major decision will be your choice of your video display You will have to use your own judgment as to what fits you best. In my case my HT was also my family room with large windows and door wall. For my application a 52" LCD worked best as it is also the primary TV for our house. But what works for others may not be the best solution for you.

Your speaker system will also be a personal decision and you should spend a lot of time listening to as many systems as you can. If you listen to music to any extent then listen to speakers using your own music. The important thing is to let your ears and budget make your decision. A speaker combination that reproduces music to your liking will also probably do will with movies.

Here is a link to a fan that can be modified to cool the inside of closets where AV equipment is installed.

Register Vent Booster Fan

 

[Kevin Stewart]

I think perhaps you're starting at the wrong spot.

First, you need to determine how you will set the room up (where the seating will go - and what seating), where the speakers will go, where the display will go, etc.). From there you can plan things like screen size, in-wall or bookshelf speakers, etc. You can also then decide if/how much of your money you're going to need to spend on acoustic treatments, risers, lighting, wiring, etc.
Then once those things are done, you can decide which equipment to buy. Start with speakers (which can last a long time), then receiver, then display, then misc (blu ray player).

Do you have any pictures or diagrams of your space?

 

[snowwhite]

Wow that mirrors what happened to us pretty much exactly. My husband got a sharp projector, and we bordered the spot on the wall with a black trim, and have that nice reflective paint, and it looks amazing. It's about 135 inches corner to corner, and friends have not stopped comming over to watch everything. From movies to pay-per view event to sporting events. It's been crazy. We just need to improve our Blu-ray player. Haven't been to a movie theatre in awhile.