I just want to say a big thanks to Bill (bmackrell) for host the first NoVA theater meet and greet and thanks to Mark (BritinVA) for helping coordinate. It was a blast to finally put some faces to the names, bust some chops, and exchange a lot of ideas and information face-to-face.

I didn't take a head count but it appeared that we had over a dozen people stop in to have a beer and to see Bill's fantastic theater. It certainly provided me with a lot of inspiration and fresh motivation to continue working on mine. In particular it was great to see a fellow 7' ceiling club member and how it can be made to work. It's a great space, Bill. You really should be proud of it. And thanks again for hosting.

I'm looking forward to the next one. :) And yes, we should have taken photos.

Indeed! I had a great time. Bill did a fantastic job on his room.

I came away MUCH more encouraged that my room will work out. Mine is similar to his in that it will be open in the back. I also have an SMX screen (sitting in the garage) and after seeing his, I know mine will work out the way I expect it to.

Great job Bill! And thanks to BritInVA too!

See you all next time! (Maybe I'll have my electric inspection by then!)
Tom

Oh damn... I missed it :(

I'm in springfield guys so let me know about the next meet-n-greet!

When I walked in the door I smelled the freshly baked brownies, I think I had 3 and can hardly remember anything anyone said.

I do remember thinking OK, maybe I should finish my theater ..... must have been something funny in those brownies.

Had a great time. Thanks Bill.

Thanks for coming guys, it was great meeting all of you.

BIG, I don't believe my wife added any "secret" ingredients to the brownies but I'll ask her tonight ;)

Regards,

BillMac

Yes - was great to meet many of the guy's were have interacted with on the forum. We will schedule another in around a month.

Thanks Bill for hosting and your hospitality.

I think Mike (mmmkam) took some pics so hopefully he will post.....at least I saw him with a camera.

Cheers,
Mark

Thanks to Bill and Mark for organizing the get-together and to Bill for hosting it.
I especially enjoyed the HD Demo disk that was playing in your HT (another Clearance special from what I understand).
What a spectacular picture that was! Makes me want to go out and buy an HD-DVD just to have that demo running
in my HT :-)

Looking forward to the next one.
I'll also volunteer to host one in the future.

--curtis

Hey reach out down to poor richmond =P. I'd love to see what you guys are doing. I'd do one down here, but I am not sure there are many of us. I think I have only seen me.

Good times guys. Thanks Bill for having us all over. Good to meet everyone and I am looking forward to the next one! I will volunteer my house in the near future, but there will be more beer drinking and gambling then movie watching. Theater is too small to get everyone in, but its great for me and mine:) Perhaps a Friday or Sat night would be better for mine!

I'll chime in here too. It was the perfect ending to an absolutely horrible day (got to give some pink slips yesterday).

Great to meet everyone and learn that we're all in similar boats. Heck, I even found out that MMMkam and I have the same stinking house plan with the same builder! Our theaters are even in the same part of the basement!

It was great of Bill to open his house and show us what he's been able to do with his space. I'm amazed at the layout, breadth of things that were thought of for inclusion, as well as how the rooms look and "feel". The theater is awesome too. Many thanks for pulling this together for us.

It was especially cool for me, as it's my first time in a home theater (other than my incomplete one). Of course, I've dreamed of building one for some time, but this was the first time I've ever stepped foot in one. I hope mine turns out half as good as Bill's.

Thank you again all for the interesting conversation, the tips, and the ideas to "borrow".

CJ

I think Mike (mmmkam) took some pics so hopefully he will post.....at least I saw him with a camera.

Cheers,
Mark


[Busting Chops] He had one. Maybe someone can show him how to setup a Photobucket account and put the photos directly into his thread. I read through is entire thread this morning and had nearly 100 windows open in IE...I'm surprised it didn't crash. :rolleyes: [/Busting Chops]

Mike, you really have a great theater too. I am really impressed.

CJ

Just heads up - myself & Bill basically went thru active folks in this HT sub-forum and those we had interacted with. Obviously those that do not include a Location in thier details were not included (sorry were not mind readers :D ).

If you are interested in future meets then send myself or Bill a PM (include Real Name, Email, Location, status of your HT and willingness to host a meet) and we will try to accommodate but we need to be realistic with travel distances.......plus many of our HT's are not suited for large numbers. Bills was great because he has 6 seats and a nice overspill area at the rear.....will be a bit tighter at my place.

Cheers,
Mark

Any now we know how much CJ looks like his avatar too...

Sorry to hear about having to lay people off. Worse part of my job (most of the time). Now go take it out on your HVAC!

Any now we know how much CJ looks like his avatar too...
Year that was quite uncanny :D


Sorry to hear about having to lay people off. Worse part of my job (most of the time).

How many do you lay off for inappropriate use of the Internet during company hours :eek:

Any now we know how much CJ looks like his avatar too...

Sorry to hear about having to lay people off. Worse part of my job (most of the time). Now go take it out on your HVAC!

LOL. It pretty much sucked. Had to send 7 folks home. :(

But I had a good time at the meet!

You too can create a MII avatar here: http://www.miieditor.com/

How many do you lay off for inappropriate use of the Internet during company hours :eek:

Define inappropriate.... ;)

Took this afternoon off. Going camping this weekend.

CJ

[Busting Chops] He had one. Maybe someone can show him how to setup a Photobucket account

Jason wrote a how-to, which I link in my sig.

Glad people had a nice time.

How many do you lay off for inappropriate use of the Internet during company hours :eek:

Whhhoooo?? Meeeee? I don't know what you are talking about....:rolleyes:

Well I hope you guys will post the next meet in the NOVA section of area meets. Better coverage actually.
Paul

Really sorry I missed this - I'm down in Hilton Head (poor me, I know). Glad the meet up was a success!

I too wish I could come and visit! could you guys please add me onto the list too? (I think sunday afternoon might be a better time for gathering btw)

looking forward for some pics and the next meet!! :)

Well I hope you guys will post the next meet in the NOVA section of area meets. Better coverage actually.
Paul

Paul, While you are absolutely correct that area meets should be posted over in the area meets thread, But I'm not sure it gets better coverage. The DC area meet thread has had 17 posts since the first of the year, this thread has had 21 posts since it was started yesterday morning.

I hope you have sent a PM to Bill/Mark who are maintaining a list of local theater builders/enthusiasts to be included in the next event.

Speaking as one of the attendees and future host, I can tell you that many of us would be hesitant to throw open our houses and post a public invitation to "whoever" happens to be reading the forum. Bill and Mark developed a list of local NOVA people they knew, had communicated with in various forums/threads or had seen their build threads as candidates for the first event. While this might seem an exclusionary process to some, in this market it only makes sense from a home security perspective. I'm sure I'll get some feedback on that.

To that extent, Cathan somewhat let the "cat out of the bag" by starting this thread since it was not a truly "open to the public" event.

I look forward to meeting you in person at the next event.

I fully agree with Big, many of us would be wary of just open invites. We tell our kids not to give details or meet people on the Internet and look at what we are doing :eek:

So while I'm sure myself and Bill will add anyone interested to a list everyone needs to realize exactly who gets invited is:
1) Solely at the discretion of the host
2) Need to bear in mind numbers cannot spiral for those of us with smaller HT's

So even if you are on the list will not guarantee you will get an invite. Please respect the hosts decision which will be the sole voice in making such decision.

If the list gets too long maybe we will split the list to keep manageable and local.

Cheers,
Mark

To that extent, Cathan somewhat let the "cat out of the bag" by starting this thread since it was not a truly "open to the public" event.


My bad. :o

And yes I totally agree that we wouldn't want to start a pre-event thread and keep it limited to local folks who are active in this forum. It's not hard to figure out who the active current local builders are.

Sounds fun! I admit some jealousy as even though I'm here in Chicagoland, there doesn't seem to be an active community or get together events. Maybe I'll fly to NoVa for the next one! :)

It certainly provided me with a lot of inspiration and fresh motivation to continue working on mine.


I echo that one - I was so motivated that I took Friday off and have worked through the weekend on mine! I've been so busy with it that I haven't even had time to do my normal board trolling. Thanks again for hosting Bill. You've got a great setup. I'm already looking forward to the next one, but my girlfriend wants to ground me from the events already because that's all I've been talking about since I was there. :)

chris

Sounds fun! I admit some jealousy as even though I'm here in Chicagoland, there doesn't seem to be an active community or get together events. Maybe I'll fly to NoVa for the next one! :)

Just send Cliff (overclkr) a PM - he hosts meets in chicago all the time:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=982387

There is also a very active group in michigan (HEMI).

Big, Mark et al
Not to get in an argument via forum, I note that when meets are announced on the Area home meetings section, they are always prefaced with a "pm for directions" disclaimer. Few are ever a 'come one come all', in fact I don't remember ever seeing one of those. Hence personal security is a weak but ultimately unnecessary shield. Unnecessary since invites are always at the host's discretion. The initial post made it sound like a general meet, which it turns out was not the case. Hence unnecessary to cite security. No need to even explain how the invitee list was done.
I do most of my HT stuff via PM actually, rather than post general questions on the forum. Just what I do.
Paul
I don't even have a 'look at my build page'

but my girlfriend wants to ground me from the events already because that's all I've been talking about since I was there. :)

chris
lol...... well, my GF might not like to me attend too then..... :p

Just send Cliff (overclkr) a PM - he hosts meets in chicago all the time:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=982387

There is also a very active group in michigan (HEMI).


Yep, talked to and been to several of their theaters. Cliff is actually in Indiana, and the Michigan folks are, at the closest, five hours driving. OK, I'll stop hijacking your thread now! :)

I was so motivated that I took Friday off and have worked through the weekend on mine!

I was so motivated that Saturday I finally ran that one 14/2 for my bathroom vanity, extended the low voltage line and installed a larger transformer for the doorbell, ran additional LV wire and instaleld a second door chime in the basement, installed a new box and rewired the smoke detctor (that was where the original doorbell transformer was wired and it was a flush mount box).

What's left:
Attend next meet
Get motivated again
staple a couple of remaining romex runs
install a METAL box for the newly rewired smoke detector

Side note - I bought the CHEAPEST door chime HD had. Wired it all up, tried out....and, it is IDENTICAL to the one the builder installed 15 years ago. I guess that says something about "builder/contractor grade."

I was so motivated that Saturday I finally ......

Looks like you did have a productive weekend. When you actually going to start a thread so we can properly track your progress (or lack thereoff :rolleyes: )

Cheers,
Mark

OK that's it, if Tom finishes his build before mine I will never be able to live it down. I better get moving.

OOOoooooo.....how's that for a threat?

"You've been Loganed!"

Anyone else want a piece of me? Huh? Do ya, punk? Yeah you. I'm talkin' to YOU!

Easy cowboy. Remember I had my wall treatments done, Front wall done, and projector and chairs in place when you started to put down your dri-core.

Why don't you two step outside......

High noon, ten paces, cordless drills...

Easy cowboy. Remember I had my wall treatments done, Front wall done, and projector and chairs in place when you started to put down your dri-core.


HEY! Your wall treatments weren't done yet when I started my dricore.

Why don't you two step outside......

I bet on Biggy! Anyone want odds? (Sorry Tom).

CJ

Greetings fellow NOVA people! I hate to get off topic of the actual thread, but this seemed like a great opp for me to take advantage of all the NOVA ears in one place.


Just picked up an HC1500 and I am a total NOOB to the whole HT thing, but like many people on this forum, I'M ON A BUDGET!

I could use all the hands-on help and advice from the NOVA Crew.

Things I need some help/advice on:

Screen - Trying to decide white or black (Room should be, when complete, fully light controlled).

DVD Player - by not having a 1080p player can I benefit from moving to BluRay?

Electrical outlet - I could use some advice on where and how to run my eletrical outlet (I'll post pics of my basement later on)

All in all I could use all the help I can get. If anyone would be interested in having a BBQ/critique party at my place I'd host :)

I'm hoping one of you more senior people will take me under your wing to learn all the joys of HT.

will work for BBQ!!!!!

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/VAS/0000-8499-4~Cowgirl-Barbeque-Pin-Up-Girl-Posters.jpg

When you get some pics start a new thread with your questions.

I'm not certain what a black screen is, but if you are on a budget you might want to visit the DIY screen thread for ideas. You might just want to put a coat of Behr ultra white on the wall and surround with a black velvet border until you do some research on screens and wish to make an investment.

A local find for cheap screens is HTdepot.com you can run over and pick up a white or gray screen with frame for under $300. Not much of a showroom but they have the screens available for a cash and carry price. I can't vouch for the quality.

you more senior people

I KNEW THIS would get Big's attention. I wasn't about to answer first. Take Big's advice...he's more senior than me.

Good luck,
Tom

I KNEW THIS would get Big's attention. I wasn't about to answer first. Take Big's advice...he's more senior than me.

Good luck,
Tom

Thanks for the advice fellas! I'll try and get some good photos of my mess of a basement. I don't want to invest TOO much just because I am a renter.

Hey all,
I need some help asap since my house is at foundation stage and thought I should bump this thread to get your attention.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1053008
Thanks in advance. :)