Well…it’s finally time to restart my theater thread. I had started one approx. two and a half years ago but I did not keep updating it…so I figured I would wait until I was much further along. I am nearing the end of my 1300 sq.ft. basement finishing project which includes a gym, bar, game room, arcade (for my pinball collection) and of course a theater. I have done virtually everything myself so it has been a long haul! I might possible have the longest running basement project on the forum…over 5 years working on and off. I am a technology consultant in lower Manhattan and just lost my job my job due to everything happening in the financial services sector. That’s bad news for my bank account but good news for finishing my theater, as the commute from central NJ to Wall St. didn’t leave me with much energy to go downstairs on weeknights.

I would like to make the requisite “shout out” to those on this forum who’s threads have been an inspiration to me; Bud (Chinadog), Sandmanx, BigMouthInDC, just to name a few. Also thanks to Bpape and Bud for their input on my previous thread. Needless to say, there are so many excellent construction threads on this forum and I have learned from many of you.

Dimensions:
14’2” W x 22 L x 8’2” H for about 2/3 of the ceiling. 6’ on the left side is 7’2” due to HVAC Chase (All dimensions are after sheetrock)
Second Row Riser height: 12” (Only under the 8’2” portion of the ceiling)

Purpose:
Watching movies and listening to music, video games on the PS3. Want to strike a balance between optimal audio for movies and music as well as video performance. While there will be two rows of seating, the front row should be the sweet spot.

Equipment:
DLP Projector - SharpVision XV10000
16 x 9 Fixed Screen - 106” Saaria
Receiver - Integra 7.1
DVD Player – Pioneer Elite DV37
BluRay – PS3
Speakers - Definitive Technologies BP 2002 (Bi Polar Towers)
Center Channel and Surrounds - Definitive Technologies
(All of the above equipment except the projector comes from my upstairs theater, no immediate plans to buy new.)

Current State / Questions:
Now that the rest of the basement is finished except for the floor coverings, I can focus on the theater. Taping is done except for final coat on ceiling. I will be ready to build the screen wall and riser in a couple of days but have some questions I would like to throw out there to you guys pertaining to the screenwall and exact placement of front row / riser.

Screenwall:
The screenwall will be 18” in front of the outside wall. I prefer not to shadowbox the screen unless the distance to seating needs to be extended.

Planned Seating Distances:
Seating distance needs to take into consideration audio as well as video performance.
Front Row – 12’ 8” to eyes (Row of 3 La-Z-Boy recliners on carpet over concrete floor)
Back Row – 17’ 8” to eyes (Love seat on 12” riser)

Please feel free to suggest changes to distances as well as your opinion on the need to shadowbox the screen. Pictures to follow.

Thanks!
Dave

Here is a layout of the entire basement:
123048

Here is the screenwall
123045

Here is the Backwall
123046

Here is the Theater entrance from outside. You can see the entrance to the equipment closet on the left.
123055

Theater Entrance

http://mountainash.zoomshare.com/album/Theater%20Construction/images/a2f9a63a85c4a8c98c3c666fb54e2dfa_12252137950/:album?css=/lib/style/arial.css&css=/lib/style/type_album.css

I am using Zoomshare to host my images...does anyone know how to link to the jpg on Zoomshare?

Theater Entrance

http://mountainash.zoomshare.com/album/Theater%20Construction/images/a2f9a63a85c4a8c98c3c666fb54e2dfa_12252137950/:album?css=/lib/style/arial.css&css=/lib/style/type_album.css

I am using Zoomshare to host my images...does anyone know how to link to the jpg on Zoomshare?

try www.photobucket.com
there is where I put my photo's and it seems to work.

Also, sorry to hear about the job loss, but like you said, gives you more time for the theater build :) I know things will turn around though.

that is the one thing slowing me down, work, oh and family too. :D If I could get rid of those two, I would be one broke and lonely dude with a finished basement / Theater :D:o
Old

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0009.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0010.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0011.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0012.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0014.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0016.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0017.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0024.jpg

That's my wife helping out!!!
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0023.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0022.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0020.jpg

Wiring for the Grafik Eye
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0019.jpg

Projector conduit and mount
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0021.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0018.jpg

A motorized damper for the supply duct
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0026.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0025.jpg

I am lucky enough to have an HVAC professional in my neighborhood who helped me

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0027.jpg

Me at the table saw
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0036.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0035.jpg

It's tough hanging sheetrock by yourself!
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0034.jpg

Front wall
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0033.jpg

Rear wall with projector mount
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0032.jpg

Right rear wall
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0031.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0029.jpg

Theater entrance, equipment closet on left
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0028.jpg

Thanks to Old for pointing me to photobucket...it is much easier to link to than Zoomshare.

Thanks Old!

Nice lookin' theater your building there. Quick question - See you're from Jersey. I grew up in Monmouth County - Rumson specifically. By Asbury Park and Sandy Hook. You around there?

Mark

Hi Mark,

Glad you like what I am doing. I also grew up in Monmouth County. Only moved to Middlesex county once I got married. I still frequent a couple of restaurants in Rumson. How funny is that!

Thanks,
Dave

Since I am about to begin working on the screen wall and riser I was wondering if there are any specific things any of you did during the construction phase to support the use of a console gaming system.

I.E., if my PS3 is rackmounted and I want to play a game that can only use a wired controller.??? I know most games are either BluRay or IR, just wondering if there is anything I should incorporate in at this phase.

Has anyone rigged up special monitors for use with Guitar Hero or Rock Band so they can face the audiance while they are performing?

Thanks,
Dave

Since I am about to begin working on the screen wall and riser I was wondering if there are any specific things any of you did during the construction phase to support the use of a console gaming system.

I.E., if my PS3 is rackmounted and I want to play a game that can only use a wired controller.??? I know most games are either BluRay or IR, just wondering if there is anything I should incorporate in at this phase.

Has anyone rigged up special monitors for use with Guitar Hero or Rock Band so they can face the audiance while they are performing?

Thanks,
Dave


We rack mounted our PS3. It is to the side and just behind the second row of seats.

Most console controllers are wireless these days and as such it doesn't really matter. The only exception we have is the mic for Rockband. The cord for that is just long enough to reach the front row. A USB extension cable would work if we needed another few feet.

If you really need something up near the front for console controllers, perhaps wiring a couple USB connectors form your rack to someplace in the front of the room?

As for Rockband... I think the game is more for the players and less for the audience. I'd rather everyone face the big screen for the best view and playing experience. I think it's more of a game and less of a performance (unlike karaoke). But that's just me. :)

Hi Mark,

Glad you like what I am doing. I also grew up in Monmouth County. Only moved to Middlesex county once I got married. I still frequent a couple of restaurants in Rumson. How funny is that!

Thanks,
Dave

Another Monmouth Guy. Awesome. I do miss Jersey, but I also loved getting away. And as for restaurants, whenever I get back we usually hit up What's Your Beef and Barnacle Bill's. What do you haunt? (note that pun is appropriate for it being Oct 31).

Mark

Mark,

For me it's What's Your Beef and the Salt Creek Grill (Used to be Fisherman's Warf.) I have always loved What' Your Beef!

Dave

Due to my lack of employment...I may have to consider delaying the purchase of acoustic treatments...but I can't say that until I know how much it costs. I figured OC 701 (1") up to ear level and batting above. How much has everyone been paying for that. Also, I am going to use GOM FR701 for the screen wall, I think it is $15 /yd...but I am not sure?

Thanks,
Dave

I have been working on the soffit and designing the screenwall and riser. Here are some pictures.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0524.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0523.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0522.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0521.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0525.jpg

I have been trying to decide on my ceiling color. I was going to paint it black since it can get as low as 86" under the soffit...but I like the soffit detail soo much I do not want to loose it in the sea of black. I figured black would make the ceiling feel a little bit higher (make it dissappear) and reflect less light. What does everyone think, should I paint it black or use a complimentary color from the scheme of the room.

TIA,
Dave

I have made progress over the last couple of weeks.

Here are some pictures of the sofit:
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0532.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0534.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0533.jpg

Very nice. It won't be long before we see some paint on the walls.

As you can tell from the pictures...I do not keep my work area as neat as everyone else!

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0531.jpg

I was really anal about completely filling the platform with sand. There is no empty spot. I actually screeded it like a paver job.
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0530.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0529.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0528.jpg

Today I am sanding the walls and preparing for primer and paint. I am going with a black ceiling. I have not finalized my other color scheme.

I left the space above the spraker platform (stage) partially open because I thought the room would acousticaaly benefit from the extra height...but I am not sure if that is correct???

Should I use that area for a bass trap? I am using bipolor towers and therfore I do not plan to treat approx. 3 or 4 feet behind each speaker. I will treat the middle entire 4' section of the speaker platform. I thought I might fill the empty 12" space above the platform with mineral wool and some sort of scrim???
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0527.jpg

Well...I made my final decision on the ceiling color...black. Here is a swatch against GOM FR701. It is Behr Mouse Ears...in order to achieve this level of black, I needed to prime a grey color.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0535.jpg

It took a long time...but I completed two coats of grey pimer.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0536.jpg

WOW...black is a pain in the ass to paint! Here are the results after the first coat. I can see roller marks...so I guess that is because it is only the first coat. I expect to need 2 or 3 coats.

Black really does have the desired effect though. I wanted the ceiling to essentially disappear and it has. It really causes you to focus on the part of the wall where the screen will go and not on the lack of symmetry. I think this will work very well!

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0537.jpg

Thanks for the updates, is that flat black ?

Art

Thanks for the updates, is that flat black ?

Art


Yes it is flat black. That is what should be used...correct?

I just got done with the second coat and it looks much better.

Dave

On Friday my friend came over and helped me complete some of my electrical punch list. We did a lot of wiring in the equipment closet including a dedicated 20Amp rack outlet, an outlet in the structured wiriing cabinet and the transformer for the HVAC multi-zone controller. Only thing left to go in there is the power inlet device. I need to order it.

We also pulled the speaker cable...unfortunatley ran out on the last surround. 250' goes quickly...

(that's my friend...not me!)
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0560.jpg

We also installed the sconces. At first I did not like them...but they are starting to grow on me. They are satin nickel with crackled glass. I will probably eventually replace them.

What do you think?

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0561.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0565.jpg

I have been working diligently on the riser. It is all ready to be insulated and sheathed but I must make my final decision on the electrical. I am considering either step lights or hardwired rope lighting. I am kind of stuck there. I need to make my decision so I can close it up and begin working on the second rsier. I am going to build a second riser 5' x 6' x 6" to increase the height on the love seat to 12 1/2". That should be perfect.

I also cleaned up...much better!

Thanks for following along...
Dave

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0562.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0563.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0564.jpg

what are you talking about...place looks clean compared to mine during the construction process :)

keep up the good work.
Old.

what are you talking about...place looks clean compared to mine during the construction process


Thanks Old! All you have to do is scroll through the thread and you will see what I mess I constantly work in. Funny thing is I actually try to frame-out the mess when I photograph...and I do not post the really messy ones.

Dave

Been a few weeks since I have posted any progress pictures. In that time I have had to make a lot of decisions and created a few threads to discuss. Here is a quick list of the issues/threads resolved:

Flat black paint issues with roller marks and chalking - Turns out I am not alone with my frustrations of flat black paint. I did manage to paint a third coat and was very cautions not to roll too thin or thick. I am currently happy with the results. I do not think it is possible to paint flat black perfectly though...if you shine enough light on the ceiling, you can see some of the roller paths...but it is barely noticible under even full theater lighting.

Step Lights - I was struggling with rope lights vs. step lights. In the end I discovered a Pass & Seymour product that I had never seen before. It is like a night light that mounts in a standard outlet box. I special ordered louvred fixtures and am very happy with the solution.

Seating platform completed - I have a two level seating platform. It was a lot of work to determine exactly how to construct it so that the seating layed out as desired. In the end, the second row of seats will have an un-obstructed view that meets THX specs. All tolled, that gives my 5/6 seats meeting THX specs.

I also completed many smal tasks that are not as fun, but needed to get done.

I finally completed the seating platform!

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0580.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0578.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0579.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0573.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0572.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0571-1.jpg

Here are a few pictures of the step lights I have decided to go with.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0576.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0575.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0574.jpg

I saw this on someones thread and it resolved an issue I had.

My hose bib shut-off valve is in my theater and I wanted easy access to it without having to romove any fabric or panels.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0577.jpg

I also needed to hang the projector to confirm the screen height before constructing the false wall. I have read everyones cautions over hanging the projector before the theater is done...but so far, I have been good. My friend came in while I was running IronMan on BluRay (ran it while adjusting projector mounting) and he covered his eyes. He refused to see anything but a test patern until the theater is completed. Knowing me, that is probably for the best. :rolleyes:

My seating will be moved from a spare bedroom upstairs into the theater next weekend, it is going to be increasing difficult to resist the urge! :D

Well...I got quit a bit done since my last update:

1) Screenwall / False wall construction completed and painted black

2) Projector and screen hung

3) Furnature set-up

4) Heating zone hook-up in progress

Here are some pictures:

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0094.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0093.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0092.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0091.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Cnv0090.jpg

Since my last update, (late January) I returned to work which slowed my progress. I was able to upholster the screen wall and get the carpet and furniture in by the end of March.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/DSC02297.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/DSC02299.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/DSC02300.jpg

Here is how my riser and step lighting came out.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/DSC02294.jpg

I have not done any work in the theater since April. I spent the last three months just enjoying it. I needed it to re-charge my batteries and prepare for the final push to get everything done. Here are some pictures of how it looks now. The final aesthetics have not been decided on so it currently a black cave...but it performs very well. I have not installed the surface acoustic treatment yet either.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Theater007.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Theater020.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/dbaiano/Theater021.jpg