Media room upgrade suggestions - ambient light problem (1 Viewer)

[Alec M]

Well it's been awhile since I've been around as I have been happy with my system for several years, but alas my Sony 61" RPTV is starting to sound like it is dying (loud and erratic fan/motor noise) and my wife hates my big Infinity speakers.

Here are the stats:
Room 13'W x 19'L x 9.5'H with closest sitting position at 7', prime spots at 14'
3 4' x 8' sliding glass doors with semi-opaque blinds down one side and open archways on two others - ie a good amount of ambient light

Desired Use:
30% daily TV - wife and kids
25% HD sports (day and night)
20% movies (mostly night)
15% Wii and PS3
10% DVD or HD concerts

My two phase plan:
Phase I. - approx budget = $5000
1) Replace RPTV with 52" LCD (Plasma might get washed out)
a. Sony Bravia 52XBR6 - $2300
b. Sony Bravia 52W4100 - $1700
c. Samsung HL-T7288W - $2400 - might not get phase II...
2) Replace Infinity front speakers with LCR to match Studio 20s v2? (2002)
a. Paradigm Studio 60s - $1300 may be outdated
b. Paragigm CC-690 - $700 may be outdated
OR new system from cruising forum
a. B&W 700 - ?
b. Axiom 80 - 500 (keep current Def Tech sub?) $3000
c. RBH - ?
3) Add Custom bookcase for TV and Center Speaker ($750)

Phase II. - approx. budget = $10000
1) Replace Denon with Denon 3808 or 4808 ($1500 / $2500)
2) Add Projection System with great picture and high lumens
a. Panasonic PT-AE3000 ($2500)
b. Optoma HD 70
c. Epson 6100
3) Add Retractable screen to go in front of LCD down to bookcase bracketed by speakers with tower rack behind curtain
a. Stewart Luxus Deluxe StudioTek 130 ($2395)
b. Seymour H95 Center Stage Screen ($2637)
4) Add 2 in ceiling speakers for 7.1 (Definitive Technology UIW BPZ/A $800)
5) Add side curtains and possible masking system ($1500)

Questions for my forum experts:
1) Given ambient light is the projector option even viable other than night?
- this may drive me towards Samsung 72" if not
2) It seems like the Sony XBR is almost the same as w4100 with a few extra bells - does anyone have any major performance differences?
3) Any suggestions on retractable screen with masking?
4) Do the Seymour screens with acoustic holes degrade video or audio?
5) Are there any new high lumen technologies on the horizon?

Thanks

 

[GeorgeAB]

"4) Do the Seymour screens with acoustic holes degrade video or audio?"

Acoustically transparent screens ALWAYS degrade the image. You have to accept the compromise balanced against your other system priorities.

 

[Alec M]

Thanks George. I can put the bottom of the screen at 40" which is above most of the speakers I am considering. I am looking at a 113" diag screen, which puts the top at 95 (55"), and still gives 17" above the top.

Thanks

Also referencing another thread, does anyone think getting replacement bulbs for the Samsung will be difficult if discontinued or are they kept in stock at repair shops? If I understand it, it only has one light vs my current three. I haven't had to replace a lamp on my Sony in 9 years and we use it way over the number of hours recommended. I think my wife is intentionally leaving it on to "kill" it so we can get a new TV;o)