Bud,

First off, I am glad to hear that you and your family are all OK from the storms that came through your area.

NEXT, Congrats on the EH article!!! ;)

Your HT room and bar area continue to inspire and awe people, along with all the help that you have given to people on this forum! This article is a culmination of your efforts and couldn't have gone to a better person!

Cheers,
JJ

Alan,

Yes, thats the OC tree there. What do you get like 4 months of non snow months up there?

Bud

ya bud,

we go from summer to winter usually with a day or two of change to get used to the cold...LOL

Bud,

First off, I am glad to hear that you and your family are all OK from the storms that came through your area.

NEXT, Congrats on the EH article!!! ;)

Your HT room and bar area continue to inspire and awe people, along with all the help that you have given to people on this forum! This article is a culmination of your efforts and couldn't have gone to a better person!

Cheers,
JJ

Thanks jj!

Bud

So I mentioned Jason and I were working on a neighbors theater room. I went ahead and created a new thread called The CG Family Theater begins! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13456482#post13456482) and if you're interested, check it out.

Bud

I got an email late the other night from Rachel Cericola, who wrote the article for Electronic House magazine online stating that the theater and basement build article will be in the June print magazine. Pretty neat. :p

I then got another email from a different person at Electronic House stating that the pictures on the online version of the article (the ones I took) were not going to cut it for the print version and they would need new pictures. Sure enough, we now have a photo shoot scheduled for 8:00 AM on Monday! :)

Bud

Congratulations on the article and shoot. Look forward to seeing it in the magazine.

McMurphy, thanks.

I was told to spruce up the place, take the magazines off the table and stage some drinks on the bar, too. Considering when I'm at the bar, I'm typically falling off the stool, so I wonder if they'll include that as well. ;)

Bud

You know, I wonder some times just why magazines insist on ruining the "atmosphere" of a place just to show pictures of some place no one ever has. The department store look rather than that lived in, homey feel.:)

Hell, Bud's bar looks like it's never been used! :)

Well, I haven't gotten naked and danced on it yet :eek:, but it's seen its fair share of action... :D

Bud

Too funny :D and congratulations for a job well done!

Congrats bud, thats awesome!

Make sure you put out some chicago bears coasters or something =P

Well, I haven't gotten naked and danced on it yet :eek:, but it's seen its fair share of action... :D

Bud

You are kidding me right? That's the inaugural ritual for any bar... Biggie has the skid marks to prove it... :)

You are kidding me right? That's the inaugural ritual for any bar... Biggie has the skid marks to prove it... :)

LOL, you know that granite can be really cold, too. :p

Bud

Update....

I PMed with LisaLynn on the star panels. Sounds like I'm working my way up the queue and they'll be working on them on the next week.

Bud

Congrats on the showcase Bud,

Everything looks great, to bad they missed out on your upcoming star ceiling. I'm sure like everything else you do, it will be meticulous.

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/diyer_transforms_entire_basement/

That's about as cool as it gets Bud. Can't wait to see the print version.

Bud,

I just saw your article. Congratulations!! I'm am so envious that you actually got all that work done in a relatively short period of time -- and all by yourself. I still have work to do but just cannot find the time. Maybe I need to take a 1 month sabbatical from work and get 'er done :D

Why hasn't Jason submitted his room?? His is well worth magazine footage as well!! JASON??

You may have inspired me to submit my room as well. I'm just not sure I want to show my ugly mug in a photo :o

Steve,

Hey, we should hook up and chat some and catch up.

I did have help here or there. In fact, there are plenty of rooms here that should be highlighted. I figure you had it in the works already. MOF, I went ahead and sent an email off the Rachel about Jason's room this week.

Bud

Steve,

Hey, we should hook up and chat some and catch up.

I did have help here or there. In fact, there are plenty of rooms here that should be highlighted. I figure you had it in the works already. MOF, I went ahead and sent an email off the Rachel about Jason's room this week.

Bud
Sure -- happy to talk anytime :) You should have my email. If not, PM me.

Oh -- glad Jason submitted his room. I'm sure they get so many submissions that it is hard to get them all posted. And I agree that there are some VERY nice builds out there that should be highlighted.

I am in Roswell, GA and wish I would have seen your site earlier, been going through many of the same things in the DIY, had done the basebement 10 yrs ago and then decided to redo the media room which I had put off until technology changed from the 3 tubes. Ended up tearing it all apart and just got cabinets yesterday. We did a rear raised bar area in the back since likely 40% sports. Thought I had run enough redundant wireing for switches etc. but and Cat 5 to the switch location and front of the room. Equipment in the back. Would really like to just find a good installer type to tell me what to do, before I get all the finishes up on the wall. Still need to order the new equipment, but since I started over a year ago, didn't want to do too early. Room 20x20 and need to take some pics tomorrow with the cabinets in.

Any suggestions on a local knowledgable person that would consult and just tell me what to do from here.

Tom, welcome to the forum. You could start up a thread here on AVS in the construction area to get input, plenty of opinions and knowledgeable folks here. Since you're in Roswell, I wouldn't mind stopping by on the way home one night if its not too far out of the way.

Bud

That's about as cool as it gets Bud. Can't wait to see the print version.

Should be sweet. Gonna have to get about 10 copies. :D

Bud

Would be appreciated if not too far out of the way. Will look at post as you suggested, I had put one up, but too broad, and likely not in right place. Just getting the handle of this. Wish I would have a year ago when started tearing things out again. I am east of 400 off Holcomb Bridge Exit.
Waiting on doors to the room and then will get all the staining done. Paint etc and of course the remaining expensive side related to the equipment.

Tom, looks like a beautiful space! Did you do all the woodwork yourself? What wiring/cables to do you have in place now? I could probably get over there next week, maybe this weekend. I'll PM you about it.

Bud

Ran audio quest speaker wires and sub. Ran for 7.1.
To the projector, have audio quest 30' HDMI and Audio Quest Mac6.
Ran extra Cat 5 to the light switch area and to the front of the screen since didn't know about the Wii or IR needs.

Did most all the work and then finally gave up on the cabinets and the bar area, wife and kids getting a little tired of not having the basement space back to use and kids sports are really taking up a lot of the weekends. Had a trim guy help on the install, while I see some things I think I would have done a little better, it likely would have taken me a lot longer with all the cuts. Now that the cabinets are in, think I will have to do some work on potential vibration isolation, as I said before, was a little late getting to your site and picking up all the tidbits of useful info, so wrestle w all the steps and end up dragging things out longer.

Would love to get your opinions, I am sure the next long hold up will be getting agreement on what to do with the walls and ceilings. Think my wife has thought about, but not a lot, since just have the stain color finalized.

I didn't know how to PM.

Tom beautiful space!!! It deserves it's own thread.

Yet me open my big mouth again.

If that was my space I think I would take out at least one tall cabinet section on both sides of the screen wall so that you end up with enough wall space for a decent sized screen. The space you defined looks too small for the room.

Another thing to keep in mind is that putting speakers in cabinets is not generally recommended for the best sound performance but if you pack the rears and surround the speakers with acoustical absorption material you can minimize some of the cabinet resonances.

I'm sure Bud can help you out on that.

Edit: looking at the picture again I think I would just take out the two tall speaker cabinets, get quality in-walls for the L/R/C speakers and hang a SMX acoustically transparent screen. You also might need to tone down the light reflections off the sides and tops of the front wall cabinets by putting on a matt finish.

Thanks, had just started a thread "Almost done but need help" in the construction site, spare Bud my space consumption. Don't think wife would want me cutting off the cabinets at this stage or something else would get cut as well. There are no windows in the room, that was just the construction lights and flash so should be OK. I hope. But up before pics as well from what I had finished out 10 yrs ago.

Star panels shipping tomorrow! Now I have to find some time to get everything installed.

Bud

Hurry up, will ya? I need to steal your trim ideas for the star ceiling.....

LOL. You've already got one!

Bud

Yeah, but I've been to lazy recently to finish the trim work.

Better watch out, Mr. Logan may be at your door.

Bud

He's too busy planning his leisure time :)

Looks like my star panels will arrive today.

Debating if I should run a separate outlet and switch to power it or tear out my cans in the ceiling and use the existing wiring to power the switched outlet. I never use the main cans and tear out would not be a big deal since it'll be covered anyway. If I leave them, I'll have to cut out the the cans.

My father-in-law (my electrician) will be hear next week, so the timing is good. I may wait until next week before I make the decision. Not time this week or weekend to install them anyway with fabric coming for Chad's room to be installed.

Bud

I came home to find a very large box by the garage today. The Numinus panels had arrived. A very heavy box, I might add.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1170/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01022-vi.jpg

Panels were packed extremely well. Took me some time to get it open. Lots of packing materials.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1176/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01023-vi.jpg
http://images35.fotki.com/v1168/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01024-vi.jpg
http://images33.fotki.com/v1139/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01025-vi.jpg

Bud

Here are some shots with the flash on and off:

http://images34.fotki.com/v1148/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01027-vi.jpg
http://images36.fotki.com/v1158/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01030-vi.jpg

The corners are perfect. I'll have to find out how they wrap the GOM around the corners so cleanly. They even cover the backs of the panels.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1160/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01031-vi.jpg

Because the LED illuminators are built right into the panel themselves, I just had to plug in the AC adapter. The light is more white than the picture shows.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1161/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01034-vi.jpg

All the Rotofast pieces, splitters and AC adapter are included.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1159/photos/6/649633/6151372/DSC01035-vi.jpg

Looking forward to getting these up next week!

Bud

What are the panel sizes again?

96x40. Three gives me the 120 width I need, 96 is a little short, but it'll be covered with crown.

Bud

Looks good...why is ELITE written all over the plastic? :D

Let me know if you need help hanging the panels.

Looks good...why is ELITE written all over the plastic? :D

What, you want me to "open kimono"?

Bud

Hey Bud, what are the panels made of? Will they have any accoustic impact?

Dave,

Made of a substrate panel and will have some acoustic properties. Here are the specs:
http://www.numinus.com/pdf/productsheets/StarTile%20specs.pdf

Bud

If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for those panels? I was quoted right around $13,000 for enough panels to do a 11 x 17 ceiling with all the accessories. Ten panels total. Maybe I will have to shrink down the idea or do awy with it totally.

I'm going to refrain from posting my cost since the company is run by forum members, but it was worthwhile for me to buy versus build due to my time constraints. Have you considering building these yourself?

Bud

Not trying to embarass anyone. Don't get me wrong, I love the product it's just that I won't have that much to spend. If you know of any links on DIY panels let me know if you can.

Thanks

Ruben aka sandman has a lenghty how-to in his thread showing his panel construction.

I believe Swithey also has some in his thread.

Both threads found via this view:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=19&page=1&pp=35&sort=views&order=desc&daysprune=-1

Here is Ruben's link http://www.smxscreen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26

You will need to register on his site first.

Dseal, FYI, Ruben was happy with his, but then was un-happy after he found the fidelio (sp?) velvet and said he should have done the star panels with that as well. So keep that in mind.

Dseal, FYI, Ruben was happy with his, but then was un-happy after he found the fidelio (sp?) velvet and said he should have done the star panels with that as well. So keep that in mind.

I talked it over with Bryan (bpape) and he advised to not use the velvet on my ceiling because of its qualities in absorbing high frequencies. I'd highly recommend a room treatment analysis and incorporate your star ceiling plans into that process. In my case I'm going to use a non-absorptive material to cover my star panels. I'm hoping to get them going in the next several weeks.

-Ryan

The absorption question is interesting. Since a panel that is GOM + insulation will absorb various frequencies. And apparently velvet will absorb the highs. I guess the panels should be integrated in the overall acoustic design.

Ruben preferred the velvet for aesthetic reasons since it was a blacker black.

Dave,

Agreed. If you're dead set on them (and I waffled) then it's better to understand the materials impact overall in the analysis. I'm not sure of the impact these will have to the overall sound but at least there is information to determine it. Not sure if Bryan still hangs in this thread, would be interesting to get his perspective on my particular situation since he did the original analysis. We did however exchange emails on the subject, I'll have to go back and see what he recommends to use for the material when I was going to make the panels.

Bud

My father in law and I worked on the panels yesterday. Here are a few shots from the install. Here there are temporarily plugged in.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1175/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01061-vi.jpg
http://images33.fotki.com/v1138/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01063-vi.jpg

One of the challenges we had was with the main can lights. I was thinking I'd have to cut each panel for the can, use a light bulb extender and adjust the trims. I also had a supply vent to deal with in the ceiling.

Since I don't use the main lights, I decided I was going to pull the cans out of the ceiling and use the same dimmer and wiring. My father in law was like "Nah, just repurpose the switch and wiring and cover the cans with the panels". That made things much easier.

Part of the kit that Numinus sent contained this special outlet box that made the receptacle recessed enough so we could plug the AC adapter into. I went back and looked at my construction photos to see which can the wire first ran to and we cut into the drywall for the outlet box and removed the wire from can.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1162/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01067-vi.jpg

Bud

Here is a shot of the Roto (I think thats what they're called) fasteners installed. There are installed on the ceiling using wall anchors. When you put the panel up to the fastners, you use an Allan wrench through the GOM/panel to turn the fastener. It then bites into the insulation board as you turn it and it sucks it towards the ceiling. You can adjust them a little up and down as needed.

http://images23.fotki.com/v808/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01076-vi.jpg

You need 6 of these per panel (in this case).

Before you can install the fasteners though, you punch a hole with an awl through the panel and into the ceiling to mark where the fastners need to go. There are spots onthe back of the panels that are marked for this.

Bud

Bud,

Looks like you are making great progress. What do you think of the seams between the panels when the lights are on? They are made with black GOM correct?

Looks good Bud!

Sorry, had to bring the kids to school and just got back to my desk. More coming.

Randy, yes, black GOM. They look pretty good actually. You can see them if you look for them though.

Bud

First panel getting secured. You can see the cans peeking out! The blue tape makes the hole where the alan wrench is inserted in the fasteners.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1148/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01069-vi.jpg

Shot with no flash:

http://images20.fotki.com/v383/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01071-vi.jpg

Bud

Second panel was a little tricky since I had to deal with the HVAC register. We measured carefully and laid out the location of the cut. I then poked some finishing nails through to the other side in the corners so we could cut the section out from the back.

http://images26.fotki.com/v885/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01074-vi.jpg

Here is the back of the board. We just connected the dots with a silver sharpie. We also had to move the location of the where the fastener would go, since it was dead center of the supply.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1149/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01073-vi.jpg

I then cut it out from the back, removing insulation and trying not to cut the GOM on the front. I wanted to be able to wrap the GOM back into the panel.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1162/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01075-vi.jpg

Here it is installed:

http://images34.fotki.com/v1148/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01080-vi.jpg

Bud

We are going to put the last panel up this morning. We needed a new fastener before we could install the last panel and Numinus went and shipped it overnight last night. It arrived at 8:00 AM this morning.

Bud

Can't wait to see the new and improved Blazing Ridge.

Very nice Bud,

I think the blue edge that shows from your ceiling gives it a good look, cant remember if you were planning on covering up somehow

The real nice thing about these Numinus panels are the onboard LED illuminators. No running fiber anywhere. The panels are connected via Y adapters from the AC adapter. The AC adapter just plugged into the new outlet. Really quite simple to setup.

Since I used the existing switch on the wall, I just need to tweak my scene configuration on my PowerLinc and its good to go (of course I can use it manually too).

Bud

Very nice Bud,

I think the blue edge that shows from your ceiling gives it a good look, cant remember if you were planning on covering up somehow

I'm debating if I should use crown or not around the edges. I have about 3.5 inches on the sides before the panels hit the sides of the soffit sidewall, I may use a wood/GOM filler strip. I'll leave the side walls that blue though. I'll take some shots with the rope light up to give you an idea of how that'll look.

Bud

So its almost impossible to get a good shot now that everything is so black. Here is a quick one and I'll try and get some better ones later. I have to run out the door shortly.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1142/photos/6/649633/5962212/DSC01091-vi.jpg

Bud

Nice pic! Looks like a concert in the park under a starry sky.

EXcellent work as always Bud! Thanks for the pictures, it's really looking nice!!

Nice indeed, quick tip if you exit once on the remote it will make your pause bar dissapear on your DVR. Then it would really look like an outdoor concert;)

bud,
the numinus panals look great. they look like they were easy to work with, you'll love the stars...

Bud,

I officially hate you! I am so tired of your exceptional skills out shining me.....Do you screw anything up and step back and say "Man, I suck."?

Wait a minute, this isn't the Loganator thread....

Just kidding, you know that... I admire your Top Shelf work and attitude, thanks for sharing with the community!

Randy - guys like Bud, Ruben and indyGreg (and the list goes on...) are all here to make sure the rest of us realize the mere mortals we are. Oh well, something to aspire to, I guess...

Yeah, ebr....I am thinking about kicking the dog when I get home.

Nice pic! Looks like a concert in the park under a starry sky.

Exactly. The other night they were showing the Rolling Stones at the Isle of Wright, an outdoor venue and it looked pretty cool.

Bud

EXcellent work as always Bud! Thanks for the pictures, it's really looking nice!!

Thank you sir! Still debating if I should do the 3.5" GOM filler on the sides and crown. I'll wait a little while and see.

Bud

Nice indeed, quick tip if you exit once on the remote it will make your pause bar dissapear on your DVR. Then it would really look like an outdoor concert;)

Cool, I'll have to try that. Didn't know you could do that.

Bud

bud,
the numinus panals look great. they look like they were easy to work with, you'll love the stars...

They were very easy to install. We actually cut the last panel, I had to take about 2 inches off it, but it was very easy.

Bud

Bud,

I officially hate you! I am so tired of your exceptional skills out shining me.....Do you screw anything up and step back and say "Man, I suck."?

Wait a minute, this isn't the Loganator thread....

Just kidding, you know that... I admire your Top Shelf work and attitude, thanks for sharing with the community!

He he, thanks dude. All I did was hang some panels, its not like I made them!

Bud

Randy - guys like Bud, Ruben and indyGreg (and the list goes on...) are all here to make sure the rest of us realize the mere mortals we are. Oh well, something to aspire to, I guess...
Please! I've seen both yours and Randy's work! I've got nothing on you guys!

Bud

Simply amazing Bud. Thank you for continuing to share your project(s) with us.

I am leaning towards a stain similar to the Minwax Rosewood you put on your doors/trim. You mentioned that your trim/doors was Yellow Pine. By any chance, did you have any Red Oak as well that you stained with the Rosewood? I was wondering how it matched up if you did?

Would you say the rosewood is a brownish red? Would it lean towards more red or brown? I ask, becuase my wife came home with a new stain from Minwax called Sedona red. It leaned more towards the red for me, and I am not sure if thats what I want.

kezug,

Thanks. The doors, base, crown and casing are all yellow pine. I purposely made sure they'd all match. The rosewood is more brown to me than red, although there is a red presence, although not as red as the Sedona. I'd suggest getting a small can and just playing with it, thats what I did.

Bud

:D Looks great Bud!! You have officially made the ranks of my Super Hero List! :cool:
Lisa

Lisa,

Thanks and thanks for your help the other day. The pictures don't do it justice, but I plan on getting up some final shots later this week. The last few days has been a mob scene at the house with all the family in town. They're starting to thin out now. Everyone loved the ceiling, BTW! We spent a ton of time in the basement between movies, demos, kids playing the Wii and 360, the Kentucky Derby, etc. Great times!

Bud

kezug,

Thanks. The doors, base, crown and casing are all yellow pine. I purposely made sure they'd all match. The rosewood is more brown to me than red, although there is a red presence, although not as red as the Sedona. I'd suggest getting a small can and just playing with it, thats what I did.

Bud

Bud, looks like the Rosewood is in run off or discountinued as I am not able to find it anywhere (HD, Lowes, or Menards). I found it at one place and it only came in quart! :(

Thats too bad. I'm sure you can find something similar. I'm glad I have extra!

Bud

Bud,

The star ceiling looks great. You've been talking about doing this for about a year now and I'm glad you finally got around to putting it in. I'm sure you saved a lot of time buying it vs. building like I did. Mine was just too custom in size and design or I would have considered buying it as well.

Did I ever tell you I had to do my twice? See how much time you saved!! I love mine and still get compliments on the "look" it adds to the room.

So, what's next on the plate -- anything? There's gotta be something? :D ;)

Steve,

Thanks. It took so long because of the can lights and supply vent. Wasn't looking forward to carving out the holes for the cans, but covering them up works just as well! I didn't realize you did it twice!

I still have a couple of things. Never did print and build my marquee sign. I also want to build my poker table. I have a few other misc bar/game room things to do still. I also started to build a toy chest for my daughter that's mostly done, but some family things came up a few weeks ago and I haven't gotten back to finishing it out. Hopefully I can get that done soon.

Looking forward to seeing that wet bar of yours!

Bud

Couple of better shots of the star ceiling. I got a PM from urquell (Tom) with a few tips. These came out a little better, but I'm still clueless when it comes to photography. Had a real hard time getting the blue rope to really show up. Thanks again to Lisa and Scott at Numinus.

The Who at the Isle of Wright on MHD:
http://images36.fotki.com/v1178/photos/6/649633/5962212/100_3003-vi.jpg

And another...
http://images33.fotki.com/v1187/photos/6/649633/5962212/100_3005-vi.jpg

And just a ceiling shot:
http://images33.fotki.com/v1187/photos/6/649633/5962212/100_3004-vi.jpg

Bud

Great work Bud. I noticed you got your Linacoustic at NB Handy in Duluth. Did they give you any trouble when trying to buy it?

Mr. Pancake,

Thanks! No problem at all. If you run into problems though, let me know. I have access to the equivalent stuff now (CertainTeed ToughGard) that has the same coefficients. I can always get you a roll if you need it since your local.

Bud

The best way to capture a dark scene is with a tripod. Turn off your flash. If you're able to adjust the exposure time manually, try something in the 2 second range and then slowly work up to 30 seconds. This pulls the lights out more.

I took this one with a 2 second exposure.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/1510805451_64bee8a034_b.jpg

And this with a 30 second exposure.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2088239818_43716a53f2_b.jpg

Thanks! I used a tripod and timer for the last few. I did not change the exposure time, nit sure how to do that on my camera. I'll have to look at the manual.

Bud

Mr. Pancake,

Thanks! No problem at all. If you run into problems though, let me know. I have access to the equivalent stuff now (CertainTeed ToughGard) that has the same coefficients. I can always get you a roll if you need it since your local.

Bud

Thanks! I may take you up on that if I can't get my hands on Linacoustic.

Bud,

The ceiling really turned out nice. Congrats on that! Since I like you so much, I'll let you buy panels and come install them for me. Let me know when you have the time.

Jerrod,

Um, well, if I can do it, you can do it. That includes both buying and installing!

Bud

Bud - nice work.

Bud,

Looks awesome. Question for you. How do you like the black ceiling now opposed to the blue paint you had before?

Do you get any reflection on the ceiling with those panels? When you have a bright scene on the screen, do you see the panel seams?

Thanks in advance.

Mark, thanks.

Randy,

I like the combination with the blue sides and blue rope light. I haven't noticed any reflection at this point, but haven't been looking for it either. I think its less reflective than the blue for sure. I do know that the LEDs do give off some overall light in the room during a showing. You can easily get up and walk around with just the ceiling on (and even with the projector off). More than I thought. I have not watched a movie with the ceiling off yet. I have turned it off just to see the difference and box is the room dark now!

On the seams, I don't see them during a movie at all. They're pretty tight and even between panels. Since these are insulation only, the do flex some, so getting the panels perfectly even with each other to avoid any shadows was key. You can adjust teh panels some with the Roto fasteners, but when I spoke to Lisa, she also suggesting using needles (sewing) at a 45 degree angle between panels to get them perfect and that worked really well.

Bud

Sounds good Bud. I hope those nasty storms in the Atl Metro area didn't affect you.

No, no issues here. Next county had some damage. I was working the primaries downtown last night when the storm hit.

BTW, to clarify, the needles work because the panels are not wood around the edges, they used something to harden and protect the edges, but a needle will so go through it with a little pressure.

Bud

The June 2008 release of Electronic House is out that has my basement in it - page 60. Mine arrived in the mailbox on Saturday. I'll have to go out an buy a few copies. Only three pictures of the basement....one of the theater, one bar and the other the gameroom. The article is the same as the online version. Decent pictures though!

Bud

Randy - guys like Bud, Ruben and indyGreg (and the list goes on...) are all here to make sure the rest of us realize the mere mortals we are. Oh well, something to aspire to, I guess...

are you kidding me? i have seen your bar. i am getting up the courage to do a starfield ceiling like yours. i make enough scrap to keep my firepit running without buying firewood (ever try to get a stack of drawers that are perfectly 1" too wide into a firewood rack?).

the lens is kinder than the eye. you are doing just fine if you ask me :)

greg

The June 2008 release of Electronic House is out that has my basement in it - page 60. Mine arrived in the mailbox on Saturday. I'll have to go out an buy a few copies. Only three pictures of the basement....one of the theater, one bar and the other the gameroom. The article is the same as the online version. Decent pictures though!

Bud

Just received mine a few minutes ago and I have to say congratulations! Your theater and rest of the basement look wonderful.

I'm a bit disappointed with the fact that there are only three photos. I don't think that the one of the bar shows your excellent work in it's full glory. I even showed my wife the article and she said "looks nice". When I showed her the photos from your thread, she remarked that it didn't look like the same space...it looked much better online.

In any event, congratulations on the article as well as the excellent basement!

CJ

CJ, thanks for the comments. I thought it was odd as well, but maybe the photography just screwed things up. Dunno.

Bud

Sh!t Bud, you have more followers on AVS than that Mag has subscibers. I just got my "Blazing Ridge Cinema" tatoo yesterday...guess where it's at? :)

Sh!t Bud, you have more followers on AVS than that Mag has subscibers. I just got my "Blazing Ridge Cinema" tatoo yesterday...guess where it's at? :)

Hehe. If its anywhere close to where mine is, it must have hurt! :p

Bud

Just got my EH issue in yesterday's mail. Congrats on the great article Bud! I too was disappointed with the limited pics as I feel it didn't give a true portrayal of how great the space looks. Plus, being an HT enthusiast I would have liked to have seen a picture that captured the entire theater area. But all that aside, very cool that your space was featured :)

Thanks Queen. Probably no real incentive for them to waste the print space with extra pictures I guess. The article was the same as the online version, so its probably a matter of how much space they have available.

Bud

OK, i have to ask , what are these yellow things on the workbench?

EDIT: Sorry right at the begining of this thread, during electrical pictures

Ravz,

I believe that you are looking at Bud's traffic light. It's just sideways.




http://images115.fotki.com/v673/photos/6/649633/2312531/DCP_1896-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v982/photos/6/649633/3817012/DSC00357-vi.jpg

Bud

OK, i have to ask , what are these yellow things on the workbench?

EDIT: Sorry right at the begining of this thread, during electrical pictures

Yup, assuming thats what you're referring to (don't know what else it could possibly be), Benson has it correct (and good pull on the pictures, Benson!).

Bought it on ebay, then bought a circuit board that controls the timing of the lights changing. When I first got it, all lights came on simultaneously. it was really bright! Added the circuit board and now it cycles like every 2 minutes.

Bud

I may not have a dedicated HT, but I can quick search a thread with the best of 'em. :D

Really like the light Bud, it adds a interesting and fun touch. It's the little things (and a few big ones) that really make your theater stand out.

some day...some day...

laters,

bud, Bud, BUD!!! Congratulations on the article http://www.htguide.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif I was looking through my mag yesterday and saw the title "DIY Home Theater". Then, I saw YOUR name. I had to yell to my wife "You know that guy BUD I've talked about in the past.. well, here is his room in a magazine". She was very proud of you (as was I) :D

Anyway, as the post stated above, the pics do not give the room full justice. However, they do show the attention to detail you used in the room. Wish you could have had the star ceiling installed before the photo shoot. That would have been the icing on the cake.

Way to go Bud! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon14.gif

Bud,

Quick question for you... What color Blue (paint type/color/brand) did you use for the sides. I like the black star ceiling with the Blue tinge on the sides, looks awsome.

Thanks,

Joe

bud, Bud, BUD!!! Congratulations on the article http://www.htguide.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif I was looking through my mag yesterday and saw the title "DIY Home Theater". Then, I saw YOUR name. I had to yell to my wife "You know that guy BUD I've talked about in the past.. well, here is his room in a magazine". She was very proud of you (as was I) :D

Anyway, as the post stated above, the pics do not give the room full justice. However, they do show the attention to detail you used in the room. Wish you could have had the star ceiling installed before the photo shoot. That would have been the icing on the cake.

Way to go Bud! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon14.gif

Steve,

Ha, pretty funny, thanks. Was thinking today that the extra effort to get the ceiling in before the photo shoot might not have paid off anyway with the number of shots published. Oh well, maybe next time! :p

Bud

Bud,

Quick question for you... What color Blue (paint type/color/brand) did you use for the sides. I like the black star ceiling with the Blue tinge on the sides, looks awsome.

Thanks,

Joe

Hey Joe, thanks. The original paint color was Sherwin Williams Georgian Bay in flat. The rope light, now also blue (was frosted white at some point) was from NoveltyLights.com.

Bud

New life for my marquee....

One of the techies here at work is into photography and has one of these huge Epson printers. He's looking into some special backlit media alternatives that would allow me to backlight it once I get the box built. I may end up getting a larger roll (2'x100'), which would allow me to do a bunch of marquees/concession signs if there is any interest from the group. We'd have to recoup the media and ink costs of course. Lemme know.

This is the final design I'm going with:
http://images29.fotki.com/v1016/photos/6/649633/3813965/BlazingMarquee-vi.jpg

Still need to work out the lettering, but that should be pretty easy and painless. Thinking about backlighting my concession sign too now.

The wife and kids plan on spending a few weeks at my in-laws, so I'll be able to start up some projects soon.


Bud

I'm interested....:D

"HIGHLAND CINEMA"

Would like to change the red stripes to blue and see what options we might have for letter colors if you go foward with this.

That's awesome man! I was wondering when you'd get back into some projects. Your thread wasn't even on the last page anymore.

What else do you have planned? Didn't you have a poker table or something in the works?

Also, I was checking back through your thread about the LCD over your bar. You'd switched out the Monoprice tilt for a Peerless flat but never really showed the end result. Did you have trouble hooking up the connections on the back with it being so close to the wall?

Looking forward to the end result of the marquee. That design will look really good when it's backlit.

laters.

I'd be interested as well.

CJ

I'm interested....:D

"HIGHLAND CINEMA"

Would like to change the red stripes to blue and see what options we might have for letter colors if you go foward with this.

I can change the letter colors and fonts without any issues. The red neon has to stay though. I had to piece meal that and did not create it from scratch (my Photoshop skills are pretty basic).

Bud

That's awesome man! I was wondering when you'd get back into some projects. Your thread wasn't even on the last page anymore.

What else do you have planned? Didn't you have a poker table or something in the works?

Also, I was checking back through your thread about the LCD over your bar. You'd switched out the Monoprice tilt for a Peerless flat but never really showed the end result. Did you have trouble hooking up the connections on the back with it being so close to the wall?

Looking forward to the end result of the marquee. That design will look really good when it's backlit.

laters.


Looking forward to working "back at home". I have to finish my daughters toy chest first. It's probably a couple hour job left though. Next I'll finish out the marquee and build the boxes for it. After that is the poker table. I have to go back and do some more research on that, its been a while since I looked.

The peerless mount is nice and only an inch thick. I don't have any new pics of the install. No problems installing at all. Chief Mounts just can out with a nice flat panel mount that looks promising too. Your biggest obstacle with these TVs is the power plug. If you use a regular outlet it tends to get in the way. If you use a clock outlet of other recessed options, that eliminates the plug issue.

Bud

I'd be interested as well.

CJ

Sounds good. I plan on ordering the roll of media today. I'll do a proof of concept and post pictures so you guys can see how it comes out. I plan on using the media on white plexiglass to give it rigidity in the frame, then install the frame on the box that houses the lights.

Bud

I can change the letter colors and fonts without any issues. The red neon has to stay though. I had to piece meal that and did not create it from scratch (my Photoshop skills are pretty basic).

Bud

That's cool,

I'll just make the letters blue then. :rolleyes: Looking foward to the proof.

I went ahead and ordered the media, expect it to be here this week. Hopefully I'll have mine printed by the end of the weekend. Will post results obviously.

Bud

Thanks for the info Bud, it definitely helps.

Best of luck with the marquee. Are you going to tie it in to your other switched outlets with your posters?

laters.

Benson,

I think I'd going to put it where my concession sign actually is. I'll move the concession sign over to where the rack is and I'm move that mounted poster that's currently there to the bathroom! I can easily add another switched outlet since I have access to behind the wall under the stairs from my storage room.

Bud

For those folks that tend to exceed the speed limit on occasion (you know who you are), I'm planning long drive and plan on using technology to assist my travels. First, I bought a new radar detector, the Escort Passport 9500ix (http://www.escortradar.com/9500ix.htm) with GPS. It has some great new features including an updateable database updates for location of red light and speed cameras. It's also allows you to mark speedtrap locations and remembers to remind you prior to getting there. Good stuff.

The next bit of technology is from a community web site called Trapster (http://www.trapster.com) which allows users to use Google Maps to mark specific locations of speed traps, red light and speed cameras, then send you an email/text message as you approach them (via GPS support cell phone) OR allow you to download the caution spots onto your Garmin as POIs (points of interest), which is the route I took. Works well, you get 1/2 warning of the areas. You can, as a member of the community, rate those user entered POIs to ensure they're valid and you can filter out ones that have not been rated in case someone enters them in as a joke or whatever.
Pretty cool stuff!

Bud

Let us know how it works. I just bought the Garmin Nuvi 350 for a road trip ths October, and would love to hear how the POI's worked for you.

Michael,

Works well so far, my commute is about 32 miles to downtown Atlanta and sure enough it pops up when you're close. Now not all traps have cops, since its just a potential location of a cop. Good to know for unfamiliar areas like vacation trips especially. For spots that I'm aware of, I've updated the map for my area. Right now I filter out those spots that are less then a medium threat (less than 5 confirmed votes), so the ones I added won't show up until they get more votes. The more people that use the technology, the better it gets. In my case I'll be able to mark those locations I've added with the new Escort with GPS to remind me they're there.

On the Garmin site there is a POI tool you download and use to install the POIs from a file that gets generated from Trapster. Pretty painless. It also supports Tom Tom and bunch of other devices, include Black Berries.

Overall, the Trapster website is not the easiest to figure out initially. Once you figure out how to register and start to download your POIs for your area, you're off and running. You can mark targeted areas on the map either with a circle (metro Atlanta say) or a rectangle (a highway or route). In my example, I'm heading to CT from Atlanta via route 81 through VA and PA. I went ahead and marked all these areas and created the POIs via Trapster, then downloaded them via the POI software for the Garmin.

Here is what it looks like to define my route. May not be the most efficient way of mapping it out, but it worked just fine. Once I'm through with the trip, then I'll change the area I want to cover back to metro Atlanta.

http://images109.fotki.com/v771/photos/6/649633/3402899/trapstermap-vi.jpg

Bud

Hey Bud, you're going to be passing right through my neck of the woods. I live about 10 minutes from the junction of 81 and 84 in PA. Any interest in stopping in and hanging some fabric on my walls :-).

I do the 81 -> 84 stretch a lot. I work for "Big Blue" in Fishkill, NY and have to go up every now and then. The PA state police hang out around the Blooming Grove exit in PA.

Have a nice trip.

Bud:

You'll be coming through my area too. You'll pass through Winchester, VA...I'm about 3 miles off highway 81. Stop on by if you need a break and I'll give you a tour. Of course, any tips that you may have to offer would really be appreciated!

:D

CJ

you'll be driving through my neck... wait.. nope... but have a safe trip... tell us how the equipment works out.

After you leave CJ's place and pass through my area, I'll let the State Police know you are coming...:)

You're passing about 1/2 mile from my house in good 'ol Knoxville, TN....

BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN GETTING TO KNOXVILLE!!! The cops are VERY HEAVY, and VERY PICKY all around Knoxville. With the I-40 closure and resulting diverted traffic, the cops are out in force. And watch the signs, the speed limit drops almost without warning (and YES the cops camp out the area and pace suspicious cars) from the outer edges at 55-60 to 40-45 near downtown.

As soon as you start seeing the signs for the I-40 detour, be VERY WATCHFUL! When you get to the Knox County line.... SLOW DOWN. The cops WILL pull you over for 6-10 MPH over the limit.

Since you'll be in my neck of the woods, maybe you can hand deliver the sign?

:rolleyes:

Have a great trip and remember, radar detectors are illegal in VA. Illegal to purchase, illegal to use. I do know from experience that they get really mad when they catch you using one...

CJ

Great site Bud. I went to it and learned that they have red light cameras in PA. Oops. There are about a dozen lights on my new daily commute. Hope nothing comes in the mail.

You are driving by my new digs too. Safe travels.

Hey Bud, you're going to be passing right through my neck of the woods. I live about 10 minutes from the junction of 81 and 84 in PA. Any interest in stopping in and hanging some fabric on my walls :-).

I do the 81 -> 84 stretch a lot. I work for "Big Blue" in Fishkill, NY and have to go up every now and then. The PA state police hang out around the Blooming Grove exit in PA.

Have a nice trip.

Oh man! More like Black and Blue (from my experience). :p I used to work out of Southbury.

I'd love to help if I had the time! Really. We'll be traveling mid week, stopping at Hershey on the way. Sure you've been there!

I'll have to see if your cop location is on the Trapster map...

Bud

Bud:

You'll be coming through my area too. You'll pass through Winchester, VA...I'm about 3 miles off highway 81. Stop on by if you need a break and I'll give you a tour. Of course, any tips that you may have to offer would really be appreciated!

:D

CJ

If I could I would, likely you'd be at work when we pass through I would think. If the wife and kids we're with me I could do tours all the way up north it sounds like!

Bud

you'll be driving through my neck... wait.. nope... but have a safe trip... tell us how the equipment works out.

I expect it'll work out nicely and will post my results.

Bud

After you leave CJ's place and pass through my area, I'll let the State Police know you are coming...:)

Randy, sure and ask them to update the Trapster map so I know how to get in touch with them while you're at it! ;)

Bud

You're passing about 1/2 mile from my house in good 'ol Knoxville, TN....

BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN GETTING TO KNOXVILLE!!! The cops are VERY HEAVY, and VERY PICKY all around Knoxville. With the I-40 closure and resulting diverted traffic, the cops are out in force. And watch the signs, the speed limit drops almost without warning (and YES the cops camp out the area and pace suspicious cars) from the outer edges at 55-60 to 40-45 near downtown.

As soon as you start seeing the signs for the I-40 detour, be VERY WATCHFUL! When you get to the Knox County line.... SLOW DOWN. The cops WILL pull you over for 6-10 MPH over the limit.

Oh great. Any other construction up 81? Thanks for the heads up. Thinking we're going to spent the night in Bristol, but haven't decided yet.

Bud

Since you'll be in my neck of the woods, maybe you can hand deliver the sign?

:rolleyes:

Have a great trip and remember, radar detectors are illegal in VA. Illegal to purchase, illegal to use. I do know from experience that they get really mad when they catch you using one...

CJ

Yes, will unplug it while in VA. Don't need no stinkin' detector detectors picking me up, so I'll put it on cruise and watch the Garmin. BTW, there are celebrity "navtones" for the Garmin now. My son wants me to change mine to Yoda....

On the sign, the media was delivered and I'm hoping to have mine done by Monday, so I'll post results. You need to send me a PM with what you want with yours and I'll figure up the media/ink/shipping costs.

Bud

Great site Bud. I went to it and learned that they have red light cameras in PA. Oops. There are about a dozen lights on my new daily commute. Hope nothing comes in the mail.

You are driving by my new digs too. Safe travels.

Dave, thanks. Thought there would be some interest here on Trapster, so what the heck.

Bud

If the weather permits you might want to think about doing a segment of the Skyline Drive.

Big, got a link? Not sure what that is.

Bud

It runs along the ridge-line of the mountains to the east of Interstate 81.

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/images/shen_close1_556.jpg

http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

Pic from 2006

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3811.jpg

It's part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, if I recall.

Cool! I'll see how things go, but that would be great. I don want to get to Harrisburg/Hershey early enough to so the kids cane go to the amusement park... they have an evening ticket (like half cost). If we can get out on the road early enough, may be a great scenic ride. Thanks for the info!

Bud

Hey Bud,

Thanks for the preview of the sign. I was wondering (not sure if you mentioned this before, when you first started working on your sign) do you plan to or what type of lettering do you use on the marquee? Do you actually display movies your showing on it?

Cool! I'll see how things go, but that would be great. I don want to get to Harrisburg/Hershey early enough to so the kids cane go to the amusement park... they have an evening ticket (like half cost). If we can get out on the road early enough, may be a great scenic ride. Thanks for the info!

Bud

Bud:

Skyline drive is beautiful and the drive is wonderful, but it's slow. The speed limit is 35 and there are only 2 or 3 ways to get on/off. We drive down and hike some of the trails quite frequently.

Hershey Park is fun. I was there two weekends ago. It was awesome. If your children are into big coasters, then this is a great place. I think you'll find that you won't have nearly enough time to see anything except the highlights, but 5 hours can make for a fun time, especially at night. Be sure to take a ride on the StormChaser, Great Bear, and the new Fahrenheit coasters.

This was my kids first experience with big coasters (they are 10 and 12). They absolutely loved them. We've even been looking into a trip to Sandusky to coaster heaven.

You're bound to have a blast!

CJ

Hey Bud,

Thanks for the preview of the sign. I was wondering (not sure if you mentioned this before, when you first started working on your sign) do you plan to or what type of lettering do you use on the marquee? Do you actually display movies your showing on it?

Orlando,

With the original plan I was going to use vinyl lettering and change out the movie/event on occasion. Letters would stick via static cling. I'll order some letters and see how all that works. I know there are clear "rails" you can get too to hold the letters in place if need be. Another option is to include a permanent/hard code a phrase as part of the image like "Welcome and enjoy the show" or your favorite movie or something like that.

Bud

Bud:

Skyline drive is beautiful and the drive is wonderful, but it's slow. The speed limit is 35 and there are only 2 or 3 ways to get on/off. We drive down and hike some of the trails quite frequently.

Hershey Park is fun. I was there two weekends ago. It was awesome. If your children are into big coasters, then this is a great place. I think you'll find that you won't have nearly enough time to see anything except the highlights, but 5 hours can make for a fun time, especially at night. Be sure to take a ride on the StormChaser, Great Bear, and the new Fahrenheit coasters.

This was my kids first experience with big coasters (they are 10 and 12). They absolutely loved them. We've even been looking into a trip to Sandusky to coaster heaven.

You're bound to have a blast!

CJ

CJ, thanks for the info.I expect we'll (my son and I) do many of the coasters, but since he's still eight, we may not do them all. He'll be disappointed, but they have height restrictions for a reason, although he's quite tall, so you never know.

Bud

Cool! I'll see how things go, but that would be great. I don want to get to Harrisburg/Hershey early enough to so the kids cane go to the amusement park... they have an evening ticket (like half cost). If we can get out on the road early enough, may be a great scenic ride. Thanks for the info!

Bud

I live 7 miles from Hershey parrk :)

Cool, that what I was picturing, vynil letters that would be interchangable if not I will do the other hard print like you said.

Well, no marquee this evening, he didn't get to it, but he said he'd do it tonight.

Bud

Got the marquee done, looks great from what I can see (haven't rolled it all out yet since I'm at work). I'll take some pictures tonight. Now I need to build the light box for it.

Bud

Couple of shots of the marquee on the dining room table. Very happy with the quality of the printing and media. Not sure if it'll need white plexi as a diffuser or not, since the material is actually a milky white. I wasn't able to put it up to a light to see how transparent it'll look, but I can see the pattern of the table cloth through the white area, so I expect it'll be fine.

http://images38.fotki.com/v1211/photos/6/649633/3813965/DSC01190-vi.jpg
http://images38.fotki.com/v1212/photos/6/649633/3813965/DSC01191-vi.jpg

The material has that "memory" where after its been rolled up it won't stay that way... it just unrolls and lays flat. Next up is finding some time to build the box.

Bud

Wow, that looks great Bud.

Pretty cool how it just lays flat after being rolled up.

One option for letters, might be too large and these are expensive. Will continue to look.

http://www.photomagnets.com/clingletters.html

Bud

http://superclings.com/letter_kits.htm

Found some 3" ones here but only in yellow/red and blue/white.

Back from vacation with no tickets! We had a great time and the drive was very scenic. No major construction and not a lot of traffic, which makes for a nice trip. We did not take the Skyline Drive due to time constraints heading to Hershey, but my wife may on the way back (she's still up North). Hershey Park was a blast for the kids and they loved the tour.Very clean and laid out well. We're talking about going back next year already.

The Escort worked really, really well. Interesting with GPS though, as you're on the highway driving through a city, it'll alert red light cameras that were in the vicinity off the highway. The other interesting thing was how it learned false alerts automatically. If you go through an area and it picks up a signal from a store, it knows its position (GPS). If you come back twice more and it picks it up, it'll learn that its a store and will no longer alert after that.

The Trapster POIs worked really well too. Now none of the traps had cops in them, but thats OK. I was surprised how many it knew about, but obviously this is directed correlated to the number that people enter into the system. We didn't see many cops in VA, and did see some in TN, PA and NY though.

I'm hoping to get to work this weekend and finished up a few things, including the box for the marquee.

Bud

Welcome back,

Glad smokey didn't get ya.

Yeah, Bud welcome back. I was camping out at the under pass on route 81 hoping to see you go by....You must have gone by in the evening...

Yeah, Bud welcome back. I was camping out at the under pass on route 81 hoping to see you go by....You must have gone by in the evening...

Was that you with the sniper rifle?

Bud

Welcome back,

Glad smokey didn't get ya.

You and me both...

Bud

Was that you with the sniper rifle?

Bud

Then that was you! :)

Hey Bud,

I was at A.C. Moore last Friday looking for printable Iron On paper. If they're not local to you basically a large Arts and Craft store. While searching I found some stuff that might be good for the marquee. First I found 2-3" letter packs that could be used. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to be the static cling type but more of a permanent adhesive solution.

Then I saw static cling sheets which can be printed on with Inkjet printers. Maybe these might work to print up the lettering and then have it cut in to rectangles. Maybe it will give that look of actual lettering plates used on theater signs.

Hey Bud,

How did your son's surgery go? Hope all is well!

Hey Bud,

I was at A.C. Moore last Friday looking for printable Iron On paper. If they're not local to you basically a large Arts and Craft store. While searching I found some stuff that might be good for the marquee. First I found 2-3" letter packs that could be used. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to be the static cling type but more of a permanent adhesive solution.

Then I saw static cling sheets which can be printed on with Inkjet printers. Maybe these might work to print up the lettering and then have it cut in to rectangles. Maybe it will give that look of actual lettering plates used on theater signs.

Interested in seeing the static cling sheets. Makes perfect sense to print your own instead of spending the 50.00 for premade letters.

We actually had company in town last weekend, so that put the Kabosh on any marquee work.

Bud

Hey Bud,

How did your son's surgery go? Hope all is well!

Randy, thanks for asking. The surgery was successful, they had to go in just so they didn't hit a nerve. The soft cast lasted a few days until he go to the orthopedic back here in Atlanta. They put a hard cast on (a black one - my son's choice) for three weeks. At three weeks I guess the pins come out and they make a decision whether to put on a new cast or not.

He's dealing with the cast thing, although he's had some actual nightmares about the whole broken arm thing. The first few nights last week he'd get up in the middle of the night screaming at the top of his lungs and saying "I think I broke my arm!". He seems better now.

Bud

Bud,

Love the marquee! I never thought I'd want one of those, but after seeing it, I might have to go that route.

I have more catching up to do on your thread. Curious to see how the star ceiling turned out. I finally got my bar done and will try and post some pics tonight. I had to re-link all of the pictures in my thread because the site I had them on was shut down. The was fun updating the 100's of pictures in there......

Glad to hear your son is OK. I had a broken arm when I was 5. 2 operations and 2 separate stints with a cast on. Certainly not fun!

O，good。

Randy, thanks for asking. The surgery was successful, they had to go in just so they didn't hit a nerve. The soft cast lasted a few days until he go to the orthopedic back here in Atlanta. They put a hard cast on (a black one - my son's choice) for three weeks. At three weeks I guess the pins come out and they make a decision whether to put on a new cast or not.

He's dealing with the cast thing, although he's had some actual nightmares about the whole broken arm thing. The first few nights last week he'd get up in the middle of the night screaming at the top of his lungs and saying "I think I broke my arm!". He seems better now.

Bud

Great to hear Bud. Kids bounce back from some pretty extreme accidents. Tell him we are all pullin' for him to get well soon.

I'm going with the Ascend 340s in the front. I haven't bought them yet. Because my side surrounds are in a weird location (above the door) and the fact that I didn't want columns, I'm putting in in-ceilings for the side surrounds. I just decided to match the rear surrounds as well, instead of going with in-walls or on-walls. I did a little investigation (including talking to Ascend) and Ascend recommends the S622TRs (http://www.sonance.com/subs/product_details.php?product_id=311) to match the Ascends. I ordered two pair last week from two different companies and one arrived today. They'll fit perfectly where I need them in the side soffit. Also, the in-ceilings that I put in the bar/gameroom are Hometech, which apparently are also made by Sonance. Anyway, they're pretty reasonable for surrounds. I plan on getting the Ascends in the not so distant future, when I have the cash. In the meantime I'll start building my proscenium and stage using the Ascend dimensions published in mind and adding some for flexibility or change of mind later.

Here's the Sonance site (http://www.sonance.com/subs/products.php?category_id=1)


Bud,

After all this time, what's your opinion of the Ascends? I'm thinking of doing a 7.1 system with 340's and 200's for the surrounds. I was dead set on Aperion's, but their prices went up enough with their new line that I started looking again.

Also, does you Hsu sub sit on top of your stage? Mine will and I'm a little worried about firing all that sound down into it. My stage if full of sand and seems rock solid, but who knows what years of firing a sub down on it will do.

Bud,

After all this time, what's your opinion of the Ascends? I'm thinking of doing a 7.1 system with 340's and 200's for the surrounds. I was dead set on Aperion's, but their prices went up enough with their new line that I started looking again.

Also, does you Hsu sub sit on top of your stage? Mine will and I'm a little worried about firing all that sound down into it. My stage if full of sand and seems rock solid, but who knows what years of firing a sub down on it will do.

I'm not Bud so forgive me for jumping in on your questions...but I have the same Ascend's that Bud does (bought in about the same time frame as well) but with a Rocket "bigfoot" center channel. I like the Ascends and don't think you can go wrong with them in their price range.

As for the sub - don't sweat it. Look at the thing I have sitting on (or, rather as a part of) my stage...

I'll speak to the ascends as well, having them for like 6 months for all my front speakers, I love em. Great sound! I have the hsu sub as well, but its in the back of the room and I dont have a stage, but I love the sub, nice deep bass.

Gotta agree. I bought my Ascends around the same tim eBud got his. I have 3 - 340SE's across the front and 4 other 170's for surrounds. Great sound!!!

I too have 3 Ascend 340SE's across the front - I like the sound but am no audiophile.

Well, seeing as how I already hijacked Bud's thread, let me ask you Ascend fans this. Do you guys have three 340's behind a AT screen? If so, do you use the "special" center or just a regular 340? Right now I'm really leaning to 3 identical 340's for my LCR.

Bud,

Love the marquee! I never thought I'd want one of those, but after seeing it, I might have to go that route.

I have more catching up to do on your thread. Curious to see how the star ceiling turned out. I finally got my bar done and will try and post some pics tonight. I had to re-link all of the pictures in my thread because the site I had them on was shut down. The was fun updating the 100's of pictures in there......

Glad to hear your son is OK. I had a broken arm when I was 5. 2 operations and 2 separate stints with a cast on. Certainly not fun!

Jerrod,

Happy to do a marquee up for you when I have a moment (photoshop is the easy part). Running in place at the moment. VERY busy at work.

Sucks about the pictures. I would just shoot myself.

Saw your updates on the bar! Came out great!

Bud

Bud,

After all this time, what's your opinion of the Ascends? I'm thinking of doing a 7.1 system with 340's and 200's for the surrounds. I was dead set on Aperion's, but their prices went up enough with their new line that I started looking again.

Also, does you Hsu sub sit on top of your stage? Mine will and I'm a little worried about firing all that sound down into it. My stage if full of sand and seems rock solid, but who knows what years of firing a sub down on it will do.

Ed,

LOVE THEM! I think I turned a lot of these guys on to them. ;) I wouldn't trade them for nothin'. Really a great bang for the buck. Yuo really can't go wrong with these. Seriously.

My HSU is on the stage, no problems at all. Another great bang for the buck. I'm sure the stage will be just fine.

Let us know if you pull the trigger on the Ascends/Hsu.

Bud

Well, seeing as how I already hijacked Bud's thread, let me ask you Ascend fans this. Do you guys have three 340's behind a AT screen? If so, do you use the "special" center or just a regular 340? Right now I'm really leaning to 3 identical 340's for my LCR.

There is a 340SE Center to go with the 340SE Mains. I don't have a AT screen, but believe some of the others do. I'm sure they'll be just fine.

Bud

Sorry for the late replies and the lack of focus on the marquee, just been pretty damn busy. Stay tuned there is a holiday weekend looming.

Bud

Well, seeing as how I already hijacked Bud's thread, let me ask you Ascend fans this. Do you guys have three 340's behind a AT screen? If so, do you use the "special" center or just a regular 340? Right now I'm really leaning to 3 identical 340's for my LCR.

As I said, I don't use an Ascend for my center but all my mains are behind a screen and I can answer your question because for a while I was planning on getting a third Ascend and researched the issue.

According to Ascend the 340SE "center" speaker is designed slightly differently for two reasons - 1) it is designed to be placed horizontally instead of vertically (different tweeter dispersion) and 2) I think it has some crossover adjustments to compensate for being in a cabinet or close proximity to a large surface (TV).

If you will have your three mains behind a screen you will not want/need the 340 center channel. You will want a third identical 340SE. You'll need to call Ascend to order this as there is no option for a single one on the website (or at least there wasn't a year or so ago).

As I said, I don't use an Ascend for my center but all my mains are behind a screen and I can answer your question because for a while I was planning on getting a third Ascend and researched the issue.

According to Ascend the 340SE "center" speaker is designed slightly differently for two reasons - 1) it is designed to be placed horizontally instead of vertically (different tweeter dispersion) and 2) I think it has some crossover adjustments to compensate for being in a cabinet or close proximity to a large surface (TV).

If you will have your three mains behind a screen you will not want/need the 340 center channel. You will want a third identical 340SE. You'll need to call Ascend to order this as there is no option for a single one on the website (or at least there wasn't a year or so ago).

Thanks ebr for chiming in. That's great info and you won't find it on the Ascend website ;). I'd say there's a good chance I'm ordering the Ascends/Hsu tomorrow!

Enough of this thread hijacking. Back to what Bud's up to...

I use the 340' SE's across the front. I went with the SE Center channel design for the center. While I cant directly compare the difference between going with the specialized center vs using a regular main for the center, I can say that the sound I get is incredible. I couldnt be happier. They are extremely well matched!! I would buy another set in a heartbeat if I had to do it again :)

Ronnie

Aloha!

Belated congrats on the EH spot, and on crossing 500K views to your thread!

Thanks Warren!

Bud

Got a little motivated today and made some progress on my daughters toy chest. It's been partially complete since the end of March. After about 4 hours, I was worn out so I'd done for today. Here are some shots:

http://images38.fotki.com/v1281/photos/6/649633/3402899/DSC01202-vi.jpg
http://images40.fotki.com/v1303/photos/6/649633/3402899/DSC01203-vi.jpg
http://images41.fotki.com/v1305/photos/6/649633/3402899/DSC01206-vi.jpg

I still need to:

1. Put some supports in the top/seat. I glued three boards up for the top, although I didn't use biscuits, I'm concerned that the board may pull apart with a lot of abuse. I just need to glue/screw some cross braces.

2. Put some molding around the base, the panels and the top of the box to give it some character.

3. More sanding, caulk and paint.

4. Put on the piano hinge and the child safety brackets.

5. Carry that damn thing up three flights of stairs.

Bud

I could sleep in that box! Lot of room there! Nice work Bud.

Looks kind of like a coffin to me. Sleep tight.

Ha! A DIY coffin! I should submit that to Family Handyman. Maybe I should start a side business....

Bud

Looks kind of like a coffin to me. Sleep tight.

Hahahaha...
That is what I was thinking!!

Couple of better shots of the star ceiling. I got a PM from urquell (Tom) with a few tips. These came out a little better, but I'm still clueless when it comes to photography. Had a real hard time getting the blue rope to really show up. Thanks again to Lisa and Scott at Numinus.

The Who at the Isle of Wright on MHD:
http://images36.fotki.com/v1178/photos/6/649633/5962212/100_3003-vi.jpg

And another...
http://images33.fotki.com/v1187/photos/6/649633/5962212/100_3005-vi.jpg

And just a ceiling shot:
http://images33.fotki.com/v1187/photos/6/649633/5962212/100_3004-vi.jpg

Bud

That is just insane!!
What can I say but... I want one!!!!

EDIT: Bud, how many stars do you have in that space? It looks very real.

Never actually counted them! :p

I would guess guess 75-100 per panel, so somewhere in the 225-300 area for the whole ceiling. I would PM LisaLynn and maybe she can look at the order or knows about how many they do in a 8'x10' section.

Bud

Never actually counted them! :p

I would guess guess 75-100 per panel, so somewhere in the 225-300 area for the whole ceiling. I would PM LisaLynn and maybe she can look at the order or knows about how many they do in a 8'x10' section.

Bud

Hehehehehehe... LMAO!!! :p
I just figured perhaps they had different levels of panels.
I am going to guess that 75 –100 per panel is a bit low.
3 panels right?
The reason I ask, is I am trying to figure what I would need to consider for my space if I ever do a star ceiling.

I'll bet there's less than 200 stars in the whole ceiling...

Dunno, the panels ar 40"x96" and I counted about 80 last night on one panel. There are three.

Bud

Dunno, the panels ar 40"x96" and I counted about 80 last night on one panel. There are three.

Bud


..the family is staring at the screen watching a movie and Bud's staring at the ceiling counting stars....

Classic! Now *THAT's* dedication!

CJ

Bud - The star ceiling looks great, now you have had the star ceiling in a while just wondering if you keep it on during the main movie. I found mine a distration so its only really used now when we have vistors during any pre-movie or when kids have friends over.

Cheers,
Mark

..the family is staring at the screen watching a movie and Bud's staring at the ceiling counting stars....

Classic! Now *THAT's* dedication!

CJ

LOL! :p We were watching Over the Hedge... for about the 15th time....

Bud

Bud - The star ceiling looks great, now you have had the star ceiling in a while just wondering if you keep it on during the main movie. I found mine a distration so its only really used now when we have vistors during any pre-movie or when kids have friends over.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,

I actually DO keep it on during movies. I guess I've gotten used to it and don't really notice the distraction. It does however, give you more ambient light than you'd expect it would. Not much, just enough to give you a little light to get around the room easily if you got up.

I also have it programmed into to my "play movie" scene so it automatically comes on when you hit play. If I ever wanted to turn it off, I need to get off my ass and do it manually.

Bud

Hey Bud, any words of wisdom for working with the parts express grill magnets? The web site says to use a 3/8" drill bit, but the magnets don't fit in the hole for me (hate when that happens :-)). How about which glue did you use? I'm thinking Gorilla right now.

Hey Ed.

I used Gorilla Glue as well, but keep in mind it expands. Off the top of my head, not sure on the drill bit size. But do some trial runs on some scrap board to make sure you have the right size.

What I did was to use a smaller bit and drilled completely through the panel and into the frame. This allows you to get an exact place of where the magnet goes for both sides of the magnet. I would then go back with the bigger bit and use the smaller bit as a pilot hole, drilling only as deep as I needed. Make sure you don't go too deep, since it'll be a bear to get the magnet out if you push it in too far. Make sure you mark the bit with some tape as a depth gauge or something to that effect. Also, make sure you have the polarities correct for the magnets. You don't want to glue them in and find out you have one reversed. Mark them with a sharpie or something.

Good luck!

Bud

Bud,

Thanks for the tips on the magnets. I'm going to have to play with the glue to see how much it expands. From your pictures it looks like you glued over the top of the magnet too. Is that right?

BTW, I ended up buying the Ascends. I got three 340-SE mains for the fronts and four HTM-200's for the surrounds. I also got a Hsu VTF2-MK3. They are all sitting in my HT right now waiting to be hooked up. :o

I put up fabric tonight, but I'm planning on switching to finishing my screen wall so I can hang the screen and pj. The anticipation is killing me!

Thanks as always for all the help.

So for you marquee fans, I'm thinking about something more sophisticated now, something more than just a light box design. I had originally (way back), had thought about a semicircle type of marquee that was small enough to hang over my door outside the theater. I'd still chewing on that. I'm also considering more of a three dimensional marquee, conceptually similar to this, but on a much smaller scale and without the lights (or maybe incorporate some lighting, maybe use EL tape, dunno). Maybe bring it off the wall a 18-24", but would have to incorporate a way to keep it level and not drop. Maybe have supports from the front of the marquee to the back wall or ceiling.

http://images37.fotki.com/v1259/photos/6/649633/3813965/paramount-vi.jpg

I'll try and draw something up.

Bud

Just getting a red box, but I'm curios :)

So for you marquee fans, I'm thinking about something more sophisticated now, something more than just a light box design. I had originally (way back), had thought about a semicircle type of marquee that was small enough to hang over my door outside the theater. I'd still chewing on that. I'm also considering more of a three dimensional marquee, conceptually similar to this, but on a much smaller scale and without the lights (or maybe incorporate some lighting, maybe use EL tape, dunno). Maybe bring it off the wall a 18-24", but would have to incorporate a way to keep it level and not drop. Maybe have supports from the front of the marquee to the back wall or ceiling.

http://i.pbase.com/g6/96/675696/2/72351703.B2qbXSPt.jpg

I'll try and draw something up.

Bud
Bud -- sounds great! However, the pic is not showing :(

Bud -- sounds great! However, the pic is not showing :(

Oops. Pointed to it, but fixed it by downloading a copy.

Bud

Have you check out the ones that are more like triangles? basically its 2-sided and comes to a point? Just a thought.

I've seen them, but it's just not the look I had in mind. Same with the trapezoidal thingamajig. Just not what I had in mind.

Bud

Almost a month....don't fall off the face of the earth dude....how's the son's arm doing?

Hey Randy,

Still around some, but pretty slammed at work. Not sure if I mentioned it or not, but I took a job over in the infrastructure operations group back in June and we have a lot going on getting ready for some launches next week and preparing for the elections in November. We're projecting somewhere in the order of 1.3B page views for the two day period (11/4 and 11/5).

The son is doing well, got the cast off and is back to normal. We played catch last weekend and he seemed fine. He's all excited for the Clone War series that starts tonight on Cartoon Network (we also host the cartoonnetwork.com sites). I picked up a Clone Wars tee shirt and some action figures yesterday from the Turner store here.

I haven't done anything in a few weeks in the basement. In fact, I need to rebuild the lid for my daughters "coffin", since it warped. It's likely I won't do squat until after the Elections.

Bud

Bud,

Good to see you and the family are doing well.

I made a coffin/toy box for my son many years ago and mine warped as well. I guess a bread board type construction would keep that from happening.

I can't see much left for you to do in the basement since it's fantastic as is.

Me? I'm voting for Paul Konold and his pirate theater...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1073127

Bud

Me? I'm voting for Paul Konold and his pirate theater...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1073127

Bud
Bud -- always vote for yourself!! You know the politicians do :D

I voted for Bud!

Congrats Bud. Even if you don't "win", I think your build is the coolest finished one yet!

CJ

Thanks for the votes guys. As they say, it's an honor to be nominated. I just stumbled across this today, I knew nothing about it... really. I'd putting any winnings right back into the theater... Wonder if Home Depot carries that new Sony BluRay BDP-550 I'm gonna get next? :)

Or... could be seed money for a HT meet! (read beer AND food) :p

Bud

My vote definitely goes to Bud. Congrats on the nomination. I love this thread!

I voted for you Bud because you have shared your hard work in great detail with us all. Plus your work is not bad either :) I love the Pirate Theater too. You have always kept yourself accessable no matter how small a question a visitor to your thread had. We all appreciate your dedication to the hobby. Good luck!

Bud for me too

Pirates was close 2nd but Buds help and inspiration tipped the bar

Thanks guys!

Bud

Bald men unite! One vote cast.

You got (2) votes from me -- Mr. Bud :D

Bald men unite! One vote cast. I prefer hair challenged ... :p Thanks!

Bud

You got (2) votes from me -- Mr. Bud :D Cool! Twice the thanks!

Bud

So the wife is gonna shoot me....well, maybe.

I just ordered the Sony BDP-550 BluRay player from SonyStyle.com. It was 399.00 (100.00 price drop) plus tax , but if you open a Sony Style Credit card, you get a 150.00 credit. That brings it down to 250.00 plus tax basically. Not a bad deal, really. Free shipping too.

Bud

I just voted ... Blazing Ridge of course :)

one question ... it may be answered elsewhere but there is a dollar value attached to the theatre builds ... does that amount include the equiptment ?( projector/avr/screen etc )

Scruff, thanks. Yes, the 18K includes everything in the finished HT room. Equipment, rack, projector, seats and the rest of the finishing. Does not cover the rest of the basement though. There is a breakdown of costs somewhere, there is probably a link in the index.

Bud

Another vote here for Bud. Thanks for the detailed thread and all the great ideas Bud. Plus, I always root for the home team!!

-Gerry

Thanks Bud ... I was trying to figure how my own theatre/basement will compare costwise ;)

Thanks guys. Scruffy, where's your construction thread? ;)

Bud

Awesome thread. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks guys. Scruffy, where's your construction thread? ;)

Bud

LOL ... I will post up pictures when I feel I have made " significant " progress :cool:

Right now I am almost ready to have the electrician come over to hook up the sub-panel for the basement and energize the plugs/lights ... just does not feel like a room till you see drywall so I will start a build thread then :)

All components have been purchased and tested in the room but I also have to stage the development starting with the games room first so the kids have somewhere to go and hang with friends, spare bedroom/hallway next, theatre after that and then bathroom

I am doing all the work myself so it takes a bit longer as some parts are " learn as you go " :D

Awesome thread. Thanks for sharing!

Not problem at all. Welcome to the fun!

Bud

I am doing all the work myself so it takes a bit longer as some parts are " learn as you go " :D

Nah, create the thread and we'll "teach you before you start"! :p

Bud

Yep, Bud and the experts will edumacate you....

You got my vote Bud.
If you win, you have to have a meet. :D

Nah, create the thread and we'll "teach you before you start"! :p

Bud

heh ... I will have to think about that ... I am edumucatin' myself here every day and so far so good :)

maybe after the electrician I will clean the rooms all up and snap some pics ... insulation for ceilings and interior walls should show up tomorrow ... a few more speaker cables and conduit to run ( monoprice order ) ... figure by end of October I should be ready to start a thread just before drywall ( have to sell my motorcycle to get the funds to finish it all :( sort of bittersweet really ) but bike season is basically over so I have the winter to save for my next bike

You got my vote Bud.
If you win, you have to have a meet. :D

Thanks man, although I think I'm far behind, but would love to have a meet.

Bud

Bud,

I'm in the market to have someone make a plexiglass insert for a ticket booth I am designing. You mentioned back around post 2760 (or so) that you used "Jason's brother". Seems he did a good job. Think he would be interested in making another one? It would need to be shipped though since I live in PA.

Voted for your theater by the way ;).

Thanks for the vote!

Actually, it's Jason's brother in law. You might want to PM Jason (jikkjack) and check with him.

Bud

Will do, thanks.

My Sony BDP-S550 (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665368407) got delivered yesterday. Wasn't expecting it until Tuesday though, so I'm "Bluray discless" at the moment. I did however hook it up last night and my son and I watched "Duma" on DVD and it upscales great. I just pulled out the HDDVD player temporarily and used it's HDMI connection, power cord and IR blaster to get it going. Last night I updated my H880, but haven't tested it yet. Reminds me that I have a spare MX-980 for that room to program (or Jason to program).

Leaving shortly to head to "da BEARS" game, they're plaing those Atlanta birds at the GA Dome. My son and I are going and we ended up with tickets in the end zone somewhere. Should be a good game actually.

Maybe I'll pick up "Transformers" on Bluray on the way home....

Bud

Sorry about the Bears... :) Hope you and the son had a great time though....My Redskins gave one away to day :(

Randy, yeah, thought we had 'em. Falcons played a great game though.

Picked up Iron Man, Pearl Harbor, I Am Legend and the new Rambo on BD on my way home to drown my sorrows. :D

Bud

Ha ha! It was win/win for Bud. That was a damn good game and he was going to be blu no matter what the outcome!

Bud - tell us what you think of that player.

Bud,
Does that player take 5 minutes to boot like the other players?

-Matt

Hey guys.

The 550 is pretty nice, I like the interface (similar to the PS3) and the upscaling is as good as the A2. I watched Iron Man and Rambo last night as it looks/sounds great. Now keep in mind I don't have a 1080p projector (yet), nor does the receiver support 1080p, but very happy overall. I'll work on those other two "issues" next year. Still playing with the decoding options, like trying to get Rambo to play in 7.1.

Matt, boots in no time at all, like 30 seconds. The only thing that I've noticed is a slight delay in processing a remote click (like from pause to play). No big deal though.

Bud

Bud,

I think it was your model that was reviewed in HT mag this month. Since I am still using a 720p projector also, I am using my A2 HDDVD player to upscale, I'm going to wait to go Blu.

Hope you enjoy that bad boy.

Randy,

Actually this was the Sony BDP-S350 (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665368427), which also came out. Some minor differences (which I forget off the top of my head). This one was 399.00 and is now 299.00 from Sony Style. Also, if you get the Sony credit card, you can get the BDP-S350 for 149.99 with the 150.00 credit from Sony. Can't beat that.

Yes, I get Home Theater Mag AND Electronic House! Oh yeah, Family Handyman, too.

PS, Happy 4000!

Bud