I have been lurking here for a few months and followed the construction of some amazing theaters. I am hoping to get some advice about my own project.

I am finishing my basement, and it will include a "media" room. It is not a dedicated theater with theater-type seating. I realize this type of setup will require compromises, but I'm not looking for the moon here.

I do want "some" wow factor. The room is only 13' x 13', with the back wall open so my options are somewhat limited.

1. Seating will just be a sectional and a recliner or two.

2. I am planning to disguise the projector in a soffit. The projector will not be totally enclosed as shown in the renderings. The projector would be about 8 feet above floor level, with the scrreen much lower. Is there any issue with the projector being that high? Are the projectors able to correct for optical errors (keystone?) and still produce a "square" image?

3. I am thinking about an 80" or so screen. Average distance to viewers is about 8 feet away. Is this too big?

4. Other equipment will be installed in a closet under the stairway.

5. Is there anything I can do to limit sound travel up the stairway to the first floor?

6. I was planning on just wiring for 5.1. I suppose I could wire for 6.1 or 7.1, but with the open back the rear speakers would have to be in ceiling. Is this worth it?

Here are some renderings and a floor plan. Sorry, post count too low for links.


What do y'all think?

Karl

Nice job. Love the renderings !!

You would preferably get an lcd projecor with a good amount of lense shift if the projector is gonna be that high.

Screen to view distance is all up to you, but it sounds good.

The rear surrounds could be put to the sides of the arch way and the side surrounds would be put directly across from one another in front of the door. If you wanted 7.1, but it's all about what you want to do.

Thanks hokie93, I see what you're saying about the speaker placement. I like your suggestion.

Is lens shift a spec that is typically published and easy to compare projector to projector?

It's usually published in the specs, but I don't know how easy it is to compare. You'd have to ask someone that knows a little more about lcd projectors.

-Are you using Chief Architect as your program?
-What ever you do, do not use digital keystone correction in your projector; find a projector that has lens shift. This will allow you to shift the image downward and retain a proper looking image.
-A diagonal screen size of only 72" is required to reach THX viewing angle standard. 80" is fine if you like to sit near the front in a commercial theater. Standard definition content may not look very good sitting that close.
-If the stairway is open, there is not much you can do to stop sound travel. A good heavy door may help if that's an option. Otherwise, just turn it down ;)
-With proper surround speaker placement, 5.1 is still very good. 6.1 and 7.1 is still kind of rare. Pre-wire for it and if you want another channel or two later, you can add them. I like the idea mentioned earlier about putting the surround speakers on the arch columns. I would place them a foot or so higher than indicated on the renderings.
-I like your seating choices. Theater seats bug me for some reason.

fanbrain,

Yes I've been using Chief Architect. It has been very helpful because I am not one of those people that can just "visualize" things without seeing them.

I was looking at projector central last night. It has information on lens shift, so I'll definately find one that has it.

Where did you find the 72" number, and where can I find more information on the THX standard?

Roger on the door. Thanks for the help.

Karl

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html