Thanks, I have the 3106. 6 zones 4 Scenes.

Ruben

This is the same model taht I have. So the link that I posted earlier works great. You can access the first 4 scenes from the remote and have a dimmer also.

Joe

So I found a way to automatically rip DVDs using an automated dvd loader used for burning multiple DVDs. The unit I got coming does 75 DVDs before you have to reload it. This automated DVD loader teamed up with a program I had a programmer write allows you to rip non-stop using Clone DVD or another top ripping program. This way I can rip the main movie to HD and leave all the other junk behind.

Ruben

Ruben,

I think I have a script that might work for you. I'm out of pocket until Sunday but can probably get something to you on Monday (unless someone else does it 1st). Sounds pretty easy to do. I have a PC setup with (3) DVD drives I can use to test -- as I was planning to write something for myself anyway. I might even be able to write a small VB app to make things a bit easier. I'll post here once I get something working for you.
Ruben,

I have good and bad news. The good news is it's relatively easy to rip the entire DVD (all VOBs) via batch. The bad news, it's hard (as I have not found a tool) to do a "Movie Only" rip in a batch type mode. I found a few possibilities but am waiting for emails back from tech support.

If you want to rip everything (the entire DVD with all the FBI warnings, coming attractions, etc), let me know. However, I don't think you'll want to do that (which is not my preference either). If I figure out how to do an automated RIP to get "just the movie", I'll let you know.

EDIT: Glad you found something to rip multiple DVDs. Let us know if you decide to take the custom app public :) SMX-Ripper

Ruben - you are a sick, sick man.

Having one of the most kick a$$ theaters was not enough. Now you have a mega computer to stream constant video. Happy ripping:)

Thanks man. I'm just looking for good quality movie watching throughout mi casa and it seems like this is the solution for me.

Ruben

So I found a way to automatically rip DVDs using an automated dvd loader used for burning multiple DVDs. The unit I got coming does 75 DVDs before you have to reload it. This automated DVD loader teamed up with a program I had a programmer write allows you to rip non-stop using Clone DVD or another top ripping program. This way I can rip the main movie to HD and leave all the other junk behind.

Ruben
Ruben,

Which automated DVD loader did you end up getting?? You'll have to let us know how easily it works out for you...

Brian

Are you getting the D-Box? Structural engineer left me hanging by deciding he needed to go playing on the coast for a couple days before returning my call which is very unlike him but..........when ya gotta play, ya gotta play.

Are you getting the D-Box? Structural engineer left me hanging by deciding he needed to go playing on the coast for a couple days before returning my call which is very unlike him but..........when ya gotta play, ya gotta play.

Doesn't look like it for now. I really can't justify spending that type of money on some actuators on steroids. I'm sure it is incredible, but I can't find time to get to a dealer to test them to see if I can justify the expense. Once you get it installed, let us know your thoughts.

By the way, I didn't like V for Vendetta. Something about masks and way too much dialogue that loses me in movies. Three other people and myself fell asleep 20 minutes into the movie.

Ruben

Ruben,

I have good and bad news. The good news is it's relatively easy to rip the entire DVD (all VOBs) via batch. The bad news, it's hard (as I have not found a tool) to do a "Movie Only" rip in a batch type mode. I found a few possibilities but am waiting for emails back from tech support.

If you want to rip everything (the entire DVD with all the FBI warnings, coming attractions, etc), let me know. However, I don't think you'll want to do that (which is not my preference either). If I figure out how to do an automated RIP to get "just the movie", I'll let you know.

EDIT: Glad you found something to rip multiple DVDs. Let us know if you decide to take the custom app public :) SMX-Ripper

Thanks for looking into it for me. The loader arrives tomorrow and I should start ripping mid this week. I will report how it works when ripping starts. I will probably eBay the loader once I am done ripping. No point in keeping it around to collect dust.

Ruben

Doesn't look like it for now. I really can't justify spending that type of money on some actuators on steroids. I'm sure it is incredible, but I can't find time to get to a dealer to test them to see if I can justify the expense. Once you get it installed, let us know your thoughts.

By the way, I didn't like V for Vendetta. Something about masks and way too much dialogue that loses me in movies. Three other people and myself fell asleep 20 minutes into the movie.

Ruben

Ruben,

The magic of the D-BOX isn't in the actuators, (although they are quite impressive) but it is in the control and the F/X programming. I found a dealer near you who will have his showroom back up at the end of the week. I will let you know who to contact - it is pretty close to you, actually.

Here are a few shots of one of the raids. I have 2 of these, one has 16 400 gig hard drives and the other has 16 500 gig hard drives. Hopefully when 1 terrabyte drives come out and become popular and drop in price like 400 - 500 gig drives did, I will upgrade to 32 of those :D By the way, this mammoth weighs 110 lbs.

This shot shows the carriages going in..

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/storcase-web/IMG_5047.jpg

Here is one carriage outside the case..

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/storcase-web/IMG_5040.jpg

All drives installed and running...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/storcase-web/IMG_5075.jpg

Damn skippy, I like that! What model is it? I gotta do some research on that. Does it support WOL as well?

Ruben,

That is quite a server, but according to my calculations, you should be able to get by with much less right now if you haven't already purchased the drives. I don't know your O/S and/or RAID controller, but many have a 2TB limit so you might be looking at quite a few network drives.

Just to update you on this, you can do one large partition on Windows XP SP2 using an Atto card. I was able to do this. Also ripping 1100 DVD main features uses about 5 terrabytes.

Ruben

Damn skippy, I like that! What model is it? I gotta do some research on that. Does it support WOL as well?

It's a 16 Bay Storcase InfoStation (http://www.storcase.com/infostation/16bay3u_fibresata.asp) . They come in SATA to FIBRE or SATA to SCSI ULTRA 320.

Ruben

Thanks for looking into it for me. The loader arrives tomorrow and I should start ripping mid this week. I will report how it works when ripping starts. I will probably eBay the loader once I am done ripping. No point in keeping it around to collect dust.

Ruben

Ruben -- I've been following this post for some time now and once again you WOW us with your ability to work a solution to any problem given enough time to figure it out (MacGyver style with a toothpick and some chewing gum).

I suspect there are a number of people here who are interested in doing the same thing -- I know I am. Maybe you can "rent" out the package (changer and custom program) before dumping it on Ebay??? I'll be first in line! I don't have quite as much HD storage as you do but enough to rip the library.

Make sure the program overlays a line at the bottom of the video during playback -- Ripped by SmX Video Systems. Or something like that. ;)

Keep up the amazing developments...we will continue following for our daily fix of SmX. We try to not look but the withdrawal symptoms are just too much! And they thought that crack was addictive!!! :eek:

Hi Ruben,
Do you think you could answer some of the questions in Your SMX forum? Some are getting concerned.

I have a question about this ripping process. If you put a DVD movie in your PC and just copy all the files over to your hard drive is that you need to do? Or do you need some type of ripping software to do this.

I have access to a 2000+ slot DVD jukebox with multiple drives in my lab. The software I have makes the entire library show up as a single Windows drive letter, each DVD shows as a folder under that drive letter, then all the disk contents in sub folders under that. If I had 2000 movies in the jukebox I could just grab all 2000 folders and drag them to my RAID, come back in a few days and everything would be copied over automatically with no intervention. Is it really that simple or am I missing something.

It also wouldn't be too much more work to just copy the movie file over if you didn't want all the other stuff on the DVD.

commercial DVDs are encrypted to prevent such easy duplication. you need special software to break the encryption to create a backup, be it on dvd or hard disk. such software is regarded as illegal at this time, at least in the USA, but that's a whole other discussion.

anyway, you'd have to download some dvd decrypting software and play with it to see if it would work with such a large array. then you'd probably have to write a script to rip all your disks and somehow deal with the ones that can't be de-crypted automatically.

-miked

Plus, I would only want to rip the main feature and leave out all the special features, menu and extra junk.

The idea here is to hit play and the movie plays without a million previews and whatnot.

Ruben

Plus, I would only want to rip the main feature and leave out all the special features, menu and extra junk.

The idea here is to hit play and the movie plays without a million previews and whatnot.

Ruben
I really hate the disks that force you to watch every preview and commercial.
they seem to be getting worse :mad:

I really hate the disks that force you to watch every preview and commercial.
they seem to be getting worse :mad:

I agree. They even lock out the menus. But so far I have not found a single one that prevents me from using the next scene button and skipping them.

Try it.

Joe

thanks for the link skins... never would have found pics like that without your help...

Well, after 360K views, Sandman's thread got spammed. Funny (& reported).

By the way, I didn't like V for Vendetta. Something about masks and way too much dialogue that loses me in movies. Three other people and myself fell asleep 20 minutes into the movie.

RubenIts my new Surround and bass demo, the first DVD where I had to turn the gain down on the sub amp due to concerns of structural damage and I use U-571 as my reference. I am fortunate I saw it in the theaters and knew what was coming later in the flick and could prepare for some what has to be 10hz action to the chest cavity.

I am sure you bought it, pop it in and go to chapter 26 and finish the movie at reference, I cant think of another DVD that gives all the aspects of Home Theater as good of a workout from Audio to Video.

As far as the Movie itself, I cant think of many this good made in the last five or six years, the group of 5 we had for the showing agreed and my teenagers watched it again as soon as it was over.

You can find 1000 movies to load on a server and fell asleep in 20 minutes to this, I loaded 500 and thought to myself " 400 of these are really crap, why am I wasting the time?" I probably couldnt think of 50 'good' movies I could watch twice.

Chapter 26- the Rolling Stones and tell us how you like your new sound system

You can find 1000 movies to load on a server and fell asleep in 20 minutes to this, I loaded 500 and thought to myself " 400 of these are really crap, why am I wasting the time?" I probably couldnt think of 50 'good' movies I could watch twice.

You should be able to find well over 50 here:

http://www.imdb.com/chart/top

Then there are the cult classics that don't end up in that list but you can just sit down and watch anytime from any point in the movie and you find you end up watching until the movie is over - lots of them are on TNT. We often find ourselves watching one and then when the commercial hits, I load up the same title on the Kaleidescape and watch from that point until the end. Kind of funny how that works out, but once you are interested in seeing Rudy, that's what you want to watch.

Plus, I would only want to rip the main feature and leave out all the special features, menu and extra junk.

The idea here is to hit play and the movie plays without a million previews and whatnot.

Ruben

yeah, those forced previews are a pain. i'm creating a poor man's kaleidescape using xbmc and a linux server and ripping only the main movie. i've found a few movies that won't rip with dvdshrink or that require a 2-pass procedure using both dvddecryptor and dvdshrink, but i'm getting there.

and the WAF has been surprisingly good, considering i added yet another remote to the heap.

-miked

Mr. Poindexter
We often find ourselves watching one and then when the commercial hits, I load up the same titleI do the same thing.

Here is the Trim For the Equipment Rack. This Trim is 2" thick to be flush with the wall treatments. This frame is made out of MDF and is Veneered.

Front...

http://loutrixrecords.com/images/theater-pix/racktrim/DSC06449.jpg

Front Close...

http://loutrixrecords.com/images/theater-pix/racktrim/DSC06450.jpg

Back

http://loutrixrecords.com/images/theater-pix/racktrim/DSC06451.jpg




Ruben, did you do this for all of your Trim between panels? The wood looks great

Ruben, did you do this for all of your Trim between panels? The wood looks great

Yes

Ruben

Since it is now legal to make 'backup' copies of DVD's, consider ImgBurn, from the guy who gave us DVD Decrypter.

It can be found here: http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/7800.cfm

Since it is now legal to make 'backup' copies of DVD's, consider ImgBurn, from the guy who gave us DVD Decrypter.

It can be found here: http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/7800.cfm

Where did this new "legal" status of making a backup get reported?

Reported here: http://news.com.com/Studios+to+OK+copying+movie+downloads+to+disc/2100-1026_3-6104388.html?tag=nefd.top

Reported here: http://news.com.com/Studios+to+OK+copying+movie+downloads+to+disc/2100-1026_3-6104388.html?tag=nefd.top

given the story's title "Studios to OK copying movie downloads to disc" and content, it is saying that content-on-demand customers will be able to burn their downloaded content to discs. it doesn't mention backing up commercial dvds.

given the story's title "Studios to OK copying movie downloads to disc" and content, it is saying that content-on-demand customers will be able to burn their downloaded content to discs. it doesn't mention backing up commercial dvds.

Maybe this article is clearer: httx://biz.yahoo.xxx/ap/060809/dvd_transfers.html?.v=2 (Sorry, I don't have 5 posts.)

From the article: "A film industry group is set to remove some of the procedural hurdles that prevented the legal recording of movies onto blank DVDs in a further sign that Hollywood studios are preparing to expand what consumers can do with downloadable movies."

We Apple afficionados are watching with interest as Apple is reportedly negotiating with the studios to hopefully offer Movies through the iTunes Music Store with the most user-friendly and liberal rights managemnt scheme allowable. If anyone can get the ground rules changed, Steve Jobs can. We'll see soon.

Currently the archival exemption under section 117(a)(2) is limited to computer programs. This section allows the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of an additional copy of the program "for archival purposes," provided that "all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful."

"If you circumvent [electronic locks] to get access to content that you may have a perfect, fair-use right to get, you are still subject to criminal penalties,"

I don't know what the current law in the USA is re backup-of-DVDs, but I remember the second last paragraph of this:
http://www.copyright.gov/reports/studies/dmca/dmca_executive.html
where they basically said that
a) the Digital Millennium Copyright Act says it's still absolutely illegal (it's also illegal to load them onto a hard disk, and illegal to load them into RAM)
b) but the whole section may be struck down because of some other common practices for backup (i.e. poor wording, time shifting DVRs, the BetaMax case, fair use, etc) -- but as far as I know it hasn't been struck down yet (more the opposite), although I haven't really been following it since year 2000.

(IMO there's other things wrong with DMCA too: StorageTek, for a while it looked like all the anti-virus companies would have to move out of the USA, etc)

This is a nice summary, although a little biased against DMCA:
http://dvdxcopy.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/291998

This list was amusing:
http://www.eff.org/endangered/list.php

The last time I was here was sometime in April. I was amazed then but now I am blown away. All of you guys are definately masters of the AVSforum. I learn so much back then but now am inundately with so much information. If I did not have ADHD then, I am definately having it now.

1. Sandman, if that video on faux finish ever get done, please let me know. I would like to get my hands on it.

2. Is anyone on this forum in the DC area, I would like to get in on the HT club locally and get hook up.

3. I wish I got the money to buy the stuffs that Sandman end up not able to make it work on his system. Geez, that brings to the next point...

what do you guys do as your daytime job and at the same time be so knowledgeable... Awesome, Amazing, Astounding! What ever it is I will definitely try to emulate by your example.

Well, not all of us have the combination of time, money, and DIY talent that Ruben has - but there are a lot of very good rooms and a ton of folks with a lot of talent around here.

As for what we do during the day - really doesn't matter - it's what you do and can do in your off hours. You'll find people here from Dr's and Dentists, to lawyers, to computer systems folks to help desk techs, to small business owners, etc. It's pretty varied.

Roll up your sleeves and get dirty.

Bryan

Yes, there are some great systems on here, but the level has really been raised in the last couple of years and the quantity of systems at that upper echelon has increased as well. In some ways, we are keeping up with our online neighbors. Seeing Art's room in person really drove the point home for me and got me in gear to step it up a notch. I am sure that Ruben has done that same thing to many people on the forum.

Hey Ruben, did you ever get over to check out that D-BOX system?

I give Sandman major credit in motivating me to take my recent build up another level. Still not quite the Art or Poindexter level - but I'm happy I took the extra time and ripped off some of the Sandman's ideas this time.

So, thanks again, Ruben - for the inspiration :).

I agree. They even lock out the menus. But so far I have not found a single one that prevents me from using the next scene button and skipping them.

Try it.

Joe
I've come across a couple, the only thing that you can do is press ">>" to speed through them, talk about being force fed.
I'll try and find the movies in question.



The Danley sub ripped a chandelier out of the ceiling upstairs so now I got some more work to do. :rolleyes: :eek: :D

Did you ever fix your chandelier? did you improve it's mounting method? :rolleyes: ok, that was a stupid question... of course you did :cool:
but, to what extreem did you take it to? :p

I give Sandman major credit in motivating me to take my recent build up another level. Still not quite the Art or Poindexter level - but I'm happy I took the extra time and ripped off some of the Sandman's ideas this time.

So, thanks again, Ruben - for the inspiration :).

Thanks, but all I did was rip off everyone elses ideas here that I liked most and maybe made slight modifications. My columns were my only original ideal.

So thanks to everyone one here on AVS that I ripped off ;)

RUben

Did you ever fix your chandelier? did you improve it's mounting method? :rolleyes: ok, that was a stupid question... of course you did :cool:
but, to what extreem did you take it to? :p

Nah, I just cut It down for now. I was going to change the chandelier up their anyway. Thank goodness no one was up there under it when it came down. I would of had to sue Danley for damages and their stocks would of went up :D

Ruben

Hey Ruben, did you ever get over to check out that D-BOX system?

I called them up and they informed me they have a D-Box up and running off a Kaliedascape system with all the scenes needed for demoing. I will be up their Monday.

How heavy are Berkliner 075's? Those are the chairs I have.
I ask because I noticed the Odyssee only does 400 lbs per actuator and the XL version does 600lbs. I'm a big dude 6'3" weighing In at 400lbs (too much sitting reading AVS) between me and the chairs the thing may croke LOL.

I would imagine each chair must be at least 100 lbs.

Ruben

The last time I was here was sometime in April. I was amazed then but now I am blown away. All of you guys are definately masters of the AVSforum. I learn so much back then but now am inundately with so much information. If I did not have ADHD then, I am definately having it now.

1. Sandman, if that video on faux finish ever get done, please let me know. I would like to get my hands on it.

2. Is anyone on this forum in the DC area, I would like to get in on the HT club locally and get hook up.

3. I wish I got the money to buy the stuffs that Sandman end up not able to make it work on his system. Geez, that brings to the next point...

what do you guys do as your daytime job and at the same time be so knowledgeable... Awesome, Amazing, Astounding! What ever it is I will definitely try to emulate by your example.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm the cheapest dude In the world when I can't justify an expense. I have tools and took woodworking class in high school. I also built a couple things here and there so I saved allot of money building the theater myself.

I also like challenges and do dumb things every now and then like spend $1000 on a DVD duplicator hoping to find a solution to batch ripping DVDs (thought I had a solution but it's still in the works).

Like BPape said, there are allot of Dr's, realtors, lawyers, Nutty Professors :D etc here. I am in the Music and Video business myself.

By the way, now is your chance to own some of the Sandman equipment :D. I just listed a bunch of new/used gear in the AVS Marketplace.

Ruben

I called them up and they informed me they have a D-Box up and running off a Kaliedascape system with all the scenes needed for demoing. I will be up their Monday.

How heavy are Berkliner 075's? Those are the chairs I have.
I ask because I noticed the Odyssee only does 400 lbs per actuator and the XL version does 600lbs. I'm a big dude 6'3" weighing In at 400lbs (too much sitting reading AVS) between me and the chairs the thing may croke LOL.

I would imagine each chair must be at least 100 lbs.

Ruben

Sounds great - you will get to see a Kaleidescape in action at the same time.

About 100 lbs sounds right for a Berkline. My Fortress chairs averaged about 165lbs each (not counting D-BOX actuator weight) and they have a good amount more wood and some steel reinforcement for the motion systems as well as motorized recline so you would be looking around 100-125lbs each depending on options and sizing for a Berkline.

I think what hes asking is, his chair and platform, and him weighs almost 600 lbs and if he adds another seat or more to the " platform" will this be covered in the warranty. 1600 lb total weight on the platform is known but does D-box have a formula where the actuators reside under a certain dimensioned platform with certain weights.

Have you weighed your aluminum frame, joists, and sheeting and how big is it? Does D-box have some charts or something that has examples of what you can get away with and stay covered under warranty? I will be constructing a total aluminum platform with reinforcement at chair legs only, I will also cantilever the joists a couple feet past the platform and I am guessing the platform alone will be atleast 400lbs add three seats and I am up to 1000 lbs, I weigh 250 in the winter and if I have 2- 200lbs friends join in a movie I am overloaded by 50lbs ( oops, I forgot carpet/pad/ insulation in joists, not to mention someones crazy girlfriend/wife swan diving onto the seat after a few drinks)

With all this figured in, does D-Box have acuator point recommendations? I am guessing its not out on the absolute corners or is it?

Also, how long after discontinued will you be able to have the accuators serviced or replaced?

Nevermind , I found this http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644460&highlight=dbox Is this framing system a D-Box frame? What I was planning was much different than this but I see Johns platform is exactly what I am talking about as far as cantilevered ( sort of on his) and is this the same system I am getting or is this the 2400 lb system?

I think what hes asking is, his chair and platform, and him weighs almost 600 lbs and if he adds another seat or more to the " platform" will this be covered in the warranty. 1600 lb total weight on the platform is known but does D-box have a formula where the actuators reside under a certain dimensioned platform with certain weights.

Have you weighed your aluminum frame, joists, and sheeting and how big is it? Does D-box have some charts or something that has examples of what you can get away with and stay covered under warranty? I will be constructing a total aluminum platform with reinforcement at chair legs only, I will also cantilever the joists a couple feet past the platform and I am guessing the platform alone will be atleast 400lbs add three seats and I am up to 1000 lbs, I weigh 250 in the winter and if I have 2- 200lbs friends join in a movie I am overloaded by 50lbs ( oops, I forgot carpet/pad/ insulation in joists, not to mention someones crazy girlfriend/wife swan diving onto the seat after a few drinks)

With all this figured in, does D-Box have acuator point recommendations? I am guessing its not out on the absolute corners or is it?

Also, how long after discontinued will you be able to have the accuators serviced or replaced?

Nevermind , I found this http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644460&highlight=dbox Is this framing system a D-Box frame? What I was planning was much different than this but I see Johns platform is exactly what I am talking about as far as cantilevered ( sort of on his) and is this the same system I am getting or is this the 2400 lb system?

I don't really care about the warranty part of it at this moment. I am more concerned about if I am going to get the same motion effect as let's say if it was lighter?

So otherwords, is there more motion with less weight on them opposed to more weight with less motion?

The XLs look like they move around more weight at 600lbs per actuator.

Ruben

I think what hes asking is, his chair and platform, and him weighs almost 600 lbs and if he adds another seat or more to the " platform" will this be covered in the warranty. 1600 lb total weight on the platform is known but does D-box have a formula where the actuators reside under a certain dimensioned platform with certain weights.


The warranty isn't related to the weight. If you go overweight, it shuts down and then resets itself in about 5 seconds. It isn't harmful, but it certianly is going to be noticed.

D-BOX engineers platform frames. I have a couple of schematics for some. The measurements do not apply for everybody - rather you look at the size and weight and engineer the locations as best you can to cover that and give the most motion possible.


Have you weighed your aluminum frame, joists, and sheeting and how big is it? Does D-box have some charts or something that has examples of what you can get away with and stay covered under warranty? I will be constructing a total aluminum platform with reinforcement at chair legs only, I will also cantilever the joists a couple feet past the platform and I am guessing the platform alone will be atleast 400lbs add three seats and I am up to 1000 lbs, I weigh 250 in the winter and if I have 2- 200lbs friends join in a movie I am overloaded by 50lbs ( oops, I forgot carpet/pad/ insulation in joists, not to mention someones crazy girlfriend/wife swan diving onto the seat after a few drinks)


I have not weighed my platform, but I have only overloaded it once and that was understandable when I saw who was on the platform and how many people there were.


With all this figured in, does D-Box have acuator point recommendations? I am guessing its not out on the absolute corners or is it?


No, not absolute corners. Again, it depends on the install.


Also, how long after discontinued will you be able to have the accuators serviced or replaced?


They have parts for these in stock and they still use them for their programming bay so I feel we will have parts for them for a long, long time.


Nevermind , I found this http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644460&highlight=dbox Is this framing system a D-Box frame? What I was planning was much different than this but I see Johns platform is exactly what I am talking about as far as cantilevered ( sort of on his) and is this the same system I am getting or is this the 2400 lb system?

Yes, that is a D-BOX frame. John's system is the 2400lb system. Mine is also a 2400lb system.

I don't really care about the warranty part of it at this moment. I am more concerned about if I am going to get the same motion effect as let's say if it was lighter?

So otherwords, is there more motion with less weight on them opposed to more weight with less motion?

The XLs look like they move around more weight at 600lbs per actuator.

Ruben

No, as long as you are under the weight limit, you will be fine. It doesn't move farther or faster with less weight.

I knew I needed a reason to lose weight. Poindexters weightloss clinic now open.

Nothing wrong with packing on the donuts - just be prepared to shell out for the heavy duty D-BOX. ;)

Thanks for the kind words. I'm the cheapest dude In the world when I can't justify an expense. I have tools and took woodworking class in high school. I also built a couple things here and there so I saved allot of money building the theater myself.

I also like challenges and do dumb things every now and then like spend $1000 on a DVD duplicator hoping to find a solution to batch ripping DVDs (thought I had a solution but it's still in the works).

Like BPape said, there are allot of Dr's, realtors, lawyers, Nutty Professors :D etc here. I am in the Music and Video business myself.

By the way, now is your chance to own some of the Sandman equipment :D. I just listed a bunch of new/used gear in the AVS Marketplace.

Ruben

Talented, resourceful and humble as well. 2 things, can U tell me how the DVD on faux is going and how do one get into your line of business. My cousin is into filming and I would like to guide him

I demoed the D-Box today, very impressive. It has allot of motion and it is very nice how they program the motion to the movie. The D-Box sways as well.

I also demoed the Kaliedescape system today too and I wasn't impressed at all. It is way way way overpriced. The software didn't impress me either. The interface was pretty plain and I think people with Windows Media Center and a raid could get similar results. The place I went to quoted me $23,000 for the Kaliedescape Server with 12 500 gig drives and $4,000 for the dvd player and $2500 for the head unit. They charge $1,000 per additional 500 gig drive. I will stick to my set up.

Ruben

Ruben, I'm not surprised what they wanted for how little they provide. I figured I'd have to either develop my own stuff (Linux-based) or wait for the open-source wizards to do something really slick. Let us know how your software setup works out. (I already know your hardware setup is GREAT.)

Well it looks like it's time for some more construction.

Special thanks goes to Alan Gouger here at AVS for giving me the deal of a lifetime on a D-Box Odyssey system. I really wasn't thinking about doing anymore construction in my theater but after demoing the D-Box Odyssey and getting a deal I couldn't refuse, I had to do it.

For those of you that don't know what the D-Box Odyssey system is, it is basically as good as it gets for motion platform seating. Basically, you install 4 actuators inside your free floating platform underneath the seating area and connect them to a controller box or a PC. They move The entire platform up, down, sideways, tilt etc. to the movie. So instead of having vibrations sent into your chair like with the Crowsons, ButtKickers and Clark tactiles, the entire platform elevates and moves with the movie.

The programmers at D-Box write the motion codes for new movie movements so the platform moves with the movie just like some Universal Studios EarthQuake ride. They write new motion codes every month for new release movies and video games.

The way the system works is you download all the movie and game motion codes from the D-Box site (which is $250 a year I beleive) and install them in your PC or D-Box controller. Then whenever you play a movie that has a motion code inside your PC or controller, it automatically runs the the motion sequence in sync with the movie. It adds 3D to the whole movie experience. So all I need to install now is the smell, air and water effects and then you will really be inside the movie.

For installation, basically I have to cut a big hole in my existing platform for the chairs to install the D-Box system. I will make a welded aluminum frame to support the platform and keep it stiff, solid and lightweight as much as possible.

The D-Box system will be arriving to me this Friday, so I will snap some preliminary pictures before the install.

Ruben

Ruben,

When you attach the top of the platform to the frame, it would be wise to use some form of dampening material that is very dense. I used a thin sheet of dense rubber on top of the frame edges for my platform. Others have used other material, but it is to keep small resonances from transfering from the frame to the platform top. Even a little roofing felt would work for the task.

You are going to love that Odyssee system. I got my first one nearly 4 years ago and have never gotten my fill of it. I want it in every room of the house if I can get away with it.

What is the MSRP on a D-Box system?

What is the MSRP on a D-Box system?

I just got a quote from a local retailer for $26,000.00 the other day for the complete XL Odyssey System.

Ruben

Ruben,

When you attach the top of the platform to the frame, it would be wise to use some form of dampening material that is very dense. I used a thin sheet of dense rubber on top of the frame edges for my platform. Others have used other material, but it is to keep small resonances from transfering from the frame to the platform top. Even a little roofing felt would work for the task.

You are going to love that Odyssee system. I got my first one nearly 4 years ago and have never gotten my fill of it. I want it in every room of the house if I can get away with it.

Thanks for the tip. I was going to do that once I saw you did it. Here is a question for you, did You bolt the actuators to the frame and the floor or are they lose under the aluminum platform?

Thanks
Ruben

Just when I thought this thread was winding down. :D

Sounds cool but I get very serious motion sickness and couldn't handle it. Good luck with you system.

What is the MSRP on a D-Box system?

MSRP on the actuators is $22,000 for a platform based system - their most expensive unit. A single Quest chair retails for $7,000 and includes a leather chair with motorized recline.

The controller is available in 2 options - a stand alone controller, the 340c, for $3200 or the PC3 controller, which attaches to a customer supplied computer and runs $1200.

Ruben's $26000 quote is above MSRP for an XL Odyssee system unless they are including a platform frame and those prices vary depending upon the size of the frame.

The platform systems are sweet, but they are also the most expensive D-BOX systems and so that price isn't indicative of the price for an average system.

Sounds cool but I get very serious motion sickness and couldn't handle it. Good luck with you system.

They have intensity settings that are adjustable, much like the volume knob on the receiver or the output knob on the back of a subwoofer. I will admit that I had one person get motion sickness on my system, but that was watching one of the most intense demos there is. I have had literally hundreds of people demo the D-BOX at my house over the years. I think it also offers a fair and balanced view when I report that there was one lady who had an orgasm on the system as well.

If it was during a movie.... which movie gave her the orgasm?

I think it also offers a fair and balanced view when I report that there was one lady who had an orgasm on the system as well.


My gawd, that is the funniest thing I've read all week. ROFLMAO.

I will admit that I had one person get motion sickness on my system, but that was watching one of the most intense demos there is.

I need to know what that demo was, sounds really good.

Ruben

Ruben, that demo was The Matrix Reloaded - freeway chase scene. It think it is chapters 19-22, but I am not sure. It is a long demo.

advertguy2, that clip was Super Speedway: Mach 2 Special Edition and it was one of the racing scenes just prior to the spinouts. I dont' recall the chapter number since I just call it up from the kaleidescape's favorite scenes function.

How does a lady tell you she just had an orgasm on your chair? That has to be a very akward situation for her I would imagine. There has to be more to this story...

Ruben, that demo was The Matrix Reloaded - freeway chase scene. It think it is chapters 19-22, but I am not sure. It is a long demo.

advertguy2, that clip was Super Speedway: Mach 2 Special Edition and it was one of the racing scenes just prior to the spinouts. I dont' recall the chapter number since I just call it up from the kaleidescape's favorite scenes function.

hehe, I wonder how she would do with Nascar: The IMAX Experience. :rolleyes:

How does a lady tell you she just had an orgasm on your chair? That has to be a very akward situation for her I would imagine. There has to be more to this story...

yeah I agree. I'd call BS but I don't know why anyone would lie about something so silly sooo, must somehow be true.

My D-Box Oddysey System arrive today, Thanks Alan!

I figured I would shoot some flicks to show what it is and all the components that comes with it.

Here is the whole D-box system. This is the PC3 system that is controlled by my HTPC.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5104.jpg

Open up the small box

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5108.jpg

CDs, motion controller and power supply.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5109.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5110.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5111.jpg

Here is a close up of the motion controller. this hooks up to the PC via USB and the to the actuator control boxes via ethernet.

Front...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5113.jpg


Back...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5114.jpg

Continued...

Open up the big heavy box now...

These are the 2 boxes that hook up to the actuators along with the wire kit.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5115.jpg

Underneath that is 2 Actuators and then under these 2 actuators is another 2 actuators.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5116.jpg

Here is a shot of the complete D-Box Oddysey System...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5119.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5121.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5122.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5127.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/d-box-web/IMG_5128.jpg

yeah I agree. I'd call BS but I don't know why anyone would lie about something so silly sooo, must somehow be true.I will let you guys know when i have my first orgasm on the D-Box, and in Rubens thread I will have to include detailed pictures and summary, I know you guys cant wait!

I will let you guys know when i have my first orgasm on the D-Box, and in Rubens thread I will have to include detailed pictures and summary, I know you guys cant wait!


Dont forget to include the pics! :D


Ronnie

The actuators look so small! Are you sure you didn't accidentally get one of your neighbor's boxes by mistake? You know, your manager friend. They look more like a prop that Jenna would use in a video rather than something that can move 600 pounds. :D

Joe

Ruben's only move 400 lbs per actuator, but I am sure Jenna could have some fun with one anyway.

Is that a brand new Danley that D-Box stuff is sitting on...?

Is that a brand new Danley that D-Box stuff is sitting on...?

Sure looks like it doesn't it. There goes the neighbor's chandalier. :eek:

Joe

Ruben's only move 400 lbs per actuator, but I am sure Jenna could have some fun with one anyway.

Meet day and you still have time to post? Is everything really that ready? AMAZING!!

Joe

Checking for PM's and emails.

Is that a brand new Danley that D-Box stuff is sitting on...?

Yes it is, It came in last week. I am suppose to swap them out but I have had no helping hands here until after this weekend. Its impossible for me to lift the old sub from behind the screen wall by myself.

Ruben

The actuators look so small! Are you sure you didn't accidentally get one of your neighbor's boxes by mistake? You know, your manager friend. They look more like a prop that Jenna would use in a video rather than something that can move 600 pounds. :D

Joe

LOL, Nah they are about 17" long and weigh quite a bit each.
Those bad boys would rip Jenna apart even with all her experience :D

All 4 of those combined move 1600lbs. I am probably going to put 3 berkliner 075's on them for now until they rip them apart and then upgrade to some other chairs.

Ruben

I installed the D-Box software for the PC3 and it was pretty simple. The program even does a live update and downloads the latest motion codes automatically from the D-Box site. It took about an hour to download motion codes for every movie they have so far.

I got my aluminum guys coming tonight so I am going to give them the plans for the platform so they can make it.

Ruben

Guys, I just want to let you know that I will be selling my brand new D-Box Oddysee Platform system here at the AVS market place. I am going to get another type of system for my situation.

So if anyone is interested in owning a brand new D-Box Odyssey system for half the going price, send me a PM.

HERE IS MY D-BOX LISTING ON AVS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8338026#post8338026)

Thanks,
Ruben

Just out of curiousity, why are you selling? You seemed all hot for it a while back, why the sudden 180??? Was the experience of these really that bad??

Ruben, isn't this the gizmo you have?? http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/01/samsungs-new-q1p-bumps-the-specs-brings-the-hsdpa/

If its not out until Q4 this year, how'd you get your hands on one?

Just out of curiousity, why are you selling? You seemed all hot for it a while back, why the sudden 180??? Was the experience of these really that bad??

No, the experience wasn't bad - the system Ruben has is the 4400p and Ruben needs the 4600p for the application he wants to use with the D-BOX (application as in number of chairs in the install).

A 4400p is good for 2 chairs on a platform and just about any two people around or 3 chairs and 3 normal sized people or just slightly above normal size. You should not run over 3 recliners on a 4400p. I have 4 recliners on a 4600p and have had no problems, but I wouldn't recommend running that many heavy chairs on a 4400p. Remember that the 1600 lbs capacity is for the people, chairs, platform and frame and is the maximum static load. Live loads will vary depending on the size of the platform, but generally don't equate to more than 20% of the static load unless you are doing some serious cantilevering.

By the way, major news about D-BOX today:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=718273

By the way, major news about D-BOX today:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=718273

Pretty cool! Problem is, my wife won't let me get one unless I win the Lotto.

No, the experience wasn't bad - the system Ruben has is the 4400p and Ruben needs the 4600p for the application he wants to use with the D-BOX (application as in number of chairs in the install).

A 4400p is good for 2 chairs on a platform and just about any two people around or 3 chairs and 3 normal sized people or just slightly above normal size. You should not run over 3 recliners on a 4400p. I have 4 recliners on a 4600p and have had no problems, but I wouldn't recommend running that many heavy chairs on a 4400p. Remember that the 1600 lbs capacity is for the people, chairs, platform and frame and is the maximum static load. Live loads will vary depending on the size of the platform, but generally don't equate to more than 20% of the static load unless you are doing some serious cantilevering.

By the way, major news about D-BOX today:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=718273

Yes, I am Fat :D

My chairs weigh 125 lbs each and all my freinds are big dudes too over 300 lbs. So I want to be able to do 3 of my chairs with 2 big friends and myself as the worst case scenario.

I would think if you have 4 100lb chairs and 4 200lb people you would be fine with this system. That's 1200lbs and you have 400lbs left for the platform which should weigh no more than 100lbs if you make it out of aluminum.

Ruben

It isn't the total weight I would worry about with 4 people on a 4400p, it is the width of the platform reducing the angular effect you can get.

Ruben, isn't this the gizmo you have?? http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/01/samsungs-new-q1p-bumps-the-specs-brings-the-hsdpa/

If its not out until Q4 this year, how'd you get your hands on one?

Yes that is the one I have. It is a Samsung Q1
I got mine here http://www.myicube.com/

Ruben

Ruben,

How is the automation work going? Are you using the Q1 for any real purpose yet?

I bought 3 toshiba touch screen portables to place around the house to run Cinemar software.

I also purchased a small 7 inch touch panel that will reside just outside of my equipment rack. I am putting 4 cherry cabinet doors in fromt of my rack. This way I can control the htPC directly without opening up the doors.

But today I am putting my starred ceiling together. :) Well, just the wood pieces anyway. The fabric arrives next week.

BYW, I found a GoM lookalike for 1/3 the price. I was searching for 703 and found this site. They also have the burlap (which is extremely close to the GoM)

http://www.atsacoustics.com

One of these days, maybe this weekend, I am going to start my theater thread.

Joe

Dazian Expocloth is supposed to be similar to GOM, 1/3 the price - - just limited selection. Just FYI.

Hi Folks,

I took some pictures in the theater last night. I am still doing some work on the room, like curving the screen wall to follow the screen, finish trimming the column covers, modify my projector hush box to accomodate the Isco lens, find some damn step lights that fit and some other little odds and ends.

Here are some pictures for the people that have been asking...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/IMG_5261.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5207.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5210.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5253.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5239.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5213.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5167.jpg

Those DVDs on the left of the theather are the first batch of DVDs I am archiving.
The Velodyne is the shiny black box on the right which I pulled out of there.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5148.jpg

Here is one of the Klipsch THX Ultra 2's in a column without the cover

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5140.jpg

Here is the 16 terrabyte raid I am using for movie and music playback in the theater and the rest of the house. It still needs to be trimmed and finished. Those are the amps on the right that power the theater. I kept all this stuff outside the theater to keep noise and heat out of the theater. Those raids can be noisy.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5282.jpg

Ruben

Here was one of Chirpies 3D renders of the theather...

http://loutrixrecords.com/images/theater-pix/new-room-renders/6.jpg

Here is a picture from almost the sam angle...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5239.jpg

looks excellent, Did you sell 2 chairs? I thought you had 3 in the front and 4 in the back before?

Great work. Those stars really stick out!

Spectacular!

Do your grille covers fit the way you want them to, or are they a little too tall?

Cool theater Sandman, but kind of not the smartest move building it in your garage. Its going to be impossible to sell your house now. Who would buy a house without a garage? :)

Cool theater Sandman, but kind of not the smartest move building it in your garage. Its going to be impossible to sell your house now. Who would buy a house without a garage? :)

Wow, I guess I should of thought of that before I did it. Too late now. :D

There are about 3 people in my neighborhood that use their garage to park cars, everyone else uses them to store junk. If and when it comes time to sell my house, the potential buyer will have the option to keep the theater or to get the garage back.

I made the theater without permanently altering the existsing garage. Yes, It will be a waste of about $10k in building materials if they chose to get the garage back, but that is not going to be the deal breaker. I much rather have a theater for a few years and tear it down and waste $10k than to not have one at all.

Ruben

Spectacular!

Do your grille covers fit the way you want them to, or are they a little too tall?

Thanks!

Stop being a wise ass Mark, you know they are too tall :D I mentioned in the beginning of the above post with the pictures that I still have to trim them. They got pushed out a bit with the brackets I used to hold them in place. I have to take about 1/4" of them to be flush. When it stops raining here I will get to it.

Ruben

looks excellent, Did you sell 2 chairs? I thought you had 3 in the front and 4 in the back before?

Great work. Those stars really stick out!

Thanks,

I still have the chairs in the boxes. I will most likely be selling those. I am thinking about getting some less bulky chairs for the theater.

The stars are on full blast in those pictures. They are dimmable and get dimmed really low when watching a movie, they can be very distracting on full strength during a movie.

Need 2 more chairs?

Ruben

Thanks!

Stop being a wise ass Mark, you know they are too tall :D I mentioned in the beginning of the above post with the pictures that I still have to trim them. They got pushed out a bit with the brackets I used to hold them in place. I have to take about 1/4" of them to be flush. When it stops raining here I will get to it.

RubenMe knows nots how to read, just likes lookin at purdy pictures.

You really expect me to read when your mezmorizing me with those pictures?

Wow, I guess I should of thought of that before I did it. Too late now. :D

There are about 3 people in my neighborhood that use their garage to park cars, everyone else uses them to store junk. If and when it comes time to sell my house, the potential buyer will have the option to keep the theater or to get the garage back.

I made the theater without permanently altering the existsing garage. Yes, It will be a waste of about $10k in building materials if they chose to get the garage back, but that is not going to be the deal breaker. I much rather have a theater for a few years and tear it down and waste $10k than to not have one at all.

Ruben

Yeah, I guess it depends where you live. Here in southern california, we are car fanatics. A lot of people down here wouldn't even rent an apartment without a garage. I'm a car / home theater fanatic, so I'm kind of stuck :).

I guess if you didn't alter the garage (like seal off the garage doors, etc) then its not as bad.

Must be nice to be able to "waste $10k" though :)

Just amazing Ruben !!
Truly one of the best HT I've ever seen (as I'm sure most would agree).
If I did a walk through of your home after seeing that HT I'd forget to even ask (or care) if you had a garage.
Fantastic Job.
Cheers

Just amazing Ruben !!
Truly one of the best HT I've ever seen (as I'm sure most would agree).
If I did a walk through of your home after seeing that HT I'd forget to even ask (or care) if you had a garage.
Fantastic Job.
Cheers

Thank you very much. I did what I could with the space and skills I have. If I had a space to build a theater like Mark P, Art Sonneberg or MrPoindextor, I probably would of came up with a different idea. IF it was my choice, my ultimate theater size would be 20' x 30' x 12' maybe next house.

Ruben

Yeah, I guess it depends where you live. Here in southern california, we are car fanatics. A lot of people down here wouldn't even rent an apartment without a garage. I'm a car / home theater fanatic, so I'm kind of stuck :).

I guess if you didn't alter the garage (like seal off the garage doors, etc) then its not as bad.

Must be nice to be able to "waste $10k" though :)

Yeah, out here in FL you need a car to get around. It's not like NY or CA where you got 24/7 public transportation. But mostly everyone around here parks their car in the driveway. I have a 4 car driveway so that is all I ever use.

The hardest part about me giving up the garage was about where was I going to store all my junk and tools. So I used a 5' x 20' part of my garage for the tools, threw away most of the junk, and stored the rest of my junk in guest bedroom closets in neat clean stackable containers. I recently went through all those closests and freed up some more space. I still got a ton of crap up there that I have no idea why I am saving.

Ruben

Sandman - it sure did turn out great. The star ceiling and curved ceiling look stunning!

Yeah, out here in FL you need a car to get around. It's not like NY or CA where you got 24/7 public transportation. But mostly everyone around here parks their car in the driveway. I have a 4 car driveway so that is all I ever use.

The hardest part about me giving up the garage was about where was I going to store all my junk and tools. So I used a 5' x 20' part of my garage for the tools, threw away most of the junk, and stored the rest of my junk in guest bedroom closets in neat clean stackable containers. I recently went through all those closests and freed up some more space. I still got a ton of crap up there that I have no idea why I am saving.

Ruben

I used to live in NY, and yeah, you didn't really need a car because of public transportation or being able to get into the cab thats coming up the street.

California is not like that at ALL. There is pretty much *no* public transportation out here. We don't have subways, el-trains, etc. We have buses, but the schedules are very restrictive. You don't even really SEE cabs out here (except taking drunks home from the bars). Basically, if you want a cab, you call them, wait an hour or two for them to show up and you're off. There is ONE or TWO trains, but again, very restrictive. Pretty much, out here the deal is one car per driving member of the household.

You can't really park on the driveway, because there really isn't such a thing. Unless you are out in the boonies, or live in a much older area. With new homes, the drive way is about 2 or 3 feet long. Unless you get into the much more expensive homes. If you rent an apartment here with a garage and use it for storage, they'll send you a few warning letters and then toss you out.

As an example, a 1400 sq ft house with detached garage & 2 - 3 ft drive way in my area will run you about $600k these days. The real driveway is reserved for the million+ homes as a luxury item :(.

Although one floor plan in my community optioned a bonus room above the garage. That would have been a sweet place to put a home theater.

Very nice job Ruben. Truely one of the nicest HT's I have seen.

Sandman - it sure did turn out great. The star ceiling and curved ceiling look stunning!

His ceiling is not curved - it just looks that way in one of the photos due to the light.

Great planning, great vision with great result

Sandman: I PM'd you. Did you get it?

Sweet pics Ruben. Im glad to finally see a series of shots in one place that shows everything.

Is that the Canon Rebel XT back in action?

Ronnie

Sweet pics Ruben. Im glad to finally see a series of shots in one place that shows everything.

Is that the Canon Rebel XT back in action?

Ronnie

Thanks Ronnie.
Yes, I got it back and now it has a pixel missing. Looks like it has to get sent out again.

Ruben

SandmanX:
The room looks great. :)

Sandman: I PM'd you. Did you get it?


Yes I just responded to it.

SandmanX:
The room looks great. :)

Thanks Bob. Once I get my curved screenwall finished, I will post new pictures.

Ruben

Hi Sandman,
I Just love what you've done to your HT. I've only just started reading your forum 2 days ago from Brisbane Australia and you've given me inspiration to build a great HT.

As I've followed you're Thread(An Accomplishment in itself) I've followed you're highs and lows in regards to you're subwoofer system. Now down here where the Kangaroos jump around in our backyards we come up with our own ways of doing things. I started a small business a few years ago for intergrating furniture with subs. To cut a long story short, Iwas disappointed with the lack of tactile sensation you could receive with standard subs so we built high end recliners around sub boxes and attatched the arms, backs and everything else to the sub box. In effect creating a giant vibrating sub box, wrapped it in Nappa italian Leather and attatched the biggest stand alone Sub Amp we could get in Australia(350RMS Remote controlled). I Haven't had the pleasure of trying those motion Control Chairs ( I would Love To!!). But we had moderate Sucess in Manufacturing for high end HT Stores ( thin on the ground here in OZ). But I think I Was thinking to far In the future for our market and alas I Had to cut my losses and close the Business.

The reason I Am writing to you sandman is that if anyone was to try an idea and run with it it would be you. I Have blown everyone one away with the sensation from the chairs including High end SubWoofer Reps. Your ass is only 6" inches away from a 10" inch down firing Sub so it makes it a "Personal" experience!

With you're Awesome DIY Skills and the amount of gear you can source in you're country Im Sure that you could create the ultimate HT Experience. I Have enclosed some Photos of my buddy helping me put some chairs together a few years ago in which we hooked up 4 10" subs to One 350RMS Amp into two double loveseat recliners.

I Have more photos and specs for anyone interestred.

Keep up the Great work Sandman!

Sounds good, send me 2 of them ;)

Sandman - it sure did turn out great. The star ceiling and curved ceiling look stunning!

Thanks Brit! The ceiling is not curved, the light gives it that effect though. I was going to do a curved ceiling but it was too much extra work for a slight curve.

Ruben

I used to live in NY, and yeah, you didn't really need a car because of public transportation or being able to get into the cab thats coming up the street.

California is not like that at ALL. There is pretty much *no* public transportation out here. We don't have subways, el-trains, etc. We have buses, but the schedules are very restrictive. You don't even really SEE cabs out here (except taking drunks home from the bars). Basically, if you want a cab, you call them, wait an hour or two for them to show up and you're off. There is ONE or TWO trains, but again, very restrictive. Pretty much, out here the deal is one car per driving member of the household.

You can't really park on the driveway, because there really isn't such a thing. Unless you are out in the boonies, or live in a much older area. With new homes, the drive way is about 2 or 3 feet long. Unless you get into the much more expensive homes. If you rent an apartment here with a garage and use it for storage, they'll send you a few warning letters and then toss you out.

As an example, a 1400 sq ft house with detached garage & 2 - 3 ft drive way in my area will run you about $600k these days. The real driveway is reserved for the million+ homes as a luxury item :(.

Although one floor plan in my community optioned a bonus room above the garage. That would have been a sweet place to put a home theater.

Cali is getting like NY I see as far as Real Estate pricing. Florida is getting outrageous too. The most expensive house on the market right now is in my county (Palm Beach County) made by Donald Trump and you can own it for a mere $125,000,000.00

Here is a HOUSE FOR SALE (http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?snum=1&locallnk=yes&frm=byzip&mnbed=0&mnbath=0&mnprice=0&mxprice=99999999&js=off&fid=so&stype=&mnsqft=&mls=xmls&areaid=33498&poe=realtor&zp=33498&sorttype=&typ=1&x=48&y=10&sid=07344417FF26C&sbint=1&sblo=0&snumxlid=1064325377&lnksrc=00002) in my neighborhood with a Red and black movie theater and a star ceiling. They must of been reading AVS :D

Ruben

Ruben,

I am assuming that you switched out your center channel speaker to the Klipsch. At what height is it positioned? How did you mount it? Do you have any pictures? I think that is my question quota for the day so I'll stop there lol.

Ruben,

I am assuming that you switched out your center channel speaker to the Klipsch. At what height is it positioned? How did you mount it? Do you have any pictures? I think that is my question quota for the day so I'll stop there lol.

Yes I did. I am waiting on my omnimounts 60.0's to mount them to the wall. I should be getting them Thursday. I'll be using the omnimounts Klipsch recommends because with that huge Danley laying on the floor behind my screen, there is no room for speaker stands. Right now the Klipschs are just resting on top of the Danley on top of rubber pads. They will be mounted a little below the middle of my SMX screen once they are mounted. I will be adding spotlights above them as well so when the lights are on in the theater you can see the speakers through the screen (thanks Art).

As soon as I get them mounted I will post pictures sometime this week.

Ruben

Yes, I am Fat :D

My chairs weigh 125 lbs each and all my freinds are big dudes too over 300 lbs. So I want to be able to do 3 of my chairs with 2 big friends and myself as the worst case scenario.

I would think if you have 4 100lb chairs and 4 200lb people you would be fine with this system. That's 1200lbs and you have 400lbs left for the platform which should weigh no more than 100lbs if you make it out of aluminum.

Ruben


I feel your pain with the weight thing.. I am a meager 265lbs, but at 6'9" I carry it well ;) . Can't tell you the car seats (2) that I have broken, not to mention kitchen chairs(3), sofas (1), box springs (1) I have gone through, since manufacturers don't make these things for 'larger' people.

Very nice job Ruben. Truely one of the nicest HT's I have seen.

Thank You Very Much!

Ruben

Great planning, great vision with great result

Thanks HDLife. There was allot of changes throughout the build that changed from the original plans, but I am very happy I made them while I was going and not after it was all done. I saw better alternatives to things as I was building.

Ruben

I feel your pain with the weight thing.. I am a meager 265lbs, but at 6'9" I carry it well ;) . Can't tell you the car seats (2) that I have broken, not to mention kitchen chairs(3), sofas (1), box springs (1) I have gone through, since manufacturers don't make these things for 'larger' people.

Yeah I know what you mean. A real good friend of mine was on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club and lost 50lbs and gained it all back after it was over. He wants me to build his home theater, but I'm not trying to do this again until I get my next home. :D

Ruben

Here is a HOUSE FOR SALE (http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?snum=1&locallnk=yes&frm=byzip&mnbed=0&mnbath=0&mnprice=0&mxprice=99999999&js=off&fid=so&stype=&mnsqft=&mls=xmls&areaid=33498&poe=realtor&zp=33498&sorttype=&typ=1&x=48&y=10&sid=07344417FF26C&sbint=1&sblo=0&snumxlid=1064325377&lnksrc=00002) in my neighborhood with a Red and black movie theater and a star ceiling. They must of been reading AVS :D

Ruben

Nice house, now if only the bank would hurry up and open so I can get my certified $5M down payment :).

Yeah, I read about that $125M house. Somewhere on that list was the comment by the author that you can't even get in to look at these houses unless you have documented proof of 2x or 3x the price in CASH.

Nice house, now if only the bank would hurry up and open so I can get my certified $5M down payment :).

Yeah, I read about that $125M house. Somewhere on that list was the comment by the author that you can't even get in to look at these houses unless you have documented proof of 2x or 3x the price in CASH.

You can always put $2.5M down and pay $65,000.00 a month for 30 years. :D That house is not even on the ocean or intercostal, it is in unpopulated area. The houses on the ocean are insanely expensive. I seen one for around $45M and I saw some empty land in between the intercostal and ocean for $88M

For everyone that keeps emailing me asking me for a link to my organized construction blog it is HERE (http://www.smxscreen.com/) . You must register to view it.

Thanks
Ruben

For everyone that keeps emailing me asking me for a link to my organized construction blog it is HERE (http://www.smxscreen.com/) . You must register to view it.

Thanks
Ruben

Is it against the rules to add the link to your signature?

Joe

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5213.jpg





Absolutely spectacular Ruben ! I guess now I need to read the whole thread . :eek: :D A very very nice clean look which I personally like. Congratulations. :)

Art

Yes I did. I am waiting on my omnimounts 60.0's to mount them to the wall. I should be getting them Thursday. I'll be using the omnimounts Klipsch recommends because with that huge Danley laying on the floor behind my screen, there is no room for speaker stands. Right now the Klipschs are just resting on top of the Danley on top of rubber pads. They will be mounted a little below the middle of my SMX screen once they are mounted. I will be adding spotlights above them as well so when the lights are on in the theater you can see the speakers through the screen (thanks Art).

As soon as I get them mounted I will post pictures sometime this week.

Ruben

Do you have a link to where you found the Omni mount 60.0's? Their website only lists up to the 20.0's on their website. My center channel is 55lbs. so I wil likely need the same model as you.

Thanks for the help.

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/theater-web-shots/IMG_5213.jpg





Absolutely spectacular Ruben ! I guess now I need to read the whole thread . :eek: :D A very very nice clean look which I personally like. Congratulations. :)

Art

Hi Art, Thank You for the compliment. I always wondered why you never posted in my thread.

As you may know, I modeled some of my design from your theater and I am now even going to use the lighting on the speakers behind the SmX screen like you did.

Ruben

Wow this is really something.

Very few theaters regardless of money come together where the colors and the design end up with that magic atmosphere.
I do not think it is something that can be planned. Its just happens and only a few get lucky.
Arts room is another one that has that magic atmosphere with the colors working together. Magic.
There are plenty of examples of theaters with everything mechanical done right with great effort and money spent and while the rooms turn out nice there is no guaranty everything will click for that seamless look and most do not have this magic. Nice rooms though. Hard to describe but this one clicks. Great work. Looks like a million dollars.

Do you have a link to where you found the Omni mount 60.0's? Their website only lists up to the 20.0's on their website. My center channel is 55lbs. so I wil likely need the same model as you.

Thanks for the help.

It took allot of research to find 3 of those. Nobody stocked them and there was 1 on ebay and 2 on some random sight. There is one on eBay right now for $50 eBay Item number: 160019128733 My speakers are back mounted so this stand works for me. If your speakers are bottom mounted, you may need another version of the 60.0. They have multiple versions of the 60.0 for different mounting situations ie. Wall mount, Ceiling and Floor mount and different extentions.

Ruben

Wow this is really something.

Very few theaters regardless of money come together where the colors and the design end up with that magic atmosphere.
I do not think it is something that can be planned. Its just happens and only a few get lucky.
Arts room is another one that has that magic atmosphere with the colors working together. Magic.
There are plenty of examples of theaters with everything mechanical done right with great effort and money spent and while the rooms turn out nice there is no guaranty everything will click for that seamless look and most do not have this magic. Nice rooms though. Hard to describe but this one clicks. Great work.

Thanks Alan, your theater and the whole AVS community gave me great inspiration as well. I love your colors and stage and thats what motivated me to do my stage and color choice in the fashion I did. When I saw a picture of your theater in the beginning, I never knew it was yours. I always thought Dennis Erskines theater was yours.

I'm now just happy to have a great room to enjoy movies in. I understand what you mean by "Magic" and I think when you have the opportunity to design and build your own room you can obtain that Magic by putting all your heart and soul into it. There are allot of great present and past theater builds here on AVS and everyone has their own great vision and had great results.

Now to just find a cheap Crestron system. My temporary harmony 880 is a big pain in the ass.

PS: I always wanted to see my theater in "The official 2.35:1 screen picture thread" Hint ;)

Ruben

Hi Art, Thank You for the compliment. I always wondered why you never posted in my thread.

As you may know, I modeled some of my design from your theater and I am now even going to use the lighting on the speakers behind the SmX screen like you did.

Ruben

Ruben,
I'm embarrassed to say that I got away from the construction forum for a while so unless I saw a link in another forum like Mike's I missed it. :o Glad to see there were things you liked about mine that you obviously improved upon. :)

The lighting behind the screen really does something to people I can vouch for that from my meet. I let the lights go completely down for a few second then these go on.

I'm glad to see that you are near the end so you will be able to just kick back for a while.

Art

Ruben, you get two thumbs and big toes up! :D
Congrats on such an amazing theater!!!

WOW you've got my attention...

A well huge WELL DONE

Mark :)

Looks like a $1,000,000 home theater.
Awesome Job!


are you still going to try the 2 subs together? :p

Simply amazing. I've been lurking on this thread since day one and have enjoyed it immensely. It's nice to see the whole thing come together, even though you have a few odds and ends to tie up. And you'll probably decide that red and black is so 2005 and start from scratch :eek:

I don't want to get you off track but are you still working on the entrance to your theatre? Any progress there?

Again, amazing work Ruben you've inspired me and even though I'm not planning on building a dedicated theatre as nice as yours in my current home (fixer-upper I plan to sell in a few years) I am building a theatre on the cheap and I already have my SMX material to try my hand at building an AT screen.

Ruben,
I'm embarrassed to say that I got away from the construction forum for a while so unless I saw a link in another forum like Mike's I missed it. :o Glad to see there were things you liked about mine that you obviously improved upon. :)

The lighting behind the screen really does something to people I can vouch for that from my meet. I let the lights go completely down for a few second then these go on.

I'm glad to see that you are near the end so you will be able to just kick back for a while.

ArtWhy do you think I linked to him in the "whose the best designer" thread ;) as well as mentioned he probably doesnt have envy of even the most magnificent theater? Can you imagine what this would have been in some of the ultra large rooms around or one designed from the foundation up? After hours of conversations with Ruben I can assure you he takes this stuff seriously. How many folks arent happy with commercial screens so they go spend months researching to find an alternative that works better? We have discussed curtains several times and I have told him I would pass on the curtains altogether just because of the impact the room has now even though hes completely re-doing the front wall since he built his curved screen, last I talked to him, hes even pulling his chairs.

Simple and elegant while being complex and masculine at the same time is hard to achieve, the colors have been done before but seem to take on a different look because of how they are contrasted perfectly with the use of construction techniques used by the most qualified around. If its not the most spectacular theater around, its certainly the most incredible garage anyone will ever have.

You don't even really SEE cabs out here (except taking drunks home from the bars). Basically, if you want a cab, you call them, wait an hour or two for them to show up and you're off.

I noticed this when I was down there a couple years ago. I knew there was no public transportation but what surprised be is how few taxis there are.

How do people go out for night on the town (including drinking)? It seems you always have to have a sober person, or hire a driver for the night! I guess the latter is what the beautiful people do, but I cant imagine thats what everyone does....

It would kill me not to be in a town where I can quickly wave a cab to get home at 3am :)

Andy K.

I guess the latter is what the beautiful people do...

Don't you know that's all we are out here? :D

its certainly the most incredible garage anyone will ever have.
I think there's a garage over in Dubai that has a few formula 1 cars in it that might have that title, Jay Leno's is no slouch either ;)

Ruben, you get two thumbs and big toes up! :D
Congrats on such an amazing theater!!!

Thank You Very Much Ebert :D

Ruben

WOW you've got my attention...

A well huge WELL DONE

Mark :)

Thanks! I'm glad to see so many people like it.

Ruben

Looks like a $1,000,000 home theater.
Awesome Job!


are you still going to try the 2 subs together? :p


Thank You. Yes, I am going to try the pair of subs together this week.

Ruben

Simply amazing. I've been lurking on this thread since day one and have enjoyed it immensely. It's nice to see the whole thing come together, even though you have a few odds and ends to tie up. And you'll probably decide that red and black is so 2005 and start from scratch :eek:

I don't want to get you off track but are you still working on the entrance to your theatre? Any progress there?

Again, amazing work Ruben you've inspired me and even though I'm not planning on building a dedicated theatre as nice as yours in my current home (fixer-upper I plan to sell in a few years) I am building a theatre on the cheap and I already have my SMX material to try my hand at building an AT screen.

Thank You Very Much! I don't think I will get sick of the Red and Black combo anytime soon, like others said, it really clicks well and has a very good contrast.

In my last home I had a LCD projector shooting on a wall and it was a theater for me that I enjoyed. It was nothing like this, but I still enjoyed it.

Ruben

Why do you think I linked to him in the "whose the best designer" thread ;) as well as mentioned he probably doesnt have envy of even the most magnificent theater? Can you imagine what this would have been in some of the ultra large rooms around or one designed from the foundation up? After hours of conversations with Ruben I can assure you he takes this stuff seriously. How many folks arent happy with commercial screens so they go spend months researching to find an alternative that works better? We have discussed curtains several times and I have told him I would pass on the curtains altogether just because of the impact the room has now even though hes completely re-doing the front wall since he built his curved screen, last I talked to him, hes even pulling his chairs.

Simple and elegant while being complex and masculine at the same time is hard to achieve, the colors have been done before but seem to take on a different look because of how they are contrasted perfectly with the use of construction techniques used by the most qualified around. If its not the most spectacular theater around, its certainly the most incredible garage anyone will ever have.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. But in my next home, I will build or buy to have a bigger dedicated room. Then I will build a theater like Russel Simmons theater and be posting it on AVS again :D

Ruben

I think there's a garage over in Dubai that has a few formula 1 cars in it that might have that title, Jay Leno's is no slouch either ;)Dubai doesnt count, everything over there is insane http://images.google.com/images?q=palm+island+dubai&hl=en&hs=Paj&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title
We have checked into some of the do's and donts of this for a couple islands in Fiji that need some dredging and shaping for boats and such and the Dubai project like all their projects are based on insanity

Wow! Congrats Ruben! An absolutely spectacular looking room.

I too have been keeping tabs on this thread for many months, and have been waiting expectantly to see your final pics. The room really came together beautifully.

Now that we've finally started remodelling our new home, I'll be unabashedly copying many of the features you've implemented.

You're an inspiration and a true craftsman, and very generous for sharing your labors and the fruits thereof with all of us.

I can't wait to get my theater done and my SMX screen up!

Thanks for the many hours of education and entertainment...

Chip Hayes

Wow! Congrats Ruben! An absolutely spectacular looking room.

I too have been keeping tabs on this thread for many months, and have been waiting expectantly to see your final pics. The room really came together beautifully.

Now that we've finally started remodelling our new home, I'll be unabashedly copying many of the features you've implemented.

You're an inspiration and a true craftsman, and very generous for sharing your labors and the fruits thereof with all of us.

I can't wait to get my theater done and my SMX screen up!

Thanks for the many hours of education and entertainment...

Chip Hayes

Thank You for all the kind words. I wish you best of luck on your HT venture. Once it's done, it is an incredible experience to enjoy for many years. I am a huge movie buff and there is nothing better to me than having a dedicated theater for your at home movie enjoyment.

Ruben

Ruben

I have beem following the progress on your home theater for many months now. I just wanted to say congratulations on building the best theater I ever seen.
Many happy years of viewing and please keep us posted on any new developments.

The Sab

Ruben

I have beem following the progress on your home theater for many months now. I just wanted to say congratulations on building the best theater I ever seen.
Many happy years of viewing and please keep us posted on any new developments.

The Sab

Thank You very much! I will.

Ruben

Ruben,

I am about to assemble my starred ceiling. Did you ever do anything about the seams? I remember at one point you had some different thoughts about them.

Joe

Ruben,

I am about to assemble my starred ceiling. Did you ever do anything about the seams? I remember at one point you had some different thoughts about them.

Joe

I just left them there for the meantime. I don't really notice them unless it is really bright in the room from a real bright scene and I am looking at the ceiling. I was planning on getting some small black plastic T-moldings and wrap them with GoM and stick them in the seams.

Ruben

Ruben,

Your HT is truly amazing and beautiful. :cool: It was a treat to read through this entire thread. Well worth it by far. Congratulations on a job well done. The creativity of yours is shining through in the finished product. Well done!

Bah, that HT looks like CRAP.;)

Just kidding!!!! Ruben your HT is PHENOMENAL!!!

Your HT and Art's are by far my favourites here at AVS and if I were more into having a "fancy/detailed" HT with lots of trim, columns and stuff then I'd easily copy your design.:)

Again, incredible job there. Congrats.

rlindo, not to put down Sandman's or Art's theaters (they are both magnificent), but have you also drooled over MarkP's (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=566082), Mr.Poindexter's (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=640853), EBR's (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=627306), JohnTech's (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644460).......

Ruben,
Thank You Very Much! I don't think I will get sick of the Red and Black combo anytime soon, like others said, it really clicks well and has a very good contrast.

Have you measured the contrast ratio of the seats? :) Considering the level of detail elsewhere, i assume so.

Congratulations on a truly magnificent job, and thanks for all the inspiration and research. I hope to start on a Sandman-inspired star ceiling soon.

Ruben,

Your HT is truly amazing and beautiful. :cool: It was a treat to read through this entire thread. Well worth it by far. Congratulations on a job well done. The creativity of yours is shining through in the finished product. Well done!

Thank You Very Much!

Ruben

Bah, that HT looks like CRAP.;)

Just kidding!!!! Ruben your HT is PHENOMENAL!!!

Your HT and Art's are by far my favourites here at AVS and if I were more into having a "fancy/detailed" HT with lots of trim, columns and stuff then I'd easily copy your design.:)

Again, incredible job there. Congrats.

Thanks, I almost put a toilet in the middle of my theater :D

Like SVonhof said, there are many other very nice theaters here on AVS. For the most part I am very happy with how mine came out.

Ruben

Ruben,


Have you measured the contrast ratio of the seats? :) Considering the level of detail elsewhere, i assume so.

Congratulations on a truly magnificent job, and thanks for all the inspiration and research. I hope to start on a Sandman-inspired star ceiling soon.

Contrast Ratio on the chairs is 60,000:1 :D

Thank You Very Much and good luck on the star ceiling build. If you need any help just ask or check out my theater construction blog at smxscreen.com

Ruben

Just a little update. I mounted lights behind my SmX AT screen to highlight the Klipsch Ultra 2 speakers behind the screen before the movie starts. So basically, as the theater lights dim, the speaker lights behind the SmX screen raise for a few seconds and then dim once the movie starts. It's pretty fricken cool if you ask me :D

Ruben

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx/IMG_5377.jpg

btw, how's your subwoofer doing? I remember I read somewhere on your thread that the subwoofer wasn't giving enough punch. Were you able to fix this issue?

btw, how's your subwoofer doing? I remember I read somewhere on your thread that the subwoofer wasn't giving enough punch. Were you able to fix this issue?

Yeah, I got bigger sub, a Danley DTS-20 (http://www.danleysoundlabs.com/DANLEY_dts20.htm) and a Klipsch THX Ultra 2 Series system. That fixed the problem.

Ruben

SandmanX:

You got that lights behind the screen to show the speakers idea from when you went to an IMAX theatre didn't you?
(BTW, if you keep this up, there will come a time when IMAX will come to you for help.)

Yes, its pretty freakin' cool... no need to ask!

Bud

SandmanX:

You got that lights behind the screen to show the speakers idea from when you went to an IMAX theatre didn't you?
(BTW, if you keep this up, there will come a time when IMAX will come to you for help.)

I actually got the idea from Art Sonneborn. Although I have been told that IMAX does the same thing, I never have seen it done at the IMAX theaters I been to (maybe I get there too Late)?

Ruben

Sandman? You still selling that Velodyne HGS? PM'd you for a few picts a few weeks back...

By the way, the backlighting rocks, I'm sure the pictures don't even do it justice.

Ruben, I love the effect of lighting the speakers up. I thought I mentioned it on here, but maybe I said it after Art? Did I even say it? I don't know anymore.

The IMAX movies I have been to where they light up the speakers is because they are showing off the 6-way speaker stacks that are MASSIVE as well as their subwoofer stacks which are even BIGGER! Way cool, but hard to copy in a home environment!

That is incredible Ruben. Simple touch but outstanding effect (at least from the picture).

Tom

Very very cool !

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx/IMG_5377.jpg

Art

Just need to add a life sized Alien figure behind there to scare the **** out of people ;)

Sweet setup, the lights behind the screen would make listening to music better instead of staring at a big blank screen.

Dean

. It's pretty fricken cool if you ask me.


Man - thats an understatement. Just when I think your HT can't get any better you pull another gem out the hat! Jeeze - you definently got my vote as best HT on the forum.

When are you actually going to sit back and enjoy?

Cheers,
Mark

You haven't seen ptrubeys then. His theater is far and away the best on the forum..

You haven't seen ptrubeys then. His theater is far and away the best on the forum..

Than you mis-read his quote. I believe he said

"you definitely got my vote as best HT on the forum."

That is his opinion so there is no need to correct him.

Ruben...that may be the coolest thing in a HT that I have ever seen that absolutely does nothing to enhance the audio/video quality of the movie. Who freaking cares...it just looks sweet!! I would just sit in there and look at my speakers. Great job on everything.

You haven't seen ptrubeys then. His theater is far and away the best on the forum..

I went to the thread for that theater and all of the image links are broken. Anyone know where I could find pics of this theater? Thanks.

Right now my favorite theaters on the forum are

- PeterS
- Art S
- Ruben

What can I say, I like the darker ones. That and I don't want too much stuff in the room, keep it clean and no gaudy crap. :-)

The term "best" is extremely subjective and changes with individual taste. For my taste Ruben has "MY" vote. I just looked at ptrubeys theater and while it is elegant, to me it seems way to over the top. Kind of like Steve Jenkins' theater. I am a more simple taste and mine would be a toss up between Arts theaater and Rubens for my favorite on the forum.

Well I guess you are all right. I like Ruben's a lot but it really is not even in the same class as ptrubey's. "ptrubey" could have bought multiple real movie theaters for the price he paid to have his one built. If it comes down to money spent at all, ptrubey wins by a landslide.
Each person has their own "perfect theater" they dream about. No doubt...

What's funny is we go to great lengths to conceal our speakers for a certain look, then light em up. LOL

Somehow I doubt my KEF bookshelfs and B&W Center would be all that impressive if I lit them behind my SMX screen.

Now if I has another projector that made it look like something was going on back there!

Hey Ruben it DOES look impressive, like everything else in your theater.

Ruben, I love the effect of lighting the speakers up. I thought I mentioned it on here, but maybe I said it after Art? Did I even say it? I don't know anymore.

The IMAX movies I have been to where they light up the speakers is because they are showing off the 6-way speaker stacks that are MASSIVE as well as their subwoofer stacks which are even BIGGER! Way cool, but hard to copy in a home environment!

Thank You. I recently saw a post of Arts with his speakers lit and I loved the idea. I'm trying to find some blue 50 watt 120volt MR-16 style bulbs to use back there. The blue will look really good.

Ruben

That is incredible Ruben. Simple touch but outstanding effect (at least from the picture).

Tom

Thank You, it looks much better In person to tell you the truth. It was hard to try to capture the room and the screen in a picture under the lighting conditions.

Ruben

Very very cool !

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx/IMG_5377.jpg

Art

Thanks Art, and thank you for all the inspiration your theater gave me to do this build.

Ruben

Just need to add a life sized Alien figure behind there to scare the **** out of people ;)

Sweet setup, the lights behind the screen would make listening to music better instead of staring at a big blank screen.

Dean

Thanks! LOL, Now thats an idea :D

What looks really cool is watching the My Movies screen in Windows Media Center with the movie covers on and the speakers lit up behind the screen. It has this crazy futuristic floating effect like the image projected is a hologram floating in front of the speakers. I'm going to try to capture a picture of it, it may be hard though.

Ruben

I went to the thread for that theater and all of the image links are broken. Anyone know where I could find pics of this theater? Thanks.


http://htguys.com/archive/2005/September192005.html

Man - thats an understatement. Just when I think your HT can't get any better you pull another gem out the hat! Jeeze - you definently got my vote as best HT on the forum.

When are you actually going to sit back and enjoy?

Cheers,
Mark

Thank You Very Much! I have been sitting back and enjoying It. I got 300 hours on the projector already.

Ruben

You haven't seen ptrubeys then. His theater is far and away the best on the forum..

Yes ptrubeys theater is incredible, his theater is on a whole other level all together. The detail work and space the guy had was insane. My only complaint about his theater was I thought his screen was too small for such a big theater. I was trying to find a link without broken links to show Mark P a while back with no luck.

I thought I heard ptrubey was one of the owners of Yahoo! or something like that.

Ruben

Ruben...that may be the coolest thing in a HT that I have ever seen that absolutely does nothing to enhance the audio/video quality of the movie. Who freaking cares...it just looks sweet!! I would just sit in there and look at my speakers. Great job on everything.

Thank You! When you listen to music with those lights on it seems like the music sounds better. Some weird perception thing I guess?

Ruben

Websense I believe...

I went to the thread for that theater and all of the image links are broken. Anyone know where I could find pics of this theater? Thanks.

Right now my favorite theaters on the forum are

- PeterS
- Art S
- Ruben

What can I say, I like the darker ones. That and I don't want too much stuff in the room, keep it clean and no gaudy crap. :-)

Thanks Chirpie. Also, thank you for doing the incredible life like 3D renders on my room.
Those renders helped me out big time in getting to where I went with this.

Do you have a link to PeterS theater? I did a search here but did not see any Theater construction threads started by him.

Ruben

Well I guess you are all right. I like Ruben's a lot but it really is not even in the same class as ptrubey's. "ptrubey" could have bought multiple real movie theaters for the price he paid to have his one built. If it comes down to money spent at all, ptrubey wins by a landslide.
Each person has their own "perfect theater" they dream about. No doubt...

ptrubeys projector was $250k alone IIRC. If I was going to blow money like he did, my theater would look like Russel Simmons instead. I'm not big into the Victorian look right now. Maybe when I get a little older I will be into the Victorian look.

Ruben

What's funny is we go to great lengths to conceal our speakers for a certain look, then light em up. LOL

Somehow I doubt my KEF bookshelfs and B&W Center would be all that impressive if I lit them behind my SMX screen.

Now if I has another projector that made it look like something was going on back there!

Hey Ruben it DOES look impressive, like everything else in your theater.

Thanks McCall. Since I have an audio transparent screen, I want to show visitors how the speakers are placed behind it. Keep in mind, the speakers are only lit up before the movie starts and then dim down as the movie begins. It's really only a coolness thing if you like that type of thing. Plus as was mentioned above, it gives you something cool to look at when listening to music.

Ruben

I agree PTrubey spent a lot and got a lot but I wouldn't want it. The screen was tiny for that room and that projector which can easily light up a 20' wide screen ( but at 1500:1 sequential CR).

Art

Only at AVS would an 11 foot screen be called tiny...haha.. Seriously how big is the biggest screen on AVS? Mine is 10 feet and that is more than enough in my 15x25 room. I am not in the six figure salary range either...

Only at AVS would an 11 foot screen be called tiny...haha.. Seriously how big is the biggest screen on AVS? Mine is 10 feet and that is more than enough in my 15x25 room. I am not in the six figure salary range either...

Wolfgang Mayer at just over 20' wide is the winner as far as I know. Understand this isn't a put down of anyone but just a preference thing. If I had a room with 15' ceilings and over 20' wide and 30' deep I'd have a 15' wide screen. The QX1 has the light and resolution I've seen it on a 20' screen.

Art

I thought I heard ptrubey was one of the owners of Yahoo! or something like that.

Ruben


http://www.sdmitforum.org/events/showbio.cfm?pre_id=10

Thanks Chirpie. Also, thank you for doing the incredible life like 3D renders on my room.
Those renders helped me out big time in getting to where I went with this.

Do you have a link to PeterS theater? I did a search here but did not see any Theater construction threads started by him.

Ruben

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php/photo/11899/cat/500/ppuser/83

Other than the slightly too busy carpet, I really like this theater. I particularly like the grill designs on the coulmns. If you like art deco, then you'll REALLY like it. I think Theo K. designed this one.

And I'm glad the renders helped. :-)

Ruben, if you are watching a movie where you know that you have a scene where there is some lightning, you could flash the lights behind the screen at just the right time.... :)


BTW, the most amazing thing about PTrubey's theater was what length he went through in order to even get it there! He built it below his driveway and lawn! I do agree though, why get a projector with such a large capacity onto to use a small (for that size theater) screen as well as only a portion of the available pixels.... Other than that, it is amazing. I have links to some other really cool theaters on my web site if people want to look:
http://www.vonhofs.com/theater/theaterlinks.html

I think most of the links work, but Ruben needs to make a web site I can link to without requiring people to register!

BTW, check out:
Manthey's HUGE "Carpe Diem Theater" and Schindler's Theater in the heart of Switzerland liks.

Thank You. I recently saw a post of Arts with his speakers lit and I loved the idea. I'm trying to find some blue 50 watt 120volt MR-16 style bulbs to use back there. The blue will look really good.

Ruben
Now isn't that a great idea.
I was lucky to be able to light mine at all now that I have the large Seaton mains. My front wall to the back of the screen is only two feet so the angle was bad. No question though at my meet when I turned the lights down I then hit those lights there were lots of whispers etc. Just the desired effect ! :D

Art

the speakers are only lit up before the movie starts and then dim down as the movie begins.
Ruben

Ruben,

Haven't you run out of Grafik Eye channels yet? :)

How are you controlling the Grafik Eye? Are you just using the scene capability in it or are you using something else?

Joe

Ruben,

Haven't you run out of Grafik Eye channels yet? :)

How are you controlling the Grafik Eye? Are you just using the scene capability in it or are you using something else?

Joe

Actually I put those lights on a seperate Lutron spacer with an IR. So the remote tells it to raise for 5 - 10 seconds and then dim. On my graphic eye, I am only using 4 zones right now for

Stage Lights
Column Lights
Tray Lights
Starfield ceiling

I have a 5th zone wired for step lights (which I still need to find)
and a 6th zone for sconces (which I never installed)

I use all 4 scenes on the graphic eye.

Ruben

Does anyone here know how to hook up a motion sensor to a Graphic Eye so when you walk into the theater the lights go to scene 1 or something?

Ruben

I have a 5th zone wired for step lights (which I still need to find.

Ruben,

I bought mine from here:
http://www.prolighting.com/steplighting.html I bought the first one "Incandescent Step Light 9-1/4"L 25W A19 Max"

A few other options: http://www.lightinguniverse.com/products/default.aspx?tid=116&st=127&page=1&retry=4&af=349

Bud

Ruben,

I bought mine from here:
http://www.prolighting.com/steplighting.html I bought the first one "Incandescent Step Light 9-1/4"L 25W A19 Max"

A few other options: http://www.lightinguniverse.com/products/default.aspx?tid=116&st=127&page=1&retry=4&af=349

Bud

Yes, I bought the same ones you did to realize they were way too big. I pre-cut my holes for 2 single gang boxes on each step. The low voltage Home Depot step lights would fit, but problem is I ran line voltage to the steps. So I need a regular sized step light in line vltage. The brick size step light will not fit.

Thanks
Ruben

Ruben, if you had to budget all the labout you put in, i.e for those of us aka Me, who are useless at construction, how much would you have had to pay?

I was gobsmacked by your setup, me wants me wants!!! It is the best along with Art's Ht I have ever seen! Incredible Kudos!

Ruben, if you had to budget all the labout you put in, i.e for those of us aka Me, who are useless at construction, how much would you have had to pay?

I was gobsmacked by your setup, me wants me wants!!! It is the best along with Art's Ht I have ever seen! Incredible Kudos!

I would imagine if you had to pay a craftsman/carpenter to do what Ruben did, it would cost you 10s of thousands. That's if you could find someone who would put that kind of pride and dedication into it.

Perhaps Mr. Poindexter (if he's watching) can give a more definitive answer as, I believe, he hired out a lot of the work in his build.

Ruben, I beleive there is a solution that somebody else posted on their construction thread, but right now, I just can't remember who it was that came up with it. Everything I remember is that it was line voltage, in a single gang box...

I don't know if I can find it, but I will look.

Here is one option I stumbled on http://www.ccl-light.com/docs/indoor/switches/smartlight/index.html

Maybe you could paint it...

I would imagine if you had to pay a craftsman/carpenter to do what Ruben did, it would cost you 10s of thousands. That's if you could find someone who would put that kind of pride and dedication into it.

Perhaps Mr. Poindexter (if he's watching) can give a more definitive answer as, I believe, he hired out a lot of the work in his build.It would be pretty pricey because it would first have to be someone that could perform the column work and curved screens and such. How many curved screens and columns have you seen on AVS? Exactly.

I am just guessing here but I would say $200 a square plus 10K for the labor

Does anyone here know how to hook up a motion sensor to a Graphic Eye so when you walk into the theater the lights go to scene 1 or something?

Ruben

I will be working on this in the near future but I have some ideas.

You can use an X-10 motion detector. This can talk to an X-10 receiver hooked to your htPC. Then you can use either Girder, Homeseer, or Cinemar to intercept the signal from X-10 and cause different actions to occur. One of the actions would be to send an IR signal through your USB-UIRT to tell the Grafik Eye what you want it to do.

I am currently using Cinemar and the USB-UIRT to control all of the IR in my component rack. So I can confirm that that much of the solution works perfectly. I also have Cinemar controlling X-10 lights in different areas of the house. So the 2-way X-10 receiver that I have works well too. I actually had to write a Cinemar plugin for the X-10 receiver that I have. I had purchased the X-10 USB one a while back. At some point I will change out X-10 for something more reliable. It is just not high on the priority yet.

I believe that all of the software mentioned above have either plugins or other ways to connect to X-10.

BTW, this would be the ONLY purpose that I would use X-10 for. IMO their equipment is extremely crappy and unreliable. But I have never had any problem with the motion sensors.

Also, I am pretty sure that I have all of the Grafik-Eye IR codes downloaded at home (I am at the office). I would be more than happy to send them to you if I do actually have them. FOr some of my components I populated the USB-UIRT Cinemar plugin via copy and paste rather than learning the IR from the original remote.

I hope at least some of this makes some sense. :)

Joe

I will be working on this in the near future but I have some ideas.

You can use an X-10 motion detector. This can talk to an X-10 receiver hooked to your htPC. Then you can use either Girder, Homeseer, or Cinemar to intercept the signal from X-10 and cause different actions to occur. One of the actions would be to send an IR signal through your USB-UIRT to tell the Grafik Eye what you want it to do.

I am currently using Cinemar and the USB-UIRT to control all of the IR in my component rack. So I can confirm that that much of the solution works perfectly. I also have Cinemar controlling X-10 lights in different areas of the house. So the 2-way X-10 receiver that I have works well too. I actually had to write a Cinemar plugin for the X-10 receiver that I have. I had purchased the X-10 USB one a while back. At some point I will change out X-10 for something more reliable. It is just not high on the priority yet.

I believe that all of the software mentioned above have either plugins or other ways to connect to X-10.

BTW, this would be the ONLY purpose that I would use X-10 for. IMO their equipment is extremely crappy and unreliable. But I have never had any problem with the motion sensors.

Also, I am pretty sure that I have all of the Grafik-Eye IR codes downloaded at home (I am at the office). I would be more than happy to send them to you if I do actually have them. FOr some of my components I populated the USB-UIRT Cinemar plugin via copy and paste rather than learning the IR from the original remote.

I hope at least some of this makes some sense. :)

Joe

I'd like this type of functionality as well. However, it seems it may need to be a little more intelligent than you might first think. You would need some way to know if the lights were already on because you don't want your GE going to scene 1 every time someone moves a muscle in the theater...

Maybe you could put it outside, but then your dog/cat/kid walks by the theater while you're watching a movie and, whoa, let there be light.

Joe - have you thought about how to handle this situation?

You would also have to worry about the event that someone needs to go to the can or get a drink or something during the movie...you don't want the lights to go on then either.

Ruben, if you had to budget all the labout you put in, i.e for those of us aka Me, who are useless at construction, how much would you have had to pay?

I was gobsmacked by your setup, me wants me wants!!! It is the best along with Art's Ht I have ever seen! Incredible Kudos!


A couple people here on AVS took my plans to contracters to build an identical room like mine. They were quoted between $85k - $120k for just labor and building materials (equipment and chairs not included). I told them that was allot of money.

Ruben

Actually Ruben, it's not a lot of money for what you've accomplished. A friend of mine recently finished his basement and spent $90K to put in a media room, bar, small wine closet and pool table. Somewhat larger space than what you've got, but not twice as much, and he's got "white trim" throughout. About the only really expensive piece was the bar, and that wasn't all that much. So given your level of workmanship and the extra materials, I'd say those estimates are right in the ballpark, if not a little low.

Tom

I'd like this type of functionality as well. However, it seems it may need to be a little more intelligent than you might first think. You would need some way to know if the lights were already on because you don't want your GE going to scene 1 every time someone moves a muscle in the theater...

Maybe you could put it outside, but then your dog/cat/kid walks by the theater while you're watching a movie and, whoa, let there be light.

Joe - have you thought about how to handle this situation?

Variable management. Within Cinemar (and I am sure the other software also) you can set variables as part of your action script. A very simple answer would be to set a variable that can be used to tell Cinemar to either send the Grafik-Eye signals or not. This variable can be set or reset in a number of ways. You can do it either via the motion sensor or even a key on a remote.

With the software there need be no direct relationship between a key on a remote and the functionality that it actually performs. For example, I took an old Denon CD player remote that I had sitting around. I programmed the keys of that remote, through USB-UIRT, Cinemar, and J.River Mediacenter and from anywhere in the house that I have an infrared receiver I can use the old CD player remote to control the MP3 files on my server. It works really slick!!! In this fashion you can use anything that generates an infrared signal and have it change the variable.

Joe

Yes, I bought the same ones you did to realize they were way too big. I pre-cut my holes for 2 single gang boxes on each step. The low voltage Home Depot step lights would fit, but problem is I ran line voltage to the steps. So I need a regular sized step light in line vltage. The brick size step light will not fit.

Thanks
Ruben

You should be able to use the existing wiring for low voltage if the wiring is run to the step lights only and not tied in at any other boxes. You would just have to pull the wires from your line voltage Lutron box and connect them to a transformer.

Tim

You should be able to use the existing wiring for low voltage if the wiring is run to the step lights only and not tied in at any other boxes. You would just have to pull the wires from your line voltage Lutron box and connect them to a transformer.

Tim

Maybe I was being paraniod but I did not put any low voltage anywhere near my home theater. We had issues with hum in our kitchen with the low voltage and I definately did not want that issue in the theater.

Joe

Does anyone here know how to hook up a motion sensor to a Graphic Eye so when you walk into the theater the lights go to scene 1 or something?

Ruben

Lutron does make an interface and motion sensor for just this purpose but I think as mentioned by others you may have problems with it activating when you don't want it to. I don't have a link to Lutron web site but look for a GRX-AV contact closure interface and motion sensor MOS-CM-15-WH. look in the commercial product line, not the residential. I think you would need a power supply for the motion sensor as well. total cost would be +- $500.00 for parts. Lutron make some pretty cool interfaces and other products for the Grafik Eye lineup.

by the way Ruben, fabulous room. I've quietly followed this thread from the beginning and was amazed and awed every time I looked.

I'm also the proud owner of your SMX screen and while I've only set up a temporary screen the picture it shows is awsome.

If you get one make sure any motion from the seating does not trigger it off as well. That would blow...

Gary

If you get one make sure any motion from the seating does not trigger it off as well. That would blow...

Gary

No matter where you position it, it could be a problem. The only way this will work is with something like Joe described where the interface is intelligent enough to "know" (through status variables) whether or not it should trigger. I would think you would only want the motion to trigger a scene if your equipment was turned off or something like that.

Figures the Lurton solution would cost as much as the GE itself ;). And, it wouldn't even work for our purposes.

Mini update,

I got some blue glass lens's for my lights behind the SmX screen to match the tray lights. Here are some shots...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx-blue/IMG_5401.jpg

Here is a closer shot of The Klipsch THX Ultra 2 speaker behind the SmX Screen...

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx-blue/IMG_5404.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx-blue/IMG_5410.jpg

http://www.smxscreen.com/images/klipsch-smx-blue/IMG_5411.jpg

Ruben

Oh yes, that blue light makes it much more awsome!

The blue makes it even better, very kewl effect.

killer dude!


if you have any lights on while watching the movie you could have that output from the Grafik Eye trigger a relay to disconect the motion sensor.

Most impressive.....

I want to do an AT screen now just so it could be 1/10th as cool as yours. After all the hub bub about the sound quality, the cool factor just blew that away.

Ruben,
You now need to get a big plexiglass SmX logo to put above the center speaker!

I am back in town now. Want to continue our discussions this weekend?

Joe

Way Nice!!
You get the best of both worlds.

Show off your nice expensive speakers when not watching a movie. When watching a movie, your speakers are hidden out of sight.

Very nicely done. :cool:

Don't know if you keep the door to the theater closed when not in use, but if you do, what about using a switch that inbeds into the door jamb and somehow hooks up to the GE. Then instead of motion, your lights would be triggered by simply opening the door. I've seen these used often in closets and I'm sure with your resourcefulness you would be able to make it work for your theater.

The Omnimax Theater at the Boston Museum of Science does somthing silimar to this in their pre-show. There is a brief intro where they show-off the sound system of the theater by backlighting the screen.

Very cool indeed, sandman.

I was talking with Ruben about using the variable management process. The door is a good idea though. But you would still need to keep track of its state just like a motion sensor.

He had started down this road on his own but ran into problems. He is a really smart guy. I am confident we can work it out pretty satisfactorily.

The key for those interested is the USB-UIRT. A 2-way usb infrared device that can be totally controlled by the computer.

Joe

I'm gone for a short while, and Wow, look what happens. Your theater is awesome. The HT in the real estate posting a couple of pages back cracked me up because that home was $12.9M and yours is so much better!

Reuben

Sent you a PM concerning the Klipsch setup. did you receive it?

Just out of curiousity, since you seem to have most of the details in place, are you going to try and get the theatre THX certified? BTW, did you keep the dual Danley's? Or do you have the single Danley and the Klipsch sub(s)????

Great effect with the lighting. Does your theatre automatically play Metallica's: Enter Sandman when you step through the door? ;)

Reuben

Sent you a PM concerning the Klipsch setup. did you receive it?

Yes I just responded to It. Sorry about the delay, But I get allot of PM's and emails everyday.

Ruben

I like the blue better as well. Although I think the two light sources are distracting. Do you think it would look more evenly dispersed, yet still be able to direct it upward by using a rope light? How about on top and bottom, or on all sides? Perhaps use a pipe cut in half length wise with tin foil in it to direct the light toward the speakers. Just thinking out loud here...

I like the blue better as well. Although I think the two light sources are distracting. Do you think it would look more evenly dispersed, yet still be able to direct it upward by using a rope light? How about on top and bottom, or on all sides? Perhaps use a pipe cut in half length wise with tin foil in it to direct the light toward the speakers. Just thinking out loud here...

Yes, I am going to try to direct the light better. I just through a track light in there with 3 heads below the screen. The most direct way woud be to get some picture lights with long goose necks and postion them right next to the speakers. Or switch over to 12 volt lights and use spot lights instead of flood lights. They also sell light heads with canopies as well. I like the uplight look better than downlight on the speakers. It looks more dramatic. The blue light is allot dimmer than the white light so they are on full power with the lights really dim in the theater.

Ruben

If you could get the THX logo behind there too (perhaps above the speakers), that might look good.

Gary

If you could get the THX logo behind there too (perhaps above the speakers), that might look good.

Gary

I think he needs an SMX logo... :D

I think you could keep the lights off the screen (and just on the speakers) by using a shade. Something could be made from sheetmetal easily enough, and you could prototype it with cardboard. For starters, just cut down a cardboard box and position it over your track lights.

If this doesn't make sense, I'll try to draw a picture.

Ruben,
Could you elaborate a little more on your impressions of the Klipsch Ultra2 speakers in comparison to the other “higher” end speaker you had such as the Martin Logan and B&W? I currently just moved my 5.1 Sonus Faber system into the theater room I’ve been working on. I love the sound and soundstage for music, but I think the center channel (Sonus Faber Solo) just isn’t detailed enough. I haven’t set everything up yet, but even when I had the system in my living room I found myself straining to understand the dialog. I want to be able to watch a movie without having to try so hard. I’m powering them with a Krell HTS preamp and a Krell KAV-250a / 3 amp, so I don’t think they are underpowered. I find it hard to believe that with such amazing sound and clarity the Sonus Faber Home system has in stereo, that the center speaker would be that far off.

I don’t know maybe I have something setup wrong, but I’m very interested in the Klipsch Ultra2 for more of a movie theater experience and to clean up and give a more unified look to the front of the room. It is a dedicated home theater room, so maybe I did a wrong impulse buy thinking anything that sounded that good on music (the Sonus Faber Grand Pianos) must be a good choice for home theater.

Anyways, I’m babbling a little on my own personal situation, when I think the point is that many of us that feel that sound is just as, if not more, important than the video would be interested in having you compare the Klipsch to your previous Martin Logan and B&W speakers.

Thanks,
Daniel

Ruben,
Could you elaborate a little more on your impressions of the Klipsch Ultra2 speakers in comparison to the other “higher” end speaker you had such as the Martin Logan and B&W? I currently just moved my 5.1 Sonus Faber system into the theater room I’ve been working on. I love the sound and soundstage for music, but I think the center channel (Sonus Faber Solo) just isn’t detailed enough. I haven’t set everything up yet, but even when I had the system in my living room I found myself straining to understand the dialog. I want to be able to watch a movie without having to try so hard. I’m powering them with a Krell HTS preamp and a Krell KAV-250a / 3 amp, so I don’t think they are underpowered. I find it hard to believe that with such amazing sound and clarity the Sonus Faber Home system has in stereo, that the center speaker would be that far off.

I don’t know maybe I have something setup wrong, but I’m very interested in the Klipsch Ultra2 for more of a movie theater experience and to clean up and give a more unified look to the front of the room. It is a dedicated home theater room, so maybe I did a wrong impulse buy thinking anything that sounded that good on music (the Sonus Faber Grand Pianos) must be a good choice for home theater.

Anyways, I’m babbling a little on my own personal situation, when I think the point is that many of us that feel that sound is just as, if not more, important than the video would be interested in having you compare the Klipsch to your previous Martin Logan and B&W speakers.

Thanks,
Daniel

Well first off, maybe your room needs to be treated. I loved the sound of my Logans in my main room but once I put them in the theater I just wasn't getting what I wanted. In movies, you need a system that has punch and detailed imaging. Like when I was watching Lucky # Sleven the other night, when the guy got shot in the beginning, I petty much felt the bullet hit me. It had realy good punch and that movie had some really nice bass parts too. Or in V for Vendetta when V was slicing up all the officers towards the end the blades were flying all around my room, the Domino scene was really good too.

We are all building dedicated theater rooms that are usually for movie watching and game playing. The Klipsch Ultra 2 speakers are made for movie watching and music stills sounds real good through them. So even if the music doesn't sound as good as my Logans in my main room due to the Logans being very transparent, the movies sound too good to pass up on the Klipschs.

My Logan Theater center channel was one of the best I've ever heard as far as dialog goes and I can happily say the Klipsch sounds just as detailed.

Also, the Klipsch high end smoothed out just like I was told that would happen. So now the Klipsch system sounds very smooth and not overly bright. I think Klipsch did a damn good job putting this system together. So if you are building a theater and have the money to spend its well worth checking out. You can also talk to Soundood here on AVS and maybe he can arrange a demo for you.

Ruben

I think you could keep the lights off the screen (and just on the speakers) by using a shade. Something could be made from sheetmetal easily enough, and you could prototype it with cardboard. For starters, just cut down a cardboard box and position it over your track lights.

If this doesn't make sense, I'll try to draw a picture.

It would be easier to buy new heads. You don't want things back there that rattle. I picked the heads I did because they didn't rattle at all. They make goose necks that attach to track lighting tracks. I may pick up 3 of those in black.

This is what I'm going to try in all black http://www.brilliantlighting.com/view.asp?ptid=452&style=204&pos=pos5

Ruben

I think he needs an SMX logo... :D

I really need a logo. Any Logo designers in the house?
How about best SmX logo design wins a free SmX screen?

Ruben

SandmanX,

Did you use the KL-525-THX for sides surrounds and the KS-525-THX for the rear or the other way around..?

A while back I was looking at doing

4- KS-525-THX for both my sides and rears

KL-525-THX LCR as all three front speakers

1- KW-120-THX sub

My room is 13x18 and it could be a little much with the 2 subs, plus I don't have the bucks right now...

Thoughts?

I used 3 KL-650-THX's as my Main L,C,R
http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/kl-650-thx.aspx

4 KS-525-THX's for my surrounds
http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/ks-525-thx.aspx

and a Danley DTS-20 for my Sub.
http://www.danleysoundlabs.com/DANLEY_dts20.htm

Ruben

I really need a logo. Any Logo designers in the house?
How about best SmX logo design wins a free SmX screen?

Ruben

I'll start the ball riolling with a simple idea/design.

Gary

I really need a logo. Any Logo designers in the house?
How about best SmX logo design wins a free SmX screen?

Ruben

I'd be all about that. :-)

When you start the thread competition, post a link here, and I'll be happy to take multiple swings at it. ^_^

on the pocket of a Pocket T-shirt

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/GoBigRed/smx2.jpg

it has to fit on a screen frame with LED red

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/GoBigRed/smx2-1.jpg

I guess if its going behind Rubens screen then

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/GoBigRed/smx3.jpg

Ruben, if you want to re-do your lighting behind the screen, how about putting in a bunch of blue LED's that you mount in a DIY rail? Depending on the ones you get, they are very directional and if you need to dim them, it's a matter of changing the resistors that control how much power goes to them.

Just a thought.

They could be very compact and won't make any vibration noises or anything and don't put out much heat...