Hey, check this out: Theo Kalomirakis (the famous home theater designer--his work is really extensive) is going to be critiquing people's home theaters for Sound & Vision magazine. They're asking for submissions. Here's the link and part of the story:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/features/2752/show-the-home-theater-king-your-system.html

"Theo Kalomirakis is the world's most acclaimed home theater designer. He's created everything from home movie palaces themed in ancient Egyptian to comfy, intimate media spaces. He's the man. He knows his stuff.

Now, he's willing to share his vast expertise with you. He wants to help you make your home theater the best it can be. Free of charge! (And trust us, that's quite a value.) Show him your system, your room, even your blueprints, and he'll give you priceless pointers. Oh, and don't worry — he'll be brutally honest!"

Interesting ! :)

Art

Art,

Are you going to submit your setup?;)

Have him critique that garish $6 million theater (99% of it in amps).

I understand that this guy is considered one of the best, but as far as decor goes, I've never seen one of his theaters that I didn't think was butt-ugly, Caligula garish or both.
I've seen a lot of DIY theaters on AVS that I found more inviting.
I'm sure he makes a handsome living at it so admittedly, my opinion isn't worth much.

I do not think I would ever want a theme theater, unless I was sure they I was not going to sell my house. Further more I agree that there are some really nice theaters on this forum. But I guess that just depends on what your looking for, my theater was design to be simplistic, clean and upgradable. There are probably a lot of people that do not like my decor but that is their right.

Now with that said I do not think I would submit my theater to him. I've had enough experts give me pointers that I value far more. Not to say that he is not deserving of his status. I already have my bench mark of excellance, and he lives just down the road.

I really like the look of his designs. Some of them are not my taste, but I can see the theme carried out all the way, in detail. A few years ago, he did a theater at Innoventions in Epcot at Walt Disney World. It was supposed to be a really nice theater in some dream/future home exhibit.

However, the sound was crap. It clearly had large subwoofer speakers, but the buzzing and vibration was awful and the sound was muddy and lacked clarity. I much prefered my home system at the time. Now, it i spossible that somethings had come loose and maintenance had not done their job, but I really came away losing a lot of respect for him after that.

I have an offer for Theo Kalomirakis. Submit your theaters here and we'll have Big and Bud critique you!

I think this is a most interesting idea to have Theo critique.

Critiquing any theater other then Theo's own personal theater might be more revealing
about the client then the designer, other then his ability to successfully meet client's
expectations.

I like the technical aspects of a HT.

The emphasis on color, fabric, fantasy, fairies, twinkle toes, and all that I left to someone else.

Maybe a Dedicated Theater Decoration thread section is needed :rolleyes:

Yes, the article mentions blue print submittal -so I don't doubt the technical aspects of this free marketing service.

Art,

Are you going to submit your setup?;)

No ,I'm not because with the format leaves only Theo to critique with no rebuttal. A better format would be an Ask Theo section of AVScience Forum.

Art

I always thought his theaters were more about style than substance. One thing for sure is that they make a visual statement.

I think it's kind of like Chinese food. He is offering the White table cloth, china plate experience. Most of us prefer a eating out of a paper box with a plastic fork. What we really want is great Kung Pao Chicken made with fresh ingredients.

There was an interesting segment on some HGTV/DIY show where he did a theater for the "common man" on a more modest budget. I have a hard time remembering the show. Maybe some one has a link to the on-line show notes.

I remember it he made covers to block the windows, it was really simple by my memory. Oh I've got the Kung Pao and at least a knife and spork. Don't think I want the Fork, or to be forked..

I think it's more enjoyable to critique Theo's theaters;)
I mean honestly, would any of you pay what he charges even if you had the money to piss away?
I know who I'd call if I had 6 figures to spend on the room alone, the same guy I called when all I could afford were 4 figure plans, Dr. Erskine.