New Project - Kinda (1 Viewer)

[Viny]

I'm brand new to this forum and thought I'd toss my project out and see what I can learn. We built our house about 6 years ago and left this room unfinished and planned to complete it later. Well, its later.....

The setup: Dedicated basement room, mostly finished out - 18W X 20L X 9.5H. No windows, so it completely blacks out. Entry to the room is via a double door in the rear left of the room. I have a separate closet in the rear right of the room under the stairs that will house the components. This closet is accessible to the room via a 4.5' tall door (for the front of the equipment) and thru another door in the landing for rear access. We're currently finishing up painting and will lay carpet shortly.

I prewired for 7.1 when we built. I also pre-ran a 2" conduit from the equipment closet to the rear center of the ceiling where I also have an AC outlet, for the projector. Also, AC for all this is on its own separate circuit. Oh yeah, I also had a small conduit placed in the floor to about the center of the room back to the equipment closet.

As for finish, the basic vision is to have a 120" screen, and circle the walls in heavy drapes. I feel this will be a reasonable sound solution and the crown I put in will allow me to run additional wiring easily. This drape/crown combo will allow me to hide those sins. As a footnote, I plan to have 2 sconces on each side sticking thru the drapes for the theatery feel. As for the ceiling, I'll probably start with it as it and plan to add some sort of panels to it for sound reasons.

As far as seating, this is one of the areas I am looking for advice. My intention is to use the recliner type chairs, but I'd also like to put a couch in the back row to make the seating flexible. My current thoughts with regards to seating is, 2 rows: 1 row in the back on a riser, approximately 6'x14', cheated about 2 feet forward of the back wall, and a row in front of that on the floor. This would leave an open area in front of the front row. I am definitely looking for guidance here, but would like to maximize seating for events, while not totally crowding the room.

Next comes all the electronics. This is really a blank slate for me. I've done some mild research into projector reviews. It's been educational, but most of the stuff I've read is dated a year or so. I realize newer, better stuff comes out all the time, so I'm wondering if there's a reliable, continually updating source for information on this?

As far as the receivers and speakers, I'm starting from scratch. As with all the electronics, I'd like to maximize the jam, while minimizing the cash. For speakers, I wouldn't mind some large floor standing front speakers, since I never had those as a kid, but the rest of the speakers can be wall mounted to get out of the way. During my research, I've just stumbled on the butt-thumper thingys. Looks interesting, but this is the kind of stuff I'm just now becoming aware of.

Anyway, that's pretty much it. I'm sure I've left out some details that may be helpful, but please ask and I'll respond as quickly as I can. Also, to anyone that may offer some advise and opinions, I appreciate all of it in advance.

Viny

 

[Viny]

OK, come on, someone...............throw a rock, something............

 

[Robert_J]

I suggest that you lay out your room using graph paper to make sure you have enough room based on the furniture you have in mind. I sit right at 11 feet (measured from my face) from a 103" screen. This distance was determined by numerous screen size calculators at sites like Projector People. My screen size was fixed as that was the largest size I could build using black-out cloth.

Better yet, use painter's tape to make a screen outline on the wall. You should be able to see the entire screen without turning your head. Screen height is based on your sitting height. If I divide my screen into 3 segments using horizontal lines, my eyes are even with the line separating the bottom 2 segments.

Projector information can be found in the display device section. And we have a section for Speakers as well as sections for Receivers and Source Units. This section should be used to discuss theater room related issues or if you are going to do any DIY building.

Your best bet is to look through past threads at different builds. There are even a few pics of my room scattered around.

-Robert

 

[Jim Mcc]

The 2 best sites for projector reviews and info. are Projectorcentral.com and Projectorreviews.com(by far the best reviews). Why do you want to cheat the rear riser 2' from wall? Unless there's some specific reason, you're wasting valuable seating space. Your screen size is based on 2 things: Seating distance from screen and resolution of projector. If you're using a 1080p projector, you can sit even closer than with a 720p projector.

 

[Viny]

Robert, Thanks for the info and pointing me to those places to look for reviews, etc. I will double check those calculations and make sure I'm not screwing up.

Jim, The reason for cheating the riser away from the rear wall is that I have a double door on the left of the rear wall to enter the room and a single door on the right of the rear wall that houses the equipment closet. I thought a small aisle behind the seating to get to the equipment would be the way to go. My thinking is that this way, the riser would go all the way to the right side wall, while leaving an entrance aisle down the left side.

Having said this, You've got me thinking. I just went and remeasured. If I push the riser back against the rear wall, I lose 2 feet and it suddenly is only 12 feet long. This restricts what I do with seating options. However, I'm going to chew on this some more.

As far as the projector, I am planning a 1080p projector, I just haven't looked at those sites to see what's the best today (or in a few weeks).

Thanks for the input. Keep those cards and letters coming..........

 

[Jim Mcc]

What is your budget, just for projector?
Do you want LCD or DLP?

 

[Robert_J]

I use a Panasonic AE900U (720P, 3 chip LCD) on a DIY 103" screen made from blackout fabric. It beats anything I've seen in a local store display. If a 1080p projector looks better than this, I don't know what I would do.

-Robert

 

[Viny]

Jim,

I was prepared, with gritted teeth, to spend up to 5k. So, with the Sanyo and Panasonic I just read about @ Projectorreviews.com both being at about the 2k range, anything in that neighborhood is very palatable. I am definitely interested in your opinions on this.

Just this morning, I'm going to go read up on the Audio stuff and see what I can learn there.

Thx

 

[Viny]

Also, as far as DLP or LCD, I don't really care, until someone points out some obvious benefit of one over the other. I'm just not there yet in my education curve.

As far as screen size, I'd really like to have a 120" screen, as I am just under the general impression that bigger is better. However, it I'm really stumbling off into some rat hole, based on room size, I appreciate the heads up.

 

[Jim Mcc]

Viny, the Sanyo 3000 and Panasonic 3000 will not be bright enough for a 120" screen. The reviews there say 110" is about the max. with a white screen. DLP(which I prefer) or LCD is a personal choice. You need to view both types and see which you prefer. A VERY SMALL % of people see the dreaded "rainbow effect" with DLP, so they need to go with LCD. Both of the websites I mentioned earlier have articles explaining the differences between the 2 technologies. LCD, with lens shift, is also easy to install if you want to place projector on a shelf on rear wall. DLP's with lens shift tend to be more expensive. If you ceiling mount it, either type will work with your room.

 

[Viny]

Jim,

Thanks again for the info. My eyes are not the best, so I suspect I wouldn't see the rainbow, but I will go to my local emporium and see the diffs. Not to mention I'm not that picky. I'm currently watching HD on a 65" Mitsubishi rear projection Set I got about 6-7 yrs ago.

Now as far as the screen size issue, I probably should stop with 110", but I want to be greedy (at this point). We'll see. For that last 10" of diag, I suppose you're going to tell me that the price of poker is going to go up a bunch? Now again, does it matter that the room completely blacks out with the lights out, as it's a windowless basement?

I am indeed going to ceiling mount. Being it's a 9.5' high ceiling, I suspect that gives me quite a bit of wiggle room.

 

[Jim Mcc]

I agree with you 100% about wanting the bigger screen size. Even with the dark room/paint scheme, it could be close. The problem with pushing screen size to the max. is when the bulb dims. Then you may have to run it in high power mode to be bright enough. What I would do is buy a bright projector, and hold off on the screen. Project the image on a white painted wall in that room, and see how you like the screen size and brightness. Then buy the proper screen size. And you have to make sure the projector you pick will have the proper throw distance(distance from PJ lens to screen) to give you the screen size you want.

 

[Robert_J]

If you want to go big, I suggest the painted wall method as well except don't buy a retail screen later. There are dozens of high gain paint formulas that can be applied to everthing from bare walls to MDF to mirrors. Unless you need an acoustically transparent screen, I see no need for buying retail. And if you need acousticaly transparent, you can buy the material and build it yourself. I spent $75 on my screen and was able to use the money saved on getting a better projector. It only took a weekend to build and install.

-Robert

 

[Viny]

Fellas, Great Info! I was wondering about the DIY screens. As I am my own general contractor on this job, I'm not spooked at all about assembling/mounting the screen. I like the method of projecting on the wall first as well.

As far as distance from the projector lens to the screen, I'm really very flexible about this. I have AC and my duct for cables in the rear center of the room on the ceiling. But I don't see why I can't move the projector forward toward the screen as much or little as I need to.

It seems like I've seen 2 types of ceiling mounts (excluding flush): a bracket type mount and a pole type mount. Do you have opinions about one versus the other or something I haven't stumble on? Thx.

 

[Jim Mcc]

The ceiling mount and length depends on which PJ you choose. The built-in offset of DLP projectors would work well with your tall ceiling. Have you considered mounting PJ on a shelf on rear wall? The LCD's with lens shift would work great for that, and save you the extra work and cost of ceiling mounting. The cable runs would also be shorter since your AV closet is in rear of room. I still say your first decision is LCD or DLP.

 

[Viny]

I think I'd rather ceiling mount as my walls will be covered in drapes and I have been fully prepared to ceiling mount from the start. I've already got power and a PVC duct from that location to the equipment closet.

As far as DLP vs LCD, my cursory education/research has me leaning towards LCD at this particular minute, but this is not in concrete.

 

[Viny]

OK, making progress. Painting is done. Carpet is on order. Should get installed 1st week of Feb. Received the curtains for the walls. Working thru seating and still doing electronics research.

Planning to go listen to some speakers at shops this weekend. Suggestions are welcome....

 

[Viny]

I did get to go listen to some speakers last weekend. I listened to some Klipsch speakers. They were powered by an Onkyo Integra receiver. We listened to several large floor standing front speakers and the same surrounds. Then he switched in their Icon speakers. Wow, the difference in the floor standing models and the Icons, that were about 1/2 their height was amazing. The Icons were much cleaner.

Of course, the questions is, does anyone else have a similar experience and was I getting played to or are those Icons that much better?

I also went to another store to hear some Paradigms, but they weren't set up that good. What I heard was Ok, but I think they could probably sound better.

Anyone have any thoughts about this?

 

[Viny]

Update

I decided on the Panasonic PTAE3000U. I received it and mounted it and OMG! I was just projecting on the wall (tan color) to play with the size and I had to just stop and watch the movie. It's unreal how good the picture is. Also, I just kinda zoomed it up there and then finally got around to measuring the diagonal to make sure the 120" was gonna work. It measured about 146". Stunning.......

So, now I gotta figure out the screen size to buy. I'm going to really sit thru a movie and see if its too hard to watch that big. But, as I'm a guy I suspect it'll be fine...

Audio. I settled on the Integra DTR 7.9 for the receiver. For the Speakers, I found a set of 80s vintage Klipsch La Scalas on ebay, took a chance and wow are they nice. Also, I got a Klipsch 62 for the center 4 52s for surrounds and a paradigm ultracube 12 for the sub. I can't believe how good it sounds - and this is even before I've got the curtains up to help with the sound.

Anyway, more to do, Furniture is still a few weeks out. More to come....

 

[Jim Mcc]

Sounds great. Wait until you get a screen. It'll look much better.