After a lot of help planning from many members around here my project is well underway. I decided not to start posting until after a lot of progress so things wouldn't get stale waiting on my lazy arse to do something to the build.

This is a renovation of a low ceiling basement in a historic home that was built in 1908. 100 years ago they provided 10' ceiling on the main living floors but only 7' in the basement (at least in my home's case).

The use will be theater/media and kids playroom. I started by removing an old 250 gallon oil tank. Then I tore out the flat-out dangerously steep, narrow, and uneven basement stairs. I rebuilt them cutting a bigger whole in the first floor so I could get a nice slope. I have gutted the old drywall (80's renovation), re-insulated, re-drywalled.

A/V Equipment (all new):

Middle Atlantic 20U sliding rack with all custom RSH faceplates, mounted into wall.
Onkyo TXSR 806
Sony BD 350
APC H15
Panasonic 58 Plasma, to be recessed in the wall
Nintendo wii
xbox360 elite
2 Speakercraft Cinema fr FR,L
1 Speakercraft LCR center
4 Speakercraft AIM Wide RS, LS, RL, RR
Martin Logan Dynamo
comcast dig. cable/dvr box
PC for iTunes (squeezebox coming soon)

All but wii running HDMI 1.3a

You know we all want to see pictures!

If you want to give the kiddies (and rest of the family) a "theater" experience then I suggest you keep your eyes open for an affordable deal on a projector and screen - when not in use a PJ and screen take up very little room and won't interfere in other activities BUT when all the neighborhood kids come over to watch a movie they will get a huge kick out of a Theater experience which televisions don't provide.

Fun quality projectors aren't that expensive these days so give it a thought especially if you want to tag any part of the basement "theater".

Also suggest you consider a game experience separate from video like a pinball machine or foosball table - video games are great for sitting, staring at a screen and exercising fingers wrapped around a controller but no self-respecting game room is the real deal with an arcade game or two.

Just sharing our personal experiences with our home viewing for Theater (we dearly love our 56in HD TV but, geeze, it's a tv) so when it's Theater time it's Projector time - and the Wii is fun and we enjoy ours - BUT our family and friends much prefer the pins and foos - could be cause so few people have them - or could be they are the real game room deal!

Best of Luck with your room.

You know we all want to see pictures!


The first set of pictures are in the link or at mybasementrenovation.com - I chose a dedicated site to have more freedom with pics and organization.


If you want to give the kiddies (and rest of the family) a "theater" experience then I suggest you keep your eyes open for an affordable deal on a projector and screen - when not in use a PJ and screen take up very little room and won't interfere in other activities BUT when all the neighborhood kids come over to watch a movie they will get a huge kick out of a Theater experience which televisions don't provide.

Fun quality projectors aren't that expensive these days so give it a thought especially if you want to tag any part of the basement "theater".

Also suggest you consider a game experience separate from video like a pinball machine or foosball table - video games are great for sitting, staring at a screen and exercising fingers wrapped around a controller but no self-respecting game room is the real deal with an arcade game or two.

Just sharing our personal experiences with our home viewing for Theater (we dearly love our 56in HD TV but, geeze, it's a tv) so when it's Theater time it's Projector time - and the Wii is fun and we enjoy ours - BUT our family and friends much prefer the pins and foos - could be cause so few people have them - or could be they are the real game room deal!

Best of Luck with your room.


I appreciate the input imjay. All the equipment is purchased and the room is well underway. Drywall is complete and the built-in for the recessed 58" plasma is done. I was never really interested in a full-on screen for this or other rooms I've done, although I do appreciate a nice one. Particularly in this basement with the height challenge. I am keeping everything clean. ALl built-ins....its just a design choice for this room. With a 7 foot ceiling, that 58" panny looks even bigger than it is.


meegwell

you'll want to post the pictures here too if you want feedback. Few people want to travel to different sites. A thread without pictures fails!

you'll want to post the pictures here too if you want feedback. Few people want to travel to different sites. A thread without pictures fails!


Thanks Vcook. The project is almost complete at this point. I've been getting guidance via questions to the various forums here. I intention is to let others know how I dealt with certain low ceiling/old home issues - for those seeking out that type of information.

I think when I get all my pictures and commentary posted, I'll post some sort of summay of topic with pictures here. I wasn't looking to do the normal post as I go feedback thread here....but those are very enjoyable to read and I've learned a ton from them over the past year!!

thanks again,

meegwell

I measured and measured and double checked the opening. I explained to the drywall guys that they should not drywall the inner sides of the built in cutout where the rack would sit. I allowed just enough room recommended by Middle Atlantic for the SRS4-20 rough opening, 19.25". Maybe a hair more, but I wanted it to be flush. I double checked squareness and height to be right on.

After the drywall was complete, they did as asked by not putting drywall to the inside of the cutout as they did for the windows and the recessed tv sections. I painted the inner edge flat black as planned and started the rack installation process. The result was not pretty:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3146.jpg

Not square, not enough height, not enough width.

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What happened? Corner bead and drywall mud was the culprit. I didn't even think about it. Between the thin metal corner bead and the mud to cover it, I lost 1/8" on each side. Here is where I started to chisel it out and it became clear:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3148.jpg

The bottom edge mud and the cut of the lower piece of drywall was off just enough so that by the time you got to the top of the 20U, it was way off square.

My solution was to rip out the corner bead and file down the bottom drywall, allowing the wood platform the rack attached to to sit flush and level again on the framing. Delay time: 2 -3 hours but I got it rolling:

(the rough edges left by me ripping out the corner bead will be covered by the dark wood framing going around the rack)

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Looks goo so far, I cant wait to see more progress. Also I think that Mid Atlantic rack looks sweet next to the brick wall. Are you going to finished over all the brick?

Looks goo so far, I cant wait to see more progress. Also I think that Mid Atlantic rack looks sweet next to the brick wall. Are you going to finished over all the brick?

No, the brick will be cleaned up and remain exposed. It will match with another brick section on the opposite side of the room:


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http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3083.jpg

sweet, good choice. I dont have that old of a house but I'm hoping when i finish my basement i could incorporate old brick into it.

Just started looking at theater builds again, it seems like its been forever since I finished off my basement, so I like to live through other peoples builds to keep the "bug" going.

Anyways I love how ppl like yourself take an old home like that and incorporate some modern living to it. Can't wait to see the finished product.

- Josh

meegwell, what are you going to do with that exposed HVAC duct?

meegwell, what are you going to do with that exposed HVAC duct?

That will be the subject of my next picture post on the website and since it contained a unique method I'll post a summary and pics here also. Basically, I tore out the old drywall above the duct and re-fastened it directly to the joists. This brought it up about two inches, very valuable head room. Then I primed it w/ metal primer. Next I ran 1x1 wood trim down the corner where the duct met the joists to cover the metal fasteners. Then three coats of ceiling white made it all blend in neatly!

meegwell, what are you going to do with that exposed HVAC duct?

Given the headroom issues, I did not want to frame and wrap the ductwork the usual way. Below are some photos before and after I removed everything between the top of the duct and the ceiling joists (drywall, nails, screws), then crimped the supports and re-screwed so the duct is snug against the joists. Wood trim was installed to hide the support screws and make it smoother. This captured about two inches of head room.

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Primed and ready for paint:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3143.jpg


Ceiling white was used for the ceiling and duct (and the trim around the duct) so it blends into the ceiling well - much less noticable.

More details at the link in my sig if interested.

meegwell

Here is the completed HVAC duct:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3236.jpg

Here are some shots of the speakercraft cinema and LCR installation. If you're interested there is more detail and some tips on painting speakercrafts here: speakercraft in-wall installation (http://mybasementrenovation.com/installing-speakercraft-cinema-in-wall-speakers/200).

Speakercraft Cinema Three:

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http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3139.jpg

Painting Speakercraft Cinema In-Walls:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3215.jpg

Speakercraft LCR 3, aimed up toward ear level of prime listening area:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/img_3218.jpg

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3216.jpg

Between the exposed duct work and brick, it reminds me of a Chicago style loft. Nice.

Have you considered using either monorail or kablelites to accent the brick?

rob

Interesting idea meeg on the duct. I wonder about the sound issue though, with respect to the HVAC noise and diffusion/absorption. Anyone know what issues this may present?

mbec - No I haven't considered that but I will now. Thanks

Interesting idea meeg on the duct. I wonder about the sound issue though, with respect to the HVAC noise and diffusion/absorption. Anyone know what issues this may present?

The blower (or whatever it is) is in a separate room and the noise from the single vent is minimal. As far as getting highly technical on the audiophile front, that is also for a different, 2 channel room w/ a much different setup. I could address a dozen more issues as far as sound goes, but I'm not going there for this project. The obvious ones are the hvac, the brick, the column, and the cubby under the steps. I've "turned off" that part of my brain that worries about those isses :)

I am balancing function, astetics, and a/v. The room is currently lacking the thick carpet, heavy drapes, and mushy couches that will obviously have a big difference for sound - I am waiting to do my audessy calibration for those items. I've got every crevis and crack stuffed up good w/ insulation.

I play the DTS HD and Dolby True HD demo discs almost nightly and it already sounds stunning to me. I personally know (and always will) where there are minor sound nuances - but I would bore my wife to death if I ever talked about them and it would probably ruin my sex life. It is more than enough for the purpose - family movies and sports - sometimes while the kids are playing...

the phase II room will be for an LP player and tubes powering my Allison CD-9s. In there, I will create a near perfect sound environment, and it will be for me.

Thanks - Speakercraft AIM wides in-ceilings coming in next post.

Speakercraft AIM Wides were used for the side and rear surrounds. Below are some highlights and tips:

dual aimable tweeters and 8" woofer - total diameter about a foot:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3233.jpg

Spring loaded connectors make it easier to install above head:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3231.jpg

Templates:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3130.jpg


Power driver makes it a lot easier...but BE CAREFUL! The clamp sneakes up on you:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/re-img_3234.jpg



If you're interested in more details you can find it here: Speakercraft AIM Wide Installation (http://mybasementrenovation.com/installing-speakercraft-aim-wides-in-ceiling/204)

Meeg, I could do the research, but I'm lazy and thought I'd ask:

What exactly are the "the DTS HD and Dolby True HD demo discs" of which you speak?

Also, that speaker has an intriguing design - I'm using Swan R3s (dipole) for my side surrounds, but don't have the room for them as rears. Clearly you're using that in-ceiling, is it in-wall as well (looks a bit too thick)? Would it make a good rear surround if it were pretty close (1-2') to the back of the listener's head?

Meeg, I could do the research, but I'm lazy and thought I'd ask:

What exactly are the "the DTS HD and Dolby True HD demo discs" of which you speak?

Also, that speaker has an intriguing design - I'm using Swan R3s (dipole) for my side surrounds, but don't have the room for them as rears. Clearly you're using that in-ceiling, is it in-wall as well (looks a bit too thick)? Would it make a good rear surround if it were pretty close (1-2') to the back of the listener's head?

They are demo discs you can usually find on eBay - do a search and you'll find a few. They are fun to check out.

The AIM Wides are in-ceiling and I think, but Im not sure, they woudl be pushing it as far as size goes for in-walls. My furniture is not in yet, but as you can see from the diagram I posted I am using them as rear and side surrounds. Come to think of it maybe the diagram was only at the website and not in the post. Here it is:


>>>>>>>>>from mybasementrenovation.com

The Speakercraft AIM Wides were chosen for their aimable dual tweeters/cones. They feature the same easy-install flip out drywall supports as the in-ceilings. They were a little heavier than expected which made installing a little tricky for one person, but I managed. Having banana plugs on the wires helped a lot here.

I aimed the tweeters/cones as follows, with the side surrounds going front to back and the rear surrounds going side to side:



http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/aim_wide.jpg

So I got the screen mounted and as you can see I painted the recessed area black.

Im in the process of putting down a few coats of DryLoc...the basement is dry but I thought it wouldn't hurt to be safe.

I've also got the door to the rack closet up, which is lined up under the support beam so I only had 67" of clearance.

I took a jig saw to the bottom of the door, cutting off about 6" and viola! Popped right in.

Rack is almost complete, need the decorative wood frame and a 2u filler to replace the 3u filler I accidentally ordered....so I can pop in a 2u shelf where there is now a 1u opening...

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What a difference having carpeting!!! Finally. I also completed the wood framing around the rack and the recessed screen. I used poplar with a mahogany stain and 4 coats of poly.

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I needed the help of another member (or several that replied) explaining how to get remote equipment powered through your rack based power conditioner. The answer, obvious to many, is a power bridge. Monoprice, where I got mine for the TV and sub, calls it a Pro Power Kit and it sells for about 50 buck a peice.

I though I'd add a little detail to the connection process for others that may be looking.

In the box of the pro power kit you get two wall plates and a power cord. Essentially what you are doing is running a code-friendly Romex extention cord through your walls to bring the power connection to the location you desire.

One plate has a standard outlet and an open hole for non-power cable(s). It's big enough to fit several cables. This end, with the standard outlet, goes at teh location of your remote equipment (projector, tv, subwoofer, etc) that you want running through the power conditioner or surge protector you have in your rack.

The other faceplate, which has the same extra cable hole matched with a "male" power outlet connection. This goes at the location near the power conditioner/rack/whatever.

Also in the box is a hevay duty extension cord. This attaches to the "male" power outlet faceplate and then into power conditioner at the location you wanted.

The two faceplates are joined using romex electrical wire which you supply. The faceplates attache to single gang boxes and have "feet" that grip to the drywal as you turn the screws.

Basically you cut a hole int he drywall the size of a double gangbox but only have a single gang box on one side for the power connection. The other side is where the HDMI/Subwoofer or other non-power cables come through.


Dont ask me why I plugged the sub into the normal outlet to the left, It was just a bone headed move that I noticed as I took this picture. Obviously, this would defeat the purpose of the powerbridge:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/re-img_3350.jpg

Should be:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/re-img_3351.jpg

Behind rack:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/re-img_3354.jpg

I'm no photographer but I knew I wasn't getting optimal indoor shots so I did a little research to get me off the 'manual' setting on the camera. I was hoping to get rid of the darker backgrounds and strong yellow lights. The photographers here (there is a few in every crowd!) are probably laughing.


On a digital SLR, I followed the simple advice of using a higher ISO speed, the largest aperature setting, and a shutter speed of 1/50 with no flash and there was a pretty good improvement. Consider all the similar shots above were taken on auto with a flash (same camera).

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/re-img_3355.jpg


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Shopping for furniture this weekend....

looking good. I remember when I finally got carpet installed in my basement project. Just makes all the difference in the world doesn't it?

- Josh

tell me about it. To be able to lounge on the floor playing w/ kids or relaxing barefoot. My home is mostly hardwood or tile, we put carpet in the bedrooms and then here in the basement for that warmer feeling. Dont get me wrong, I love the hardwood floors, but a change of pace it nice. Of course it didnt stop the two year old from knocking her head on a brick column last night!

Very nice job. What part of the country are you in? Do the uninsulated exterior walls leave your area cold in the winter?

Very nice job. What part of the country are you in? Do the uninsulated exterior walls leave your area cold in the winter?

depends on how below grade you are. I am in Ramsey, just north of you, and the only insulation I have, is the 4 x 8 sheets of the foil backed foam boards that the builder glued to the poured concrete walls and I can tell you that my basement stays warm in the winter, and with all my equipment almost gets too warm some times.

- Josh

Nicely done! Ny house was built in the early 1900's and has really low ceilings but since we finished the basement into a multi-purpose room like yours it is the most used room in the house.

Very nice job. What part of the country are you in? Do the uninsulated exterior walls leave your area cold in the winter?

Im in central VA. The exposed area is 18 & 24 inches thick (notice the columns). Before the renovation there was little insulation and the room had no temperature issues at all. Now all the walls and ceiling are stuffed up tight si I assume all will be fine (haven't been through a winter with the renovation yet.)

Nicely done! Ny house was built in the early 1900's and has really low ceilings but since we finished the basement into a multi-purpose room like yours it is the most used room in the house.

It's incredible how our routine has changed, even before the furniture arrives! I need to control the amount of hours spent on Mario Kart by the 6 year old...one downside :)

Im starting to prep the back half of the basement, which is about the same size..there is a dated kitchen and open area there...starting to brainstorm about it now.

I still need to do a built in desk, shelving, and some other finishing details in this room.

The recent price drop caused me to finally add the last piece to the rack...the xbox360. Furniture is in and I'll be doing a 'final pictures' post soon...been MIA for a while!

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/re-img_36361.jpg

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Based on that last photo, I think I know what I am buying myself for Christmas now. :cool:

BTW - We are loving the Speakercrafts, thanks for turning me on to those. You should come by after I get the 7.1 receiver purchased and hooked up.

Glad the speakercrafts worked out for you - Im headed over to your thread now to get updated. Its funny, once the room switches to usable mode, all the "build" enthusiasm goes out the window! I still have a section of drywall that needs painting, some insulation in the electronics cabinet, a built-in desk, more built-in shelves, and some othe minor misc. stuff to do. Problem is when I get down there, I cant help but to just 'enjoy' it....which doesn't include any 'work' -

I have the full other half of the basement to do - starting from gutting down to studs again - its about the same size as this room - just an extention opposite the screen wall - So I have to finish up the odds and ends in this half before beginning that half!

meegwell

meegwell, I know I don't post regularly in you thread but I have been following you on here and you website. Just wanted to say great job on the reno. With these old houses you have to be a little more creative with you design. Have you thought about getting a projector now that you have the room done? If you dont mine me asking I've been searching the internet for speakercraft and I have been getting some crazy numbers for prices. Could you give me a ball park figure for them?

cableman - I believe JP and I both got ours at audiophile liquidators (JP confirm?) - they seemed to always have the best prices - watch out because as I recall they are sometimes paired and other times not - pay attention to whether it's a pair price.

thanks for the comments yeah you do have to do some extra head sccratching sometimes w/ the old homes.

as far as a projector, I can't say that it hasn't crossed my mind. There are no shots that give it perspective, but a 58" screen looks big in a room with 7 foot ceilings. I also considered the mixed-use of the room, a lot regular tv viewing, playing with kids while watching, etc - what I have thought about is the dual option...drop down screen in front of the plasma purely for movie time...that may be an option in the future but for now that panny does just fine for us.

Thanks for the info jp did send me a pm about where he purchased them. Thanks for the heads up on them sometimes selling as pairs. As a multipurpose room the panny should be just fine but I have a feeling a drop down screen sits in you future.

cableman - I believe JP and I both got ours at audiophile liquidators (JP confirm?)

Confirm. I was very happy with them as well. I changed my order after submitting everything on their site and it was handled smoothly, without confusion, and the order came correctly.

BTW - After a few movies under our belt, we are extremely happy with them. I can't wait to get a decent receiver on them and get the rear 2 hooked up.

meegwell , you still enjoying the room? Any updates?

I sure am. I need to post some more pics. THere have been a few additions since last post. I've been working on adding an audio-only 2-channel phono based system on the other half of the basement.

A classic "record shop" opened up on my block. Im loving it. I drop a hundred bills in there every other week or so...rebuilding my childhood LP collection that was lost in a move many moons ago. Funny thing is, I dont even own a player anymore! Im shopping for one.

I recent ordered a Logitech Squeezebox Duet which will run via digital coax into the Onk806. This will put my 250GB music library in the palm of my hand in this room (and other rooms soon after). Its expected to be here Thursday.

Since last photos I've also finished built-in desks in the corners of the room r/l of screen wall. I added some thick curtains on the windows and hung pictures. A small kids table sits across from the rack.

The room is used just about every day. We watched UP on blu ray last weekend. The Thanksgiving day guests' kids tore it up on T-Day as the men watched football post-stuffing-our-faces.

My 2 year old often says "popcorns? movie? " Its hilarious. While the wife and I decorated the tree on staurday night she said this. I went down there and put on Tale of Despero (sp?) and gave her a bowl of popcorn in the middle of the floor. As we did the tree on the first floor we heard her cracking up laughing out loud every few minutes. She hung down there by herself for a good 40 minutes...for those of you that have 2 year olds you know what a deal that is!

more to come, hope everyone is doing well!

Sounds great. You will have to post some updated photos of your room.

Great build. Love your equipment rack, nice and neat.

Sounds great. You will have to post some updated photos of your room.

Here's an update that has me smiling ear to ear. :D I installed a Logitech Squeezebox Duet and it has exceeded my expectations!

Basically, I've got my 200GB iTunes collection, which resides on a laptop up in the kitchen, in the palm of my hand.

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/re-img_4043.jpg

This thing sends my command (song, artist, playlist, whatever) up to the PC, which then delivers the tune to a squeezebox receiver I connected behind the rack, which feeds it into the ONK806 via Digital coax and wham! All my tunes, in an instant. It was worked flawlessly. There are also so many internet radio stations on the thing, hundreds, all categorized and at my finger tips. I highly recommend this thing for anyone who uses a digital music collection.

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/re-img_4048.jpg

This is the back of the little receiver. It doesn't have a perment home yet. Since everything is wifi, it doesn't really matter where it is so long as the digi cable can reach the a/v receiver.

There are more details to this install at my basement reno site if you're interested: squeezebox duet installation post (http://mybasementrenovation.com/squeezebox-duet/279).

i just realized from reviewing that post that I have the direction of the digital coax going the wrong way. FWIW, it sounds just fine! This is the second time I've done this. I recall noting that I had my sub plugged in to a normal wall outlet instead of the sub-specific power bridge while reviewing a post picture of it. :cool:

i just realized from reviewing that post that I have the direction of the digital coax going the wrong way. FWIW, it sounds just fine! This is the second time I've done this. I recall noting that I had my sub plugged in to a normal wall outlet instead of the sub-specific power bridge while reviewing a post picture of it. :cool:

There is not specific direction that has to be plugged in. The cable is strait through.

that makes sense to me but why the directional arrow stickers?

Are all the arrows pointing in the same direction or is there a arrow at the other end of the cable pointing towards the device?

I'll check. I never really gave this any thought at all and it seams silly to me now that Im actually thinking about it. I've had that cable for a while and I assume when I got it I saw the arrows and plugged it in that way and never thought about it again. If you were to just ask me if direction played a role in a digital cable my answer would be no.

Thanks for sharing...I went to your site to check out more info on the squeezebox...

Looks like I might be putting it on my Christmas list...My digital music collection is probably about 20% of yours, but there are many times that I am looking for something that is on my itunes lib, but not my iPod, etc.

Plus the internet radio stations look pretty cool as well.

Really nice job with the basement reno as well - the space looks great. Unfortanately for me, I am stuck without a basement here in the Richmond area...only thing that really is a downside about our house. Continually trying to control the kiddos gear in the family room can be quite a challenge!

Randy

after some searching, apparently some digital coax cables are uni-directional, and others bi0-directional. This is new to me I guess, short of the fact that I'm sure I connected that cable in the direction of the arrows whenever I bought it.

Your area looks really good.

Are those custom covers around your components in the rack so they look flush?

Ahh, just read that they are face plates...very nice.

I have a 58" Panny I will be putting into a wall also...when we start to finish our basement.

after some searching, apparently some digital coax cables are uni-directional, and others bi0-directional. This is new to me I guess, short of the fact that I'm sure I connected that cable in the direction of the arrows whenever I bought it.

If it ain't broke don't fix it :)

If it ain't broke don't fix it :)

Got that right. The cable is a Monster, so I have reservations about how much of that is marketing...

Sounds perfectly normal to me.

Got that right. The cable is a Monster, so I have reservations about how much of that is marketing...

Sounds perfectly normal to me.

About 90% is marketing. Monoprice FTW

Only 200GB of music? Does that mean you could listen to your collection on shuffle and never hear the same song for a year??

By the way, if you happen to check my thread over the next two weeks and notice my equipment rack getting built and that it looks eerily similar to yours, I hope you are flattered and not offended...

Only 200GB of music? Does that mean you could listen to your collection on shuffle and never hear the same song for a year??

By the way, if you happen to check my thread over the next two weeks and notice my equipment rack getting built and that it looks eerily similar to yours, I hope you are flattered and not offended...

I'd be flattered :)

The collection is actually over 200 by a good bit I believe. To determine how long I could listen you need to consider the quality setting for each recording. A very small % of the collection is lower than 320kpbs MP3, a lot at that rate, and a lot more above that rate in a lossless format. But there is a lot of music either way you look at it :)

Looks really great! I'm encouraged by your build given that I too am working with a ~7' ceiling.

A desktop PC is hidden under the rack w/ an access door in the front. It is connected to the onk806 with a DVI > HDMI cable. I'm using a logitech bluetooth keyboard/touchpad that was made for the PS3 - it works flawlessly anywhere in the room:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/re-img_4046.jpg

..

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/re-img_4050.jpg

Looking good. Did you have to do anything special for the ps3 keyboard to work with a computer or did you computer have a blue tooth receiver and you have to add the keyboard as a device.

I bought a little bluetooth USB receiver and it found the logitech keyboard with relative ease.

I did originally have a wireless keyboard/mouse (microsoft) that did not work well at all. This current setup is flawless.

meegwell, I was looking through your photos again and was looking at the stair case where the carpent meet the hardwood floor at the top. Have you thought about putting a bull nose in there so the carpet wont get caught on anything?

Do you have any kind of Venting behind the Plasma? I know they get pretty warm and would hate to see it overheat because it is enclosed?

The room looks great. I had a plan for my basement, but have a feeling I screwed it up when I set up the LCD, Stereo, and all the equipment with couches and a fooseball table without actually "finishing" the basement. It's all just concrete, and probably will be now for years..lol

Hello,

Thanks to all of you for wonderful ideas of Basement & Bathroom Remodeling. I am going to renovate one of my friend's house and i want some new ideas. Can and one give me some ideas about the renovation of the children room ?



Regards,
Olivia

meegwell, I was looking through your photos again and was looking at the stair case where the carpent meet the hardwood floor at the top. Have you thought about putting a bull nose in there so the carpet wont get caught on anything?

Yes, hadn't gotten around to it when that pic was taken but that has been done.

Do you have any kind of Venting behind the Plasma? I know they get pretty warm and would hate to see it overheat because it is enclosed?

The room looks great. I had a plan for my basement, but have a feeling I screwed it up when I set up the LCD, Stereo, and all the equipment with couches and a fooseball table without actually "finishing" the basement. It's all just concrete, and probably will be now for years..lol


The opening was sized to meet the recommended venting specs of the panel, plus a little bit. I went one step further and added an extra inch at the top and the "ceiling" of the cutout (is that confusing?) is sloped upward to help the warm air exit better.

Hello,

Thanks to all of you for wonderful ideas of Basement & Bathroom Remodeling. I am going to renovate one of my friend's house and i want some new ideas. Can and one give me some ideas about the renovation of the children room ?



Regards,
Olivia

Is this post for the SEO link in your signature or do you want an answer?

Ah, glad someone reads the directions, as I probably wouldn't have thought that far ahead when I was building.

Again, great looking space.

Hello meegwell,

No, that's not a SEO link. I want the answer for that because i am new in this field and want some new ideas for my project.



Regards,
Olivia

It's time to finish the basement renovation! After a year or more hiatus from the basement renovation Phase II has finally begun. The "back half" will feature a bedroom with a gaming setup (newbuild), and a full bath and kitchenette/bar (renovate existing). I'll be putting a dedicated phonograph rig off the kitchen, along with some sort of video system for the bar. THe squeezebox audio network will be continued into this area as well.

If you're interested in kitchen renovations (no a/v content) you can see what's been going on above this part of the basement since I last posted here: pictures of kitchen (http://picturesofkitchen.com) for some before and after reno pics - its the reason for the ceiling being torn down in the basement.

Here is the beginning of the mess I'm dealing with:

Looking out from the bathroom - a/v rack toward the right:

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/resized-006.jpg

The old kitchen area -

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/resized-010.jpg

in this shot, if you look far in the distance over the counter you can see the rack which will connect you with the other section of the basement (Phase I renovation from earlier).

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/resized-011.jpg

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/resized-007.jpg

http://mybasementrenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/resized-009.jpg

Your build looks great and gives me hope that I can do something similar with my 7' ceiling basement. Just one quick question, how far out did you build the tv wall?

Agree completely about the quality of your build. It also gives me hope that I can find some happiness with my design. I have 7' from concrete floor to exposed joists. Thankfully the majority of the room has no duct work. I am also compromised on width. I have roughly 12'6" width and 30' of length.

What is the width of your finished space meegwell?