My theater is well underway thanks to everyone in this forum. Your knowledge and kindness really has helped me out. Here are the latest (pretty much final) layouts. Tomorrow I will be posting all the framing pictures to be followed by ductwork and electrical. Thanks to all!

http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/1_kagan_theater.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/2_kagan_theater.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/3_kagan_theater.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/4_kagan_theater.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/5_kagan_theater.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/6_kagan_theater.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/viewingfrompersons4.JPG

Plans so far include the following:

Optoma H78 Projector
DaLite 133 diag cinema contour high power
Yamaha 2600 receiver
Sony DVP-CX995V
HTPC
Motorola HD cable box
Grafik Eye 3106 + 4 button wall station
Buffalo system IR
Ascend speakers
Center 340 SE
Fronts 340 SE
Surrounds 170SE
Subwoofer HSU

Coaster Studio Seating

Please give any feedback, I look forward to reading and commenting. Also, never underestimate the wife, the theater was half the size until she said move that wall and double the size!

Best of luck, Gary! Was wondering what was up with your theater. Keep us posted...

Bud

Thanks Bud, been putting in a full day every Sunday, and now nights after the wife and kids go to sleep. I plan on keeping the momentum and finishing framing and ductwork within the next 3 weeks. This will include the riser and stage. Applying for permits now, that will help keep me going as well. It's taking a while because I have to build the wife's workout room and the kids playroom at the same time. Gotta be fair!

I see you are back at it as well. Good luck to you!

Gary

Gary,

Plans look good! There are several that are having to finish out the whole basement as part of the HT project. Makes it a tad more expensive/lengthy/difficult project, but sure bumps up the WAF a bunch.

Good luck!
-Scott

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011764.JPG

Here you can see the rack, got it from work. They threw it out, I brought it home. What a deal!

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011765.JPG

Above theater framed out the ductwork with ladders. This will bring the finished ceiling to 7 1/2 feet. Started with 9 feet. That center path will be where the pvc pipe will go and all the wires to the front of the theater and to the projector.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011766.JPG

Supply pile. Never seems to get any smaller.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011767.JPG

Screen Wall. Other room beyond the screen wall is for the wife. I have more square footage.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011768.JPG

Back left corner. I put a external door with weather stripping in for the door to the furnace area to keep sound at a minimum.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011769.JPG

Back of theater. Furnace beyond wall. Those beams are for the riser. They will hang in the middle of the 2 x 12 frame.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011770.JPG

Entrance to the theater. Need to take the doors down as they are not soundproof. Didn't figure that out until it was too late. So far my only mistake (big one)

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011771.JPG

Another shot of the pile.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/_P1011773.JPG
Sheetrock pile. 1/2 on the left 5/8 on the right. Conduit pvc for the projector wires.

More to come!

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/framing/riserconstruction.jpg

looking good Gary!

that's quite the pile of drywall you have there:) Your riser design looks good, we discussed this at length as you recall. 84" is exactly what i went for in my HT, that's more than enough room.

I know your screen plans but which projector are you debating or what did you settle on? Can't wait to see this theater completed. What is your planned timeframe before showtime?

Definately going with the Optoma H78. 120 diag screen, not sure which one though. I will have full light control since the room has no windows, need to research screens still. I started with the first purchase of wood in February 2005, but lately have been on a good pace. I would like to see the theater finished by end of April - but who knows.... Sure takes a long time to DIY.

Gary

Another big weekend coming up for the theater. Will have a team of 4 working down there. Should finalize the framing (I hope) and start on the ductwork.

I look forward to posting more pictures Sunday night.

Gary

Gary,

So how was that big weekend (er, big two months)?

Bud

looks good so far! Just to let you know though........... I spotted a water heater blanket on your gas water heater. not a good idea. Todays water heaters are so well insulated that you don't need a blanket. The main reason for ditching the blanket is that it is a fire hazard. All it takes is a blockage of your venting by some animal or foreign material and the flames can easily find their way to the blanket material. In michigan, blankets on gas water heaters are against code. Electric heaters are fine, but not gas. I've seen plenty of fires started by blankets on gas water heaters. I'm in the plumbing and heating business and thats how I've seen it first hand.

also, I'm not sure, because I can't see the venting on your furnace..............it looks like a newer furnace, maybe 80% with a combustion fan and maybe single wall pipe going off to a water heater tee. I can't tell the size now of your furnace room, but you may need to bring some combustion air into the room somehow from outside since you are also sealing the door to the furnace room. If the water heater and furnace don't get enough combustion air, they can burn poorly and over time cause sooting in the heat exchanger and vent pipe from the water heater. If I'm seeing what I'm seeing for the furnace room size, you will problably need a 4 to 6" makeup air.

looks good so far! Just to let you know though........... I spotted a water heater blanket on your gas water heater. not a good idea. Todays water heaters are so well insulated that you don't need a blanket. The main reason for ditching the blanket is that it is a fire hazard. All it takes is a blockage of your venting by some animal or foreign material and the flames can easily find their way to the blanket material. In michigan, blankets on gas water heaters are against code. Electric heaters are fine, but not gas. I've seen plenty of fires started by blankets on gas water heaters. I'm in the plumbing and heating business and thats how I've seen it first hand.

I will look into that and appreciate the info.

Gary

also, I'm not sure, because I can't see the venting on your furnace..............it looks like a newer furnace, maybe 80% with a combustion fan and maybe single wall pipe going off to a water heater tee. I can't tell the size now of your furnace room, but you may need to bring some combustion air into the room somehow from outside since you are also sealing the door to the furnace room. If the water heater and furnace don't get enough combustion air, they can burn poorly and over time cause sooting in the heat exchanger and vent pipe from the water heater. If I'm seeing what I'm seeing for the furnace room size, you will problably need a 4 to 6" makeup air.

You are very correct. The plans I have submitted have details that show how I plan to make up air for the room. The riser which will be 1/4 off the furnace wall, will have 4 foot wide vents going into the theater room and the sides of the riser will have vents to suck in air. Also, I have a plenum running over the theater going to the next room over to get air from that room. I actually failed paper inspection the first round because the Fire inspector wanted more details on how I will make up air for the furnace. Thanks for looking out for us though. It is appreciated.

Gary

Gary,

So how was that big weekend (er, big two months)?

Bud

Yeah - yeah.... You've been there.... Kids, vacation, etc..

But, I will be putting in 2 days this weekend! Framing should be done by then. One more day of wiring and one more day of ductwork. Then I call in the inspectors.

Chairs are coming in Monday, already bought the projector (optoma H78 - awesome.) It's coming together slowly.

Gary

Here are my instructions on how to create a "fireproof" lightbox. What I mean by this is that I hope it is fireproof, so build at your own risk! I plan to use 65 watt bulbs, so I don't think the heat problem will be too bad. Here goes...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_010.jpg

First of all, get yourself 1 sheet of 24 by 48 inch 3/4 MDF. This will be enough for 2 boxes.

Cut it up as follows:
bottom and top 9" x 9"
2 sides 7 1/2" x 7 1/2"
2 sides 7 1/2" x 9""

Break out the glue. Regular wood glue is what I used. Glue the ends, hold and nail together with 2" nails. It helps to have a nail gun.
Clamp it if you feel the need.


http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_020.jpg

Another angle...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_030.jpg

Now get the Hardi Plank. I used two sizes. 8 1/4" and 7 1/4" The space in the box was 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" for 2 sides and 6 3/4 x 7 1/4 for the other sides. This gave me the coverage I was looking for.
I don't recommend cutting this with a table saw in the house. Bad idea. The table saw works great, but do it outside if you want ever want a home cooked meal again.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_050.jpg

Break out the automatic 29 ounce tube gun and insert a GREEN GLUE canister. nice.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_055.jpg

Apply.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_060.jpg

Stick these on the 4 sides

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_063.jpg

and then one piece on the bottom. Caulk with 100% silicone.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_065.jpg

Separate the handy box and metal arm from the 6" can. I bent the arm and will use it later.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_070.jpg
Here is the can ready to be used.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_080.jpg

Take a 9" x 9" piece of hardi and find the center.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_090.jpg
Attach it temporarily to the top of the MDF box.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_100.jpg
Break out the Makita with a 6 1/4" round cutter. I used a 6" which is too small. I still need to resolve this.
If I can't get the 6 1/4" hole cutter, I may use the Dremmel with the circle cutter. It should work fine for MDF.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_110.jpg
Cut the hole. Don't do this at 11:00 pm at night if the soundproofed double sheetrock is not installed yet. I'm on my own for dinner for another week...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_120.jpg
The can fits nicely, but with a bigger hole, it will fit through the hole and have a lip to hold it in place.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_130.jpg
Drill a hold in the side of the box and pass the wires from the can through. Attach the handy box to the side of the box, install in ceiling and wire up.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/light_box_200.jpg


When I have them installed, I will post more pictures.

Let me know if you have any feedback on this approach!

Gary

Been a while but I finally had some time to post my pictures.

Lets start with framing.

Here is the steel door that I purchased for the entrance of the theater. It's pretty solid and was made with a 5/4 frame.
It's got a 8 1/4 jamb. I planned on 5/8 sheet rock in the game room and 1/2 + 5/8 in the theater. The wall is 5 1/2 inches.
I also added 1 inch for furring strips and GOM. 5/8 + 1/2 + 5/8 + 5 1/2 + 1 = 8 1/4.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Framing/framing_001.jpg

I boxed out one of the poles here. Keep the wood off the ground, caulk the bottom.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Framing/framing_002.jpg

Another boxed pole.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Framing/framing_003.jpg

Furring strips on ceiling. This should decouple the sheetrock and have a similar effect like using clips to decouple.

Maybe not as good, but much cheaper and saves on ceiling height (my reason to do it this way).

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Framing/framing_004.jpg

More Furring strips on ceiling.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Framing/framing_006.jpg

Gary

Here is the riser I built. I used 2 x 12's for the frame. I cut out holes to vent air to the furnace room and holes for
duct work (air and heat).

Here is the plan I started with:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Framing/riserconstruction.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0010.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0020.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0030.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0040.jpg

I put hockey pucks to hold the frame off the ground and to assist with the vibrations
for the buttkicker I will be installing.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0050.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0060.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0070.jpg

That's me...
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/riser/riser_0080.jpg

Here is the front of the short riser. It will be about 5 1/4 high when finished. I cut
out holes for all the low voltage and power receptacles here. I also ran pipe under the riser
to contain the wires.

http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0180.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0185.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0190.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0200.jpg

Here is the finished ductwork running through the riser.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0210.jpg

More duct work
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0220.jpg

Hole for step light.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0230.jpg

Other step light. Conduit will stop at front of large riser and allow for future wires to be passed from furnace room if necessary.

http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0240.jpg

Just need to add the top and it's all set!
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/riser/riser_0300.jpg

Gary

Here is the stage I built. I used 2 x 6's for the frame. I used wolmanized wood for the base.
I could have used plastic instead, but this should make the stage less likely to vibrate.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_001.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_002.jpg

That's my boy...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_003.jpg

Subwoofer frame left

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_004.jpg

Subwoofer frame right

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_005.jpg


http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_006.jpg

Finished middle frame
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_007.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_008.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_009.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_010.jpg

Added the round pieces
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_011.jpg

Another Shot
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/stage/stage_012.jpg

I need to add the front still. Will add sand to the sub frames. I will not be connecting
these to the middle frame. The sub frames will be floating.

Gary

Here are some picures of my boy hard at work...He's only 2 1/2, start em early on the handyman stuff..

Sweepin time...
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/loganhelp/loganbas_001.jpg

Daddy, don't do that...
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/loganhelp/loganbas_002.jpg

He's got his own tools!
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/loganhelp/loganbas_003.jpg

Are we done yet?
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/loganhelp/loganbas_004.jpg

Break time...
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/loganhelp/loganbas_005.jpg


Gary

Wiring wasn't too bad. My father-in-law did this stuff all his life and he offered to
help after the blackmail. He did most of the high voltage runs. My brother-in-law was kind enough
to help as well.

Sconces back right
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Wiring/wires_001.jpg

Sconces back left
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Wiring/wires_002.jpg

Sub panel 50 amp, back two sconces.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Wiring/wires_003.jpg

Here is the conduit I ran from the projector to the rack. Also from the stage area, bar, etc.

Here is what is there:

Monster cable 14/2 - 7 runs
RCA cable for subs - 3 runs
Cat5e for buffalo electronics eye (one in ceiling, and one by stage)
Cat5e for phone in bar
Cat5e for back wall
Cat5e for left sconce wall (arcade machine until the gameroom is ready)
Structured wire (2xRG6, 2xCat6, 2xFiberoptics)

For projector:
DVI - HD
Svideo
RCA
Component
3.5 mm cable for remote control with buffalo system


http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Wiring/wires_004.jpg

Another shot of the wire feeds

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Wiring/wires_005.jpg

This channel runs through the center of the room. All the wires are channelled here.
There is a 90 degree white angle PVC where the projector will be.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/Wiring/wires_006.jpg

50 amp sub panel
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/Wiring/wires_007.jpg

Grafic eye (2) 4 gang box method. This is the top box and is facing the furnace room. The
grafic eye box will be lower and face inside the theater room.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/Wiring/wires_008.jpg

Right wall speaker
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/Wiring/wires_009.jpg

Left wall speaker
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/Wiring/wires_010.jpg

Back wall outlets
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/Wiring/wires_011.jpg

Gary

Hey Gary, great job. Glad to see your back at it. Did you plan on filling the stage (sand) and riser (insulation)?

Bud

I will fill the left and right stage with sand and the middle with insulation. Not sure about the riser as air will be passing from the furnace room to the theater and I don't want people breathing fiberglass particles. Not sure what to do about this issue actually. Inspectors needed me to make up air for the furnaces from below and above so I had to use the riser for air flow. I figured under the seats and out would be quieter than a straight through hole in the wall.

Gary

Excellent work. Very detailed and professional looking riser. Are you going to go with two Buttkickers in there?

I will fill the left and right stage with sand and the middle with insulation. Not sure about the riser as air will be passing from the furnace room to the theater and I don't want people breathing fiberglass particles. Not sure what to do about this issue actually. Inspectors needed me to make up air for the furnaces from below and above so I had to use the riser for air flow. I figured under the seats and out would be quieter than a straight through hole in the wall.

Gary

Look at other forms of insualtion rather than the pink stuff. You'll want to put something in there.

Bud

Excellent work. Very detailed and professional looking riser. Are you going to go with two Buttkickers in there?

Thanks!!!

One buttkicker for the back riser and one for the front. The back one will be on the center beam in the middle, it should vibrate that mother pretty good.

The other one will be on the small front riser above the carpet as it won't fit in the 3 1/2 beams. It will be behind the Coasters though.

Gary

Look at other forms of insualtion rather than the pink stuff. You'll want to put something in there.

Bud

Sounds good, I will look for insulation sealed in plastic to fill it. That should work right?

thanks,

Gary

Hey Gary,

keeping up the good fight i see:) Are your risers done yet meaning is the plywood on top? I have some suggestions for your ButtKicker set-up, your rear riser in particular. PM me when you get a chance.

Here is an update to the lightboxes. I used much larger boxes this time to house the junction box inside the MDF so that I can replace the entire remodel if necessary.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_10.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_20.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_30.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_40.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_50.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_60.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_70.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_80.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_90.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_100.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_110.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_120.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_130.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/lightbox/lightbox_140.jpg

After these were put up I used red fire putty to seal up the holes for the wire to assist with the soundproofing.

Gary

Here are some shots of the insulation job. I hired out for the insulation, sheetrock, tape, spackle, sand, primer and painting. I’ll do the molding myself and then call in the carpet guys. I'll also do the finish work in the theater - GOM, low and high voltage finishing, etc.

I’m doing a full basement, so I needed some help with some stuff - as it was the wife never sees me.... Is that good?

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_10.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_20.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_30.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_40.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_50.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_60.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/insulation/_insulation_70.jpg

Gary

Here are some shots of the sheetrock job. I'm happy to say the least. The theater has only one day into it, so only the ceiling was attacked. Still some spots to finish as well.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_10.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_20.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_30.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_40.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_50.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_60.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_70.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_80.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_90.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_100.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_110.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_120.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_130.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_140.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_150.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_160.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_170.jpg

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_180.jpg

Gary

Looking good, at this point it will all start coming together rapidly. Before you know it you'll be enjoying all your hard work. Good luck.

Good progress Gary! Looks like a lot of thought went into the riser and HVAC stuff. You're a hair ahead of me.......

Making good progress Gary. Love the pics of your 'helper'.

Bryan

That's really great of you to document that so well. Especially when we can see how well the installation went. Really sharp job. It just LOOKS like it would be enormously effective. I'm sure it was time very well spent.

Thanks for the comments guys - the second layer of sheetrock is done! I'll get some pics up and then we are on the painting the ceiling next week.

The other two rooms in the basement should be done by next week as well (wife and kids rooms) and then I can focus all available time on the theater.

-gary

What do you think of these colors?

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/colors/colors.jpg

Top is Benjaminmoore Midnight Navy paint

Wall fabric Top is GOM
Style Code: 3583
Style: Zirconia - 3583
Color Name: Sapphire
Color Number: 010

Wall fabric Bottom is GOM
Style Code: 3583
Style: Zirconia - 3583
Color Name: Garnet
Color Number: 012

Trim will be a cherry stained wood, similar to the picture.

thanks for any thoughts!

Gary

Wow, those are cool GOM samples. I like the blue.

I have had a hell of a time finding GOM that I like. I will have to get some samples of those 2. I like them. Dont have those yet.

Ronnie

Thanks Ronnie. I updated the pic with sconces. I think they go ok, I'm really bad with color matching. That's what the wife is for...


Gary

I see the blue (nice) and the wood, but don't see the GOM shots. There's a big white space between your last picture and the test you posted. Is it me?

Bud

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/colors/colors.JPG

Well the contractors are finished with the insulation, double sheetrock and painting of the ceiling. I'll get some pictures posted next week. Time to finish my stage, riser, steal the plans for the columns from Ronnie Jackson and build them and get the electricity turned on as it is completely dark in the theater with no windows.

Another 3 months - I hope?

Gary

Gary,

Just stumbled on your HT build thread. Nice job so far. I really like your sealed lightboxes. I'll bet those things have a little weight to them. Mass is good in sound control :)

I'm officially subscribed to your thread -- so I'll be watching. Now, if you can only keep up with chinadog/Buds build pace. We all know Bud only sleeps about 2 hours a night :p

I am about to put my theater into full overdrive. I have finished the wifes room and the kids room and it's all carpeted and done! Pictures coming...

As for the theater, the electricity is finally on, ceiling painted (one more coat to go later on), outlets all boxed out for the fabric & sound materials.

Riser and stage to be finished over the next two weeks, then molding around the riser and room and then carpet.

Columns will be built somewhere in there.

I will be using box frames for the wall/fabric like a few others are doing. I may attempt to do this with two colors with chair rail though.

more to come,

Gary

Making good progress Gary. Love the pics of your 'helper'.

Bryan
Hmm... based on your comment Bryan -- it sounds like the "helper" might be you? Are you putting in even more hours helping out Gary? Where do you find the time? And are you for hire here in Texas? ;)

Hmm... based on your comment Bryan -- it sounds like the "helper" might be you? Are you putting in even more hours helping out Gary? Where do you find the time? And are you for hire here in Texas? ;)

I think BPape was referring to the pictures of Micro-Kagan with the broom and with his little drill helping build the riser. Besides, it looks like you are moving along fine without that extra help in your thread. As for me, all I have is a hole in the ground at this point, but that is an improvement over the level ground that was there last week.

Yep - my helper is my little boy. He is quite handy with the toy craftsman tools. :-)

Here are some shots of the finished basement (not the theater!) This is what has been holding me up on finishing the theater. Enjoy!

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/stairs1.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/stairs2.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids1.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids2.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids3.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids4.jpg

More pics...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids5.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids6.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids7.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids8.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/finished/kids9.jpg

It's update time, and I know I've been slacking in this area. Now that the rest of the basement is done, you should see more frequent updates on the theater.


Here is the ceiling. Needs one more coat of paint to fix what I messed up by touching it, etc. Also there were many spots missed as there was no lights working when it was painted.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater1.JPG

Here is the corner with the rack. I have boxed out all the outlets, etc for the batting and Linacoustic. There is a little map on the wall for the grafik eye zones. While powering up the panel to check the light zones (without the GE) there were many small sparks and the like coming from the wall sconces. I forgot to move the exposed wires off the metal boxes. Duh.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater2.JPG

Furnace room. This is the where the rack is and all the wires coming in. Needs some work here.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater3.JPG

Work in progress.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater4.JPG

Another shot of the risers. Still much to do here. Should be done in a week I hope.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater5.JPG

Here's a shot with the lights on: I really like the color. Upper right corner you can see more paint is needed there. A third coat should do it.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater6.JPG

A back wall shot:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater7.JPG

Another:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater8.JPG

Back right:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater9.JPG


Ceiling:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater10.JPG

Entrance Door:


http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater11.JPG

New panel:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_june/theater12.JPG

Yup. I was referring to the little one as the 'helper.'

The room is still moving along nicely. Now that you can concentrate in one room, I'm sure that makes it easier - but also more anxious to get it done.

Hang in there.

Bryan

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'm hanging in there and moving along. I will be working on the theater Sun / Mon so I hope to have more progress this weekend!

Gary

Boy, thats a nice blue color on the ceiling. Whats the paint you are using?

Looking really good, keep it up!

Boy, thats a nice blue color on the ceiling. Whats the paint you are using?

Ceiling is Benjaminmoore Midnight Navy paint

thanks!

Gary

More updates on the theater!

Here is the projector shelf. It can be lowered to have the lens more in the center of the screen just above the viewers heads. I should be able to get a very good gain from the high power screen this way.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/shelf.jpg

Here we are prepping the back furnace wall for air flow from the theater. I will be installing 50 feet of flex duct divided for the 4 openings to pass air to and from with minimal sound coming in from the furnace area.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser.jpg

Here is the updated back riser with the 2 buttkickers installed. The long beams here allow for the most flexing of the riser and it should shake plenty.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser2.jpg

Front shot of the riser looking at the back wall.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser3.jpg

Another shot of the riser. Many wires are running through this monster.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser4.jpg

Any particular reason why you didn't put the Buttkickers on the same joist, facing the same direction? I don't know if there will be any cancelling motion doing it that way, as they will be shaking in opposing directions, unless you wire one in reverse polarity...

wow.... looks great... keep up the good work

Any particular reason why you didn't put the Buttkickers on the same joist, facing the same direction? I don't know if there will be any cancelling motion doing it that way, as they will be shaking in opposing directions, unless you wire one in reverse polarity...


Both beams are far enough apart that I belive I will get a good effect. I also have a quick connect for the buttkickers so I can have only one on a time. I'll look into the cancelling motion issue though - who knows?

gk

Another shot of the buttkickers.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser5.jpg

Shot of the back wall with the JM Linacoustic installed. I put this on just before pushing the riser into place.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser6.jpg

Here is the left side of the riser with a vent for the supply into the room and the 2 smaller holes for air to pass into the furnace room (to make up air for the furnaces and boiler)
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser7.jpg

All the low voltage wiring going from the rack to the front riser.
Component RGB
Composite RWY
Svideo
Optical
2 headphone jacks (hope to never use these)
phone
internet
DVI
USB
Firewire

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser8.jpg


All of these wires get terminated on the front riser shown here.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/frontriser.jpg

Here is one of the step lights.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser9.jpg

A shot of the center beam of the back riser. It is a 2x12 with cutouts for the two flex beams that the buttkickers are mounted on. I used 1/2 carpet pad to soften the wood from hitting in the slots.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riser10.jpg

Here is the left riser ductwork and a shot of the ropelighting wire.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/leftriser.jpg

Here is the right riser ductwork with the low voltage wiring.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/riserright.jpg

Rope lighting outlet. I decided not to connect this to the Grafik Eye due to a difference in voltage used in the same zone as the step lights. The rope lights will be controlled by a switch (could convert to IR later) in the front riser.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/ropelights.jpg

Access to the rope light outlet from the left step light
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/ropelights2.jpg

Here is the Grafik eye wiring in the furnace room. I used the 2 box method.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/GE.jpg

Here is the theater side. Simple 1 hot, 6 leads to the lights, one ground and one neutral.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/GE2.jpg

Here is the inlet approach to protect the projector. The top outlet is hot standard 15 amps. The bottom is the inlet going to the projector outlet. I then hooked up an extension cord from the inlet to the battery backup.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/inlet.jpg

Here is the battery backup that completes the circuit. Works great.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/inlet2.jpg

Screenwall shot with the JM Linacoustic in place. I will be fitting in a Dalite HP 133 diag Cinema Contour with pro trim here.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/screenwall.jpg

Right side of the screen wall.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/screenwall2.jpg

Stage prep.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stageprep.jpg

More stage prep from my hero, my dad.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stageprep2.jpg

Right side of finished stage bottom.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stageright2.jpg

Left side of finished stage bottom.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stageleft.jpg

Filling the middle of the stage with sand for the center channel. I marked the studs on the wall for screwing later. I decoupled all three parts of the stage, and put carpet pad inbetween the parts.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stagefilled0.jpg

Sand in the left side.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stagefilled1.jpg

Wide shot of the stage.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stagefilled2.jpg

Filled with unfaced 5 1/2 insulation.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stagefilled3.jpg

Finished filling the stage.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/stagefilled4.jpg


More to come!!! stay tuned...

thanks for checking out my progress!

Gary

Man your progressing fast - looks like you'll end up with a great looking HT

Mark

Another great HT, wow. Lots of details, LOVE IT! I hope my 2 year old can help me too!
What are your room dimensions? I apologize if it's already posted.

Dude that room is looking sweet. Now I feel insignificant becasue my riser has nothing running through it. You need an electrical engineering degree to figure out that one. Can't wait to see the rest.

Man your progressing fast - looks like you'll end up with a great looking HT

Mark

Thanks Mark!

Gary

Another great HT, wow. Lots of details, LOVE IT! I hope my 2 year old can help me too!
What are your room dimensions? I apologize if it's already posted.


Room dimensions are 23 x 21 not including the bar area. The theater area will be within the boxed poles at 23 x 14 or so.

Thanks!

Gary

Any particular reason why you didn't put the Buttkickers on the same joist, facing the same direction? I don't know if there will be any cancelling motion doing it that way, as they will be shaking in opposing directions, unless you wire one in reverse polarity...


Called the buttkicker company today. They are the best! They put me in touch with an engineer within the company and we talked for an hour. I need to make modifications on the risers and buttkicker placement. I have them installed horizontally which is incorrect. I will post pictures of the fixes as soon as I can make them.

thanks all,

Gary

Good thing somebody brought up the possible cancellation with the way they were mounted, otherwise, you probably wouldn't have called them and you probably would have been dissapointed with the results.... :D

Sorry, I am just glad you are going to get it fixed and working properly. Didn't mean to rub it in, just being funny.

Good thing somebody brought up the possible cancellation with the way they were mounted, otherwise, you probably wouldn't have called them and you probably would have been dissapointed with the results.... :D

I'm grateful that you brought it up, believe me....

thanks again, you have made a real difference in my theater construction! I owe ya one....

gk

Looking good Gary. Man that riser looks like a lot of work with the HVAC, buttkickers, wiring, etc!

Looking good Gary. Man that riser looks like a lot of work with the HVAC, buttkickers, wiring, etc!

Yeah - it was alot of work, and reworked, and reworked again.....

It is finally coming to a finish - can't wait to cover it already...

Gary

Front riser has been installed and stage is done and covered. I routed all the low and high voltage to the front riser and terminated with outlets and a switch for the rope lights. Pictures coming for this shortly.

Also attached is a graphic the great people from the Buttkicker company sent me to help with the BK LFE installs.

Gary

Gary,

Nice detail pics on the platform - I like 'em :D I am curious what mods you make for the buttkickers. Keep those pics coming :)

I took out the buttkickers and am starting with the 2x6 inserts to hold the LFE upsidedown on 3/4 plywood.

I also finished running the 4" ductwork in the riser for airflow to the furnace room. I did (4) 4" runs for air, that plus the plenum to the adjacent room with (18) open vents in the ceiling should provide enough air for the furnace and boiler. Next I will run the wires for he LFE's and fill the riser with insulation and then start cutting the wood for the cover.

Gary

I took out the buttkickers and am starting with the 2x6 inserts to hold the LFE upsidedown on 3/4 plywood.
Gary

Take some pics of the mod please.

Any chance you can test them and tell us how it worked for you? Maybe even a before and after?

Regards
Frank

Take some pics of the mod please.

Any chance you can test them and tell us how it worked for you? Maybe even a before and after?

Regards
Frank

Frank,

I will take pictures of the entire install process for the Buttkickers. As for testing them before and after, I will test them after the mod install. I do not have any equipment yet to test them now (removed them already) and was told by the Guitammer company that having them side mounted like they were will cause the wrong effect. They are meant to move up and down (screws mounted vertically, buttkicker can be right side up or upside down).

Thanks,

Gary

Here is the link to the tutorial on installing buttkickers in my riser:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8008634#post8008634

thanks!

Gary

Those buttkickers look huge! What model are those? I was going to buy the AURA PRO bass shakers (50 watts RMS), but yours look larger than the Aura...any info would be greatly appreciated!

Those buttkickers look huge! What model are those? I was going to buy the AURA PRO bass shakers (50 watts RMS), but yours look larger than the Aura...any info would be greatly appreciated!

Those are the LFE buttkickers. I bought two LFE kits from Guitammer that each come with it's own amp. I am using one amp to power the back two LFE's and one amp to power the front kicker.

Gary

Recent progress?

Progress is moving so fast I have to catch up here on the forums.

I have ordered the carpet for install in three weeks. I have all the base and door molding in and stained it once. I have built the "Ronnie Jackson" columns and have 2 stained first coat. The risers are finished and covered. The stage is finished and covered.

I will be doing the work on the stage over the carpet, so I am waiting on that.

I should have the grafik eye module installed in the next week or so.

Wall frames to start shortly as well.

All equipment is purchased and most of it has arrived.

I'm guessing about 6 weeks until completion!

Gary

I don't believe you.












At least not without proof! Pics? :)

Pics coming - I'll get them up tomorrow.....really...

Gary

Hello all!! This theater project is coming rapidly to an end. Thank the heavens. I have pictures of the columns I built using Ronnie Jacksons original ideas. Thanks Ronnie!

I took off from work and put in a four day weekend to do the columns.

I made some adjustments based on my wall heights, etc. Here goes...

First I found a scrap piece of sheet metal lying around and used it to make the curve. Worked out nicely.
I screwed in blocks of wood onto the template with the point edge of the block as a rest stop for the curve.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_01.JPG

I then screwed them down every few feet.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_02.JPG

Clamped on the metal and drew the line.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_03.JPG

I cut it with a jig saw and sanded it down so the curve looks good to the eye.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_04.JPG

Then I clamped a 1 1/4 inch strip of wood to the birch wood under the template.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_05.JPG

Another shot before cutting.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_06.JPG

Using the guide on the jig (1 1/4 inches wide) I cut out the column sides.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_07.JPG

Another shot after cutting.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_08.JPG

Using one of the columns as a template, I cut 2" strips of particle board for the speaker grills.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_09.JPG

Here are all the lines pre cut.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_10.JPG

Here are all the strips cut.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_12.JPG

I cut out birch pieces for the top and bottom plates for the columns. I am using 3 plates on the bottom and 3 on the top to make up for a higher ceiling height.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_11.JPG


Here is a unsanded finished bottom plate.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_13.JPG

Unsanded finished top plate.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_14.JPG

I put the columns together with strips of extra birch on the inside of the two sides. I used glue and a nail gun and all the nails are on the back edge of the curved columns. This will be covered with the one inch of fabric frames that will meet the column. No need to fix the holes here.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_15.JPG

Added glue to the top and installed the 1/4 round material. Clamped and nailed.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_16.JPG

I then used Minwax stainable wood filler to fill any gaps or nail holes.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_17.JPG

Applying it.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_18.JPG

Another clamp shot. Make sure to sand the wood filler completely off that is not in the gaps or holes. Makes for better staining.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_19.JPG

I then made a rig to install the curved grills so that all of them would be recessed the same.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_21.JPG

Placed it over the finished column edge.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_22.JPG

Placed a block so the top edge will always be the same height on all columns.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_23.JPG

I drilled screw holes but then decided to brad nail them on. Much quicker and no wood splitting.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_24.JPG

Columns ready for stain.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_25.JPG

Another angle.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_26.JPG

I tested the stain with conditioner and without, on nail holes, one coat, two coats, blah blah blah. I ended up going 2 coats, no conditioner. The first coat was wiped off after 15 minutes. The second coat I let dry on completely to get a dark look. I used 2, 3 and 4 inch wide spong brushes to even out the stain. I was pretty happy with the results.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_27.JPG

Floor molding, second coat. No poly yet.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_28.JPG

Finished 2 coats on the column, no poly yet. The third layer of the pyramid base needs molding still.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_29.JPG

The third layer of the top pyramid needs cove molding still as well.
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_30.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_31.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_32.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_33.JPG

Here are the base and top plates.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_34.JPG

Closeup of the bottom.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_35.JPG

And the top. Damn dust.... I gotta wipe them down before I add the poly.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_36.JPG

Here is another angle. That light is damn close to the column top. Got lucky it was not covered. I'm temped to leave it but put a dead bulb in it.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_37.JPG

Here is the casing for the doors on the far right. Great looking stuff.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_38.JPG

Wide angle of the risers and a column.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_39.JPG

I still have 2 columns left to stain.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_40.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_41.JPG

Here are the pre fabric column grills.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_42.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_43.JPG

Thanks again to Ronnie Jackson on his great designs!

Gary

BTW - I ordered the GOM, Zirconia Garnet and Black 701 - 408. The carpet will be installed in less than 3 weeks. I may have some of the wall frames up by then. I'm hoping on another 5 weeks until full completion.

Gary

Those 'RJ Signature Series Columns" look great. I can't wait to see them poly'ed!

Gary, looks like the same casing I used. Where did you get it? Also, what color is the stain you're using?

Columns look great.

Bud

Hi Gary

The theater is looking good, I also have the Zirconia garnet with black on the lower half of the walls. I'm trying to decide on a carpet color, what color are you going with for carpet?
So far a deep burgandy is looking best to me, but it doesn't quite match the Zirconia. So I'm torn between the burgandy, black or more of a wine color that matches better.

Phil

I was also considering the Zirconia. Cant wait to see some pictures of it when it arrives (and gets installed). :)

Gary, looks like the same casing I used. Where did you get it? Also, what color is the stain you're using?

Columns look great.

Bud

I got that molding from the Jamesburg lumber yard in Jamesburg NJ. the stain is waterbased Minwax Rosewood.

Gary

Hi Gary

The theater is looking good, I also have the Zirconia garnet with black on the lower half of the walls. I'm trying to decide on a carpet color, what color are you going with for carpet?
So far a deep burgandy is looking best to me, but it doesn't quite match the Zirconia. So I'm torn between the burgandy, black or more of a wine color that matches better.

Phil

If you are going with a burgandy carpet, go with the GOM:

Style Code: 3583
Style: Zirconia - 3583
Color Name: Sapphire
Color Number: 010

It matches burgandy nicely. I am using Garnet for the entire walls. For the carpet, I got a plush tight velvet looking carpet. Cost $36 a yard, which is killin me. They "threw in" the upholstery work for "free".

See my thread page two for the Sapphire color.

Gary

I was also considering the Zirconia. Cant wait to see some pictures of it when it arrives (and gets installed). :)


It's arriving by Saturday, I'll keep ya posted.

Gary

Those 'RJ Signature Series Columns" look great. I can't wait to see them poly'ed!

I should have all the staining done by tomorrow night, and poly starting Thursday.

Gary

I got that molding from the Jamesburg lumber yard in Jamesburg NJ. the stain is waterbased Minwax Rosewood.

Gary

Thought that was rosewood. That's what I used as well. I figured you didn't get the casing from Home Depot, they don't carry the stain grade. Cool. Looks great.

Bud

Wow Gary, Reading this page is like Deja-Vu. Those things turned out very nice. I actually like the 3 step design for the plates a little more than mine. Those grilles are sweet huh? I ended up adding a little loop of grille fabric at the bottom to use as a pull for when I need to remove them. Works great.

Excellent job and I am flattered that someone actually uses any of my ideas.

Ronnie

Oh ya, Whats up with the sales tags on the Irwin clamps? :D





http://www.geocities.com/garykagan/basement/theater_july/july_16.JPG

Ronnie

Oh ya, Whats up with the sales tags on the Irwin clamps? :D
Ronnie
He's just testing them out. After he is done with them, they will need to go back because they were the wrong size ;)

I just spent $100 on 10 more clamps to finish the star frame. Luckily I had a 10% off coupon from HD to save me at least the tax.

those columns are looking really good. i like your choice in stain color. i think i might have to steal ronnie's design too, eventually.

what color is the green in the rest of your basement? it is exactly the color i've been looking for to paint my kitchen.

-miked

Definitely like the rosewood and the columns are looking great!

Wow Gary, Reading this page is like Deja-Vu. Those things turned out very nice. I actually like the 3 step design for the plates a little more than mine. Those grilles are sweet huh? I ended up adding a little loop of grille fabric at the bottom to use as a pull for when I need to remove them. Works great.

Excellent job and I am flattered that someone actually uses any of my ideas.

Ronnie

Thanks again for the great design. I'll keep the loop in mind when I fabric the grills.

Gary

Oh ya, Whats up with the sales tags on the Irwin clamps? :D





http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_july/july_16.JPG

Ronnie

I may keep them.... figure they wouldn't mind me borrowing them with the amount spent at the store over the last year.

He's just testing them out. After he is done with them, they will need to go back because they were the wrong size ;)

I just spent $100 on 10 more clamps to finish the star frame. Luckily I had a 10% off coupon from HD to save me at least the tax.

Wrong size - I may have to use that as well...

Gary

those columns are looking really good. i like your choice in stain color. i think i might have to steal ronnie's design too, eventually.

what color is the green in the rest of your basement? it is exactly the color i've been looking for to paint my kitchen.

-miked

The green in the kid's room?

Gary

Definitely like the rosewood and the columns are looking great!

Thanks!!

I got the last two columns stained tonight and the second coat on the rest of the base board molding. I will finish the second coat on the last two columns tomorrow and then onto the poly stuff.

Just need to figure out how many coats I really need.

Ronnie - how many coats did you use of the poly? I'm hoping one coat is enough. This staining stuff is taking forever.

Gary

For some reason I cant open the pics....damn internet here blows!!

Robert

Looks like yahoo geocities site is down which is causing this. It should come back eventually....

Gary

Yahoo geocities shows I went over my data transfer for the month already. Too many hits on my photos. They want me to buy more space. I need to find another site to host my pictures that is more reasonable. Down with yahoo!

gary

Thats too funny...well not really but you know what I mean.

Ill wait till they are up and running again, like you I really like Ronnies design and plan to "borrow" from it myself.

Robert

I did 2 coats on mine. I also used steel wool between the coats to smooth it out.

Ronnie

BTW - I ordered the GOM, Zirconia Garnet and Black 701 - 408. The carpet will be installed in less than 3 weeks. I may have some of the wall frames up by then. I'm hoping on another 5 weeks until full completion.

GaryI also chose Zirconia Garnet for my walls, and hope to start installation in a few weeks. I'll be very interested in any problems you have trying to match the pattern where different pieces come together. Or maybe it will look okay without matching?

--Dan

good point on the pattern matching. I think the repeat is so close that you won't notice. Most of my sections will be "whole" pieces, from the corner to the door from the door to the column from the column to the wall, etc. Not much fabric matching will be needed, and I am also beveling between frames so it shouldn't matter.

gary

The green in the kid's room?

Gary

yes, that's what i meant. it also looked like the color at the base of the stairs. i'm going from memory now, since geocities is hosing *ahem* hosting your pics.

-miked

I'll check with the wife tomorrow. I believe it is some kind of grass color from Ben Moore. I'll get the exact color for you.

Gary

Gary,

Did you ever get that pic issue straighten out so your pics could be viewed?? If you already addressed this I appologioze but I didnt see it.

Any progress this past weekend?

Robert

To get the pictures issue resolved, yahoo wants me to cough up cash and keep adding more as pictures are viewed. What I can do is upload the photos to AVS with links for now or put them all in a photo album on adorama.com or another site like that.

I did get alot of progress done this weekend including hanging the screen and frame, a 133 diag DaLite cinema contour (nice!). Building a projector shelf and testing the throw and picture, cutting 2" ply and 2" mdf strips for the wall panels (pain in the arse). Also the ceiling got it's last coat of paint, the doors are painted, I had to change all the ceiling lights as I originally put in halos and they were too hot.

Carpet coming in a week, door casing and floor molding all stained and polyed going up this week.

Columns all stained and polyed ready to be installed.

3 - 4 weeks till completion!

Gary

Gary,

Check your PM.

Sounds like youve been busy...cant wait to see the new pics!

Robert

Sounds like youve been busy...cant wait to see the new pics!

Robert

Yeah - I'll get some out shortly.

More updates!

Received all the equipment! - Ascend 340's and 170's with HSU sub
Yamaha 2600 and sony 995 and harmony 880 still in boxes.....
Also picked up the furman conditioner.

Grafik eye installed (and working!)
entrance pad for G/E installed
ceiling IR buffalo eye installed
GRX - IRI installed for G/E
floor molding installed
tested sconce installs to see if they will fit (and they do)

Tonight: finish duct work in furnace room and see if the air coming into the theater will work.

To do: install door by equipment rack (will be covered with fabric frames like a hidden door)
install fabric frames
carpet, column install, speaker install
stage work to hide speakers


Gary

Received all the equipment! - Ascend 340's and 170's with HSU sub
Yamaha 2600 and sony 995 and harmony 880 still in boxes.....
Also picked up the furman conditioner.
Gary,
That is nearly my exact equipment plan. Please let me know how everything sounds. Which HSU sub did you go with? The only thing you have listed that I'm not planning to purchase is the Sony 995.

Your theater is looking terrific. Keep up the great work!

I can't see the pics, bummer.

The sub is the VTF-2 MK 2.

The pictures are being fixed - I should have more updated within the hour.

Gary

90 of the pics have been fixed!! Thanks again steve... more to come

Gary

90 of the pics have been fixed!! Thanks again steve... more to come

Gary
My pleasure :)

By the pics I could see it looks like your columns shaped up nicely. Thanks for the tutorial on exactly how you made tham thats great! I have been goign back and forth in my head about using teh same design but with a minor change so that certainly helps.

By the looks of it my neighborhood could be your neighborhood...pretty much identical!

Looking forward to seeing the rest of your work...looks great keep it up. If you need any "clampage" advice dont hesitate to ask Ronnie he seems to be the king of clampage, although you look like your trying to give him a run for his money :D

Robert

All pics have been restored that I have posted! I will be posting the new stuff tonight! stay tuned.

Gary

Gary great pics, your thread is very intuitive and will help me with my future HT room...keeps on posting.

Its probably just my crappy internet over here but im glad you got the pic issue straight.

Everything looks great...how did you fix it?

Robert

Swithey offered to host my pictures to help me out. Three cheers for Swithey!!

Gary

Trim shots:

My dad did this install. He is amazing at making those corners. Wow.

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/trim_01.jpg
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/trim_02.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/trim_03.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/trim_04.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/trim_05.JPG

Shelved projector and GE installed. The shelf for the projector is changing to a stained shelf.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/proj_01.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/prod_02.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/ge_01.JPG

Here are the shots of the screen install. My camera ran out of juice in the middle and I was in the zone and couldn't get batteries...
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/screen_01.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/screen_02.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/screen_03.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/screen_04.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/screen_06.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/screen_07.JPG

Man that sure is alot of outlets on the PJ wall. I wont have nearly that many since I will have a false rear wall and plan to put the outlets in the columns (and I am not playing by the rules by gettting it inspected either).

Love the size of the screen for the room. I know youve prob said it before but.... what is the rooms measurements, what size screen are you going with and what PJ are you using?

Looks great and I look forward to seeing more...keep up the good work.

Robert

Hello - there are only 2 outlets in the screen wall. One for each sub. The other three boxes are the three speaker outlets. The screen is a Da Lite 133 diag high power cinema contour. The room dimentions are 21 x 23 but I built the theater area in the 14 x 23 middle space. The projector is the Optoma H78.

Gary

I meant the PJ wall (there are 10 different framed units) and it was basically a bad joke....just looks like alot of stuff you framed out is all. It really does look good though. I couldnt tell what Optoma that was...im kinda leaning towards the H79 but have plenty of time to worry about it.

Have you chosen the wall colors yet?

Robert

Gary:
I have been following your thread a bit.
Question:
I am curious why you elected to apply trim before doing the acoustical covering of the wall.
Did I miss something?
Tom

Ah - proj wall. Well on that wall I have 2 sconces, 2 back speaker outlets (future proofed for 9.1 (lol), 4 outlets on the bottom and one proj outlet on top. I did only have 3 on the bottom originally. My dad cut the hot wire sheath when we were fixing the back riser for the kickers and I did not want to rewire to the panel to fix. So I just installed another box in the back wall as a usable j-box.

The walls with be covered with burgandy Garnett Zirconia fabric.

I love the projector!

Gary

Gary:
I have been following your thread a bit.
Question:
I am curious why you elected to apply trim before doing the acoustical covering of the wall.
Did I miss something?
Tom


I had the trim installed one inch away from the wall. The fabric frames will slip right behind it with a beveled edge. I have a carpet install day of August 23rd and wanted the molding in first. I will be covering it up to protect it before the install.

Gary

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_70.jpg

Gary,

I was wondering if you think the lights might overheat in your enclosures? I was planning to get some IC-rated lights for my wet bar area but I like your idea better. You plan would seal things up a little better sound wise. I'm using THIS (http://www.usalight.com/lighting/rex/rx104r.tpl?cart=115552179421347454) 4" line-voltage can in my HT which would work out well in your MDF enclosures.

I had the trim installed one inch away from the wall. The fabric frames will slip right behind it with a beveled edge. I have a carpet install day of August 23rd and wanted the molding in first. I will be covering it up to protect it before the install.

Gary

Ahhh fabric frames! Of course!! (slaps forehead sheepishly) My bad!!
Best wishes,
Tom
Chinaclipper

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_70.jpg

Gary,

I was wondering if you think the lights might overheat in your enclosures? I was planning to get some IC-rated lights for my wet bar area but I like your idea better. You plan would seal things up a little better sound wise. I'm using THIS (http://www.usalight.com/lighting/rex/rx104r.tpl?cart=115552179421347454) 4" line-voltage can in my HT which would work out well in your MDF enclosures.

I stayed away from NON-IC because of the additional heat I believe they give off. I assume they do as they should not come in contact with insulation. I used all 5 inch IC rated cans. I've had the lights on for hours down there and none of the lights saftey switches ever went off yet - they should trigger when the enclosure gets too hot. All my enclosures are covered with hardi-plank concrete to protect against fire/heat. I'm guessing this helps control some of the heat too. Also I bought fully sealed cans. All the heat from the lights goes out of the can into the room, and not into the boxes as far as I know.

Gary

I'll post this in the H78 forum too, but does anyone know about this:

I hooked up my DVR HDMI out to a 25 foot HDMI ---> DVI cable into the projector.

When I switched the signal to the DVR, I got a green picture. I then swiched to component and it works great. I would like the HDMI cable to work though. I am not using a reciever for video switching for this test.

any thoughts?

thanks,

Gary

I stayed away from NON-IC because of the additional heat I believe they give off. I assume they do as they should not come in contact with insulation. I used all 5 inch IC rated cans. I've had the lights on for hours down there and none of the lights saftey switches ever went off yet - they should trigger when the enclosure gets too hot. All my enclosures are covered with hardi-plank concrete to protect against fire/heat. I'm guessing this helps control some of the heat too. Also I bought fully sealed cans. All the heat from the lights goes out of the can into the room, and not into the boxes as far as I know.

Gary
Thanks gary. I'll plan on getting the Air-Tight IC rated can. Since I have the drywall ripped out, they should be a breeze to install :)

Two lost bulbs here, out of six 4" non IC Bazz Vitro 100 fixtures, mounted in oversized double walled MDF/GG back boxes over the last eight months. 50 watt PAR 20s. The lights get up to twelve hours a day use and are not currently on the GE. (I do recommend the inner cement board layer as a fireproof surface, but built mine before Scott and Gary's thread.)

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/sheetrock/sheetrock_70.jpg

Gary,

I was wondering if you think the lights might overheat in your enclosures? I was planning to get some IC-rated lights for my wet bar area but I like your idea better. You plan would seal things up a little better sound wise. I'm using THIS (http://www.usalight.com/lighting/rex/rx104r.tpl?cart=115552179421347454) 4" line-voltage can in my HT which would work out well in your MDF enclosures.

Just to give you an idea of the durability of that Hardi-Plank siding: When strong thunderstorms came through Charlotte last Thursday evening, lightning struck the telephone box on the back corner of my house. The Hardi-Plank didn't flinch, only the weathered crud on the outside of it got scorched. :D

One more note on lighting heat, it always helps in this type of application if you use a lamp with an aluminized reflector. This can be either PAR or MR16. Most MR16's have a dichroic reflector, but aluminized are also available. These are specifically designed to direct heat down and out of the fixture, whereas the more common dichroic MR16's are designed to allow heat to pass up through the reflector where it will be trapped inside the can. Bit difference in heat buildup!

Update:

Got some more work done this week. I almost finished connecting the air conditioning ductwork to the supply, need a starter collar to finish that. I put up some sheetrock on the furnace side of the theater room. The furnaces are still pretty loud and I will have to get my rack sealed up from the theater side. I ordered a door and will fill it with foam or "good stuff". After installing the door for the rack this weekend, I will be adding fabric frames to the front of it to make it a hidden rack with a handle. If the door does not keep the sound out, I will have to toss it and buy a sealed metal door. I think it will be fine after I add weather stripping.

I will start putting up the corner pieces for the fabric frames this weekend. I plan on installing a 1 and 3/16" black gom covered square strips of wood in all the corners of the room. Then, when the garnet fabric frames go up, you will se 3/16" black where the corners meet. Should give it a nice look. I think someone did that in their theater in the forum.

I plan on having the bar floor tiled this weekend as well. and the rest of the molding put up on the riser.

Carpet is coming in one week from today! Columns are ready, speakers are here. I'm guessing 3 weeks to completion!

-Gary

Update:

Ductwork all sealed up, door installed in rack, door knobs installed, corner black gom pieces installed, Buffalo eye receivers installed, projector shelf stained and installed, columns for poles stained, riser molding installed, bar floor tiling installed.

Tomorrow is the big day - carpet, columns, speaker installs.

2 weeks until completion.


I will be posting pictures throughout the day tomorrow.

gary

I will be posting pictures throughout the day tomorrow.

gary
Gary... no day time job? Seems like you've been talking a lot of time off these days to do work on the HT. I'm not complaining, just noticing you are busting your butt.

I've been trying to take off Fridays to get caught up on the theater. It is really paying off but hope my boss does not care too much. I guess I'll foind out at review time :rolleyes:

AND.. can you take pics of the projector shelf? I was wondering what you had planned for it's "finish out".

Gary... no day time job? Seems like you've been talking a lot of time off these days to do work on the HT. I'm not complaining, just noticing you are busting your butt.

I've been trying to take off Fridays to get caught up on the theater. It is really paying off but hope my boss does not care too much. I guess I'll foind out at review time :rolleyes:

AND.. can you take pics of the projector shelf? I was wondering what you had planned for it's "finish out".

Day job? Yeah I got one of those. A 12 hour day with the commute to NYC every day. When I get home at 6pm, I play with the kids until 8 or so and then work until midnight on the basement almost every night. I have been having alot of help from my dad as well every Sunday and also for the past week nights as the carpet comes tomorrow!

You boss shouldn't care how you decide to take your vacation days. Guys at my job take off every Friday for the entire summer.

I have pictures for you and will post them in a few hours.

Gary

Here is my finished installed projector shelf. It is made from sanded pine, molding on the front with a lip so the projector can not slide off, and stained with matching stain from the rest of the room.

I nut and bolted the shelf into the hangers and countersunk the bolts. I can remove the shelf and raise and lower it.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/shelf/shelf_00.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/shelf/shelf_02.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/shelf/shelf_05.JPG

I made corner fabric pieces where the frames will meet. These are 1 3/16 squares covered with black gom. When the bevels in the corners of the frames meet this, it gives it a nice "W" look in the corners. I will post more pics as this gets finished. Used plenty of staples.

I painted the corners black so no wood bleeds through the fabric.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_01.JPG

Always start with a clean workspace!
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_02.JPG

Use a air staple gun if you got one. If you don't, go buy one, it is worth every penny. Finding 1/2 staples with 1/4 crown was tough.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_03.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_04.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_05.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_07.JPG

The cutting of this fabric is very simple with a sharp knife and a wood edge to run over.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_08.JPG

Finished corner without the frames up.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/corner_fab/corner_fab_09.JPG

Here is the rack door install.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_00.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_01.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_02.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_03.JPG

Beat this clampage Ronnie.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_04.JPG

Pre drilling for the door jam filler.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_06.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_07.JPG

Installing door jam filler. That's 5 pieces of laminated ply to fit the empty space.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_08.JPG

All caulked up. I may fill the door with foam insulation as well and I plan to weather strip it.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/rack_door/rack_door_09.JPG

I started the fabric frames tonight. These are 1" thick using 1/2 ply and 1/2 MDF with beveled edges. Here is my picture tutorial.

I laid out the pieces and put glue on the first layer.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_01.JPG

I overlayed / offset the pieces to make the two layers stronger. Look closely to see the wood edges.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_02.JPG

Add glue.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_03.JPG

For the beveled edges, I had to do some chop saw adjustments from the 8 foot pieces I ran through the table saw.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_04.JPG

Glue closeup:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_05.JPG

Square it and nail it. Flip it when done and nail the other side. I used 18 gauge 3/4" nails.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_06.JPG

Clamp it to set.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_07.JPG

Here is a closeup of a finished beveled corner after adjusting with chop saw.
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/fabric_frames/fabric_frames_08.JPG

Now for the pre-carpet pictures. The theater is carpet ready and here are the latest clean shots:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet00.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet05.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet06.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet07.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet10.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet11.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet12.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet13.JPG

More shots:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet14.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet16.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet17.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet18.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet19.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet20.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet21.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet22.JPG

And the last shots before the carpet install:

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet23.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet24.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet25.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet26.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet29.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet31.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/pre_carpet/pre_carpet33.JPG

Gary,

Looking Good! You've done a ton of work. Hmm, that panel construction looks familiar ;)

BTW -- no need to clamp the frame after you assemble it with brands. Just set it aside and by morning (after the glue dries), it will be solid as a rock.

Carpet install is going well! I've taken a few shots during the install. I'll get them posted later along with the finished carpet shots.

Gary

Looking great, Gary. I love seeing these things come together.

Man its sure looking great. I'm going to use that exact technique to make acoustically trasparent door for a speaker enclosure. Again, looks fantastic.

Looking great, Gary. I love seeing these things come together.

thanks!!! man am I excited! chairs going in tonight!

Can not wait to see your fabric frames in place.

Can not wait to see your fabric frames in place.

yeah - me too. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. The carpet is in and looks fantastic. I can't decide what to do first...

I want to get the columns in tonight, then the speakers up (surround) and then start on the frames and the stage hidden speaker work.

I also want to hook up the yamaha 2600 and the sony 995.

too much to do, too much...

Gary

Pics, man. We need more pics.

Pics, man. We need more pics.


Oh, I have pictures. I'm just making everyone sweat a little....

Oh, I have pictures. I'm just making everyone sweat a little....Yeah, but Eddie's injured and out of action, and trying desperately to live vicariously through your pictures. :o

Thanks, Keith!! Good to see somebody's looking out for me. :)

Gary,
I see you have your furnace room behind your back wall: are you at all concerned with the noise coming from the equioment in the room ?

I will have the furnace room next to the HT area and I was very concerned about it, may be wrongly, but that boiler certainly makes noise so I wonder whether I should use special attention in how I have the wall built.

Yeah, but Eddie's injured and out of action, and trying desperately to live vicariously through your pictures. :o


Well then, here they come...

Here are the carpet install pictures, and some late night shots where I put a few more hours in on the finishing:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_6.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_7.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_8.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_9.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_10.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_11.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_12.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_13.JPG

And some more...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_14.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_15.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_16.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_17.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_18.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_19.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_20.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_21.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_22.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/post_carpet/carpet_install_23.JPG

Poor vacuum cleaner - it's gonna be sore tomorrow. :p
Looking GREAT, Gary!!! I really like the stain on your columns. :)

Alright!!! Thanks for the pics, Gary. That is the biggest, baddest, and beefiest riser I've ever seen, by the way. If you packed a few more items inside, it would have more parts than the Space Shuttle. Way cool.

Poor vacuum cleaner - it's gonna be sore tomorrow. :p
Looking GREAT, Gary!!! I really like the stain on your columns. :)

Went through 3 bags just to clean the room. Then I gave the vacuum a Mike's hard and we made up.

Thanks for the stain comments! I really like how they came out too. A lot of work sanding the columns down just right.

Gary

Alright!!! Thanks for the pics, Gary. That is the biggest, baddest, and beefiest riser I've ever seen, by the way. If you packed a few more items inside, it would have more parts than the Space Shuttle. Way cool.


LOL - I gave the carpet guys a run for their money and tested the buttkickers out with Independance Day running in High Def. They were impressed. They also said that they do all the carpet work for a HT install guy and my work was 10 times better than anything they have seen from him. Thought that was nice. I gave them a nice tip...

The room is a bit warm, need to figure that one out. The cool air comes on when the first floor needs it, and the basement taps into that. The flow should be much more than it is - when it comes on. I am right off the beginning of the supply and the flow is weak. Maybe I need to bring in a HVAC guy.

Gary

Coming right along Gary. I like the carpet colors. I also have to agree that's probably the most 'stuff' crammed into the front of a riser I've ever seen. I thought I was bad with composite and component video, analog and digital audio, phone, and network.

Bryan

It's really coming together nicely Gary.

Your riser with all the connections made me completely redesign my riser (still in the planning stage). I had originally planned an "island" for a riser, but your design got me thinking about having connections and cables in there, which wouldn't have been possible with my design. Beautiful thing about the forums!

Tom

It's really coming together nicely Gary.

Your riser with all the connections made me completely redesign my riser (still in the planning stage). I had originally planned an "island" for a riser, but your design got me thinking about having connections and cables in there, which wouldn't have been possible with my design. Beautiful thing about the forums!

Tom

Cool - keep me posted on your design. Let me know if I can help!

Gary

Gary,

Carpet looks great. I know you'll be walking around with tweezers picking up lint for the next few weeks ;) Hope you turned the volume up for the carpet installers -- probably rocked their socks off :D

Beautiful carpet. Its exactly what I had in mind. Really nice! Keep up the great work!

In the side of your riser, I see these two metal round holes (next to HVAC it appears) with a "fan" around the edge. What are those? Just curious.

Beautiful carpet. Its exactly what I had in mind. Really nice! Keep up the great work!

In the side of your riser, I see these two metal round holes (next to HVAC it appears) with a "fan" around the edge. What are those? Just curious.

Those are 2 four inch flex duct winding inside the riser on both sides for a total of 4 vents. These 4 lenghts of ductwork terminate in the furnace room are are nothing more than air flow from the furnace room to the theater room. This is for combustion purposes only. I used winding duct to eliminate the sound from the furnaces coming into the theater but still allow air flow.

thanks!

gary

Gary,
I was wondering about your wall between HT and furnace room (a few posts back) and whether you had any noise issue (from the machines in the furnace room into the HT), please let me know.

thx !

Gary,
I was wondering about your wall between HT and furnace room (a few posts back) and whether you had any noise issue (from the machines in the furnace room into the HT), please let me know.

thx !

Yes - I currently do have noise issues between the furnace room and theater. I have not sealed up the wall yet though. I have to seal the door for the equipment by filling the wooden door with "Good stuff" - (mass) and add the weather stripping. I will do this this weekend.

I also have an outlet that needs to be sealed up from the furnace room. I have the puddy pads somewhere in the work shop, gotta find those to fix that.

Then I need to add the sheetrock to the wall in the furnace room. This should also help with the sound.

Gary

got it, thx. I thought you had the back wall, between HT and furnace room, already finished (sheetrocked), so I was curious...I am about to enclose my furnace room and I am trying to make sure I do it right for noise reasons !

Here is some of the theater duct work:

I am using 6 inch insulated flex duct. I am currently working on an issue to figure out why the air flow is not very strong. I do not have a return in the theater connecting into the furnace return. I have 2 in the adjoining room. I can tap into one of the returns on the adjoining wall of the theater to install a true return.

Close up of tee:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater.JPG

Another shot of supply and tee:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater1.JPG

Picture showing distance from furnace and starting collar new duct work:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater2.JPG

Left side of tee work going to base of wall into collar
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater3.JPG

Other side of wall where it is connected to for output through riser into theater:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater5.JPG

Right side of tee work going to base of wall into collar
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater6.JPG

Other side of wall where it is connected to for output through riser into theater:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater4.JPG

Closeups of flex duct used:
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement//duct_theater/ductpicstheater7.JPG

Gary, you gotta get a return hooked up in the HT. If your room is well sealed then there's no where for air to go, and instead of coming into your HT supply lines, the air will just head on down the main trunk line and flow out into a different supply because the resistance will be lower somewhere else. I really think adding a return would help your airflow issue a great deal.

I installed my Ascend speakers tonight and the Yamaha 2600 - finally. Had some issue with the signal, but a shutoff and restart of the projector fixed that. I also wired up half the speakers in reverse polarity and the yamaha caught it and displayed an error. Looks like if you have any of the bare wire touching the chassis you get a "short". Banana plugs is the only way to go, ordered a set today.

Installed the rope lighting on the top riser also.

More to come,

Gary

I have officially changed my mind.....Gary is the "clampage king"....lmao...Killing me with that pic..too damn funny!!

Looks awsome Gary...I will be checking in more often..cant wait to see more!
Robert

Finished up 2 panels for the walls last night. Got 8 more ready to be covered with fabric. This will take forever...

Did a sound test with the Ascend speakers and Batman Begins. Excellent speakers. I am running them on the Yamaha 2600 and used the Sony 995 player. Everything is working great!

I finished up the column grills for the columns to hide the surround speakers.

Back riser rope lighting is in.

I bought a bar!!!

pictures coming...

Gary

Here are the pictures:

Coasters!

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing1.JPG

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing2.JPG

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing6.JPG


Columns done, just dusty...

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing3.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing4.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing5.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing7.JPG


Here are the start of the 70 frames I need to build.....

http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing9.JPG
http://blaze.gotdns.com/gk/basement/theater_aug/finishing/theater_finishing10.JPG

Here are the start of the 70 frames I need to build.....
:eek: Seventy frames :eek: Wow, that's a lotta staples and a whole lotta time. Of course, it's gonna look fantastic. :D

70! OMG, I don't have the patience for that. I need to build 8 or so and I was kind of dreading it.

Thx for the pix of the fabric. Ive been looking at that Zirconia as well for my theater. Thats looking really sharp already.

Could you describe or give a closeup pic of your frames for the panels? Im interested in how you built them. They look like you beveled the edges of the frame, is that correct?

David: I believe he's doing the plywood laminated to MDF technique, where the plywood provides rigidity while the MDF allows nicely routed bevels. There was a whole thread here somewhere, but I can't recall whose it was... :confused:

Edit:It was the Fabric Frames thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=487747&page=1) (duh.) Here's a link to his website. (http://www.stargateunofficial.com/SGU_tList.asp?type=Proc&data=Fabric_Wall_Frames)

I bought the following:

1/2 plywood - nothing special, OSD I believe
1/2 MDF - not available at big orange, so I got it at the lumber yard.

I bought 4 sheets of each and asked the lumber yard to rip them in half so that I could manage them. Each 1/2 sheet will give you (11) 8 foot strips of 2" wood.

After running the sawmill, I had about 44 strips of ply and 44 strips of mdf and half of my uncut wood still remains.

I then setup a guide for 2 inches so I could pass the 44 strips of MDF through the saw again on a 45 degree angle.

Then I measured the first space for the frame (you will have to address the thickness of the fabric and levelness issues as they come. I recommend doing one section at a time - nailing it to the wall, and them measure the next section when you are approaching a corner to get the actual size.

My walls were not perfect and the corner pieces are being made slightly bigger on the bottom so there are no fabric gaps.

I cut all the pieces 2" short and overlapped them like this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8265871&&#post8265871

Wrapping the fabric is easier with 2 people, one holds and one staples. Make it taught, but not too taught to show "pulls" in the fabric. When they go up, make sure they are level!

thanks!

Gary

That really is a great technique using the mdf and plywood frames. Wish I had come up with that.

Perfect. Thanks for the links! Never seen those before.

That really is a great technique using the mdf and plywood frames. Wish I had come up with that.


Me too, I borrowed it from GPowers.

gk

Gary:

Do not forget to paint the drywall black along the seams where the frames butt up to each other. If leave the drywall white you will see the seam more in the light.

Gary:

Do not forget to paint the drywall black along the seams where the frames butt up to each other. If leave the drywall white you will see the seam more in the light.

good idea! - I am butting the frames so tight that I shouldn't have that problem - I hope!

gary

good idea! - I am butting the frames so tight that I shouldn't have that problem - I hope!

gary

Thats what i though, but there are times when you can see the white. The areas i painted black were not a problem. I just took a few second to take a spray can of black paint and spray the outline if the frame on the wall.

After the frames are up it is too late when you see the white.

The photo below shows the black outline of the next column of frames to be installed.

http://www.stargateunofficial.com/Gallery/pic/HTWalls01.jpg

Gary,

The frames look great. I was planning on 56 for my room before "my wife" changed things up a bit. The number was reduced to 13 after the change. It ended up working out quite well. Have fun making those suckers and I hope your fingers survive stretching the fabric over the frames. Mine hurt for a few days after doing just 13 of them.

70 frames, wow. Will look great with those columns.

Gary,

The frames look great. I was planning on 56 for my room before "my wife" changed things up a bit. The number was reduced to 13 after the change. It ended up working out quite well. Have fun making those suckers and I hope your fingers survive stretching the fabric over the frames. Mine hurt for a few days after doing just 13 of them.

I'm doing the stretching with a 2 person team. One pulls and one staples. I tell ya, the stretching is not too bad. We are not even pulling hard and the fabric is very taught. Good fabric makes the difference. The Zirconia is good stuff. Can't wait until this part is done and I am on to finishing the bar area.

Gary

Gary,

I notice in a few of the pics that your base trim doesnt go behind or butt up against the base of your colums completely....how do you plan to handle that little area?

Robert

BTW.....70 frames....whew thats some work for sure...will look great once it finnished though!

One more question for now....

I dont suppose you have any pics of how you installed the light cans in your boxs do you? I know that probably sounds somewhat silly to ask but I dont know much about these can lights and want a better idea of how they work. I think they are installed with some kind of metal supports...did you put those supports to the inside of the boxs you built?

Where did you get that "red" glue you mentioned that you used to seal the wires where they entered your boxs and wall outlets?

Robert

Gary,

I notice in a few of the pics that your base trim doesnt go behind or butt up against the base of your colums completely....how do you plan to handle that little area?

Robert

I plan to use magic. If that doesn't work, I'll use 1" thick styrofoam, carved to fit and covered with fabric.

gk

Magic is definitely the preferred way to go on that one Gary. :)

rsberg: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654719

The red glue is likely firestop caulking.

One more question for now....

I dont suppose you have any pics of how you installed the light cans in your boxs do you? I know that probably sounds somewhat silly to ask but I dont know much about these can lights and want a better idea of how they work. I think they are installed with some kind of metal supports...did you put those supports to the inside of the boxs you built?

Where did you get that "red" glue you mentioned that you used to seal the wires where they entered your boxs and wall outlets?

Robert

I got the red putty pads on GBAY - I buy there so much wife had the company name changed.

I have a box left for sale!! pm me for details. I still have to find the box...

Gary

If you get the magic to work let us know so the rest of us can skip some of the more PITA parts of this whole HT building thing and get straight to watching movies :D

If you get the magic to work let us know so the rest of us can skip some of the more PITA parts of this whole HT building thing and get straight to watching movies :D


I took a close look at the area that would need to be covered and will start out by doing nothing but painting the area black. If that doesn't do it, painted styrofoam to fit the spot, and if that doesn't work I'll cover the styrofoam. The areas are so small and symetrical that I believe the black paint is all I will need.

Gary

Im sure it will turn out fine I was just curious how you were going to address it.

Robert

I need to stop slacking off and get some work done in the basement. I didn't do any work for the last two nights....

Tonight I will make some more frames. I should be able to have them installed over the weekend (at least 20 frames installed by then) and I will then post more pictures.

I am checking into my furnace issue as the blower is not blowing too hard. This may be one of my issues for getting air into the theater. Going to put the return in this weekend also.

gary

Fabric is on 9 frames so far and I have built 13 more ready for fabric. I plan to have 12 more made tomorrow and the 25 ready frames will be covered with fabric on Monday - and installed. That will put me at half completion. yippie.

So far I have watched Batman Begins and Mission Impossible all the way through, quite an enjoyable experience.

Pictures coming...

Gary

Two days? That's not slacking off. (Well, anywhere but here, I mean. :rolleyes: )

Congratulations on getting 50% done with all your frames. :D And good luck with the HVAC!!

Thanks Keith, almost there, can't wait to finish.

I was able to achive my goal with the support of my wife today and I finished up the 12 frames I planned. By tomorrow I will have 36 frames with fabric installed on the walls. I will also post pictures. These 36 frames are the bottom two rows of frames for the room. The top row of frames to be tackled next.

I still have to finish the bar area with some stained wood, don't know the look I am going for yet.

Watched some hi def HBO tonight, very enjoyable. Working on little sleep, but enjoying the theater very much.

I did take a morning and afternoon off to treat the kids to a day at Sesame Place today. Don't forget to keep the family happy during the theater construction! It will pay off even better that way.

Wife and kids kept me company tonight as I worked, that was nice....

off to bed.

Gary

Pictures, where are the pictures????

I must agree....Pics man...PICS, lol

Sounds like your not far from finnishing those frames...So share the wealth :D

Robert

Gary,

How are you attaching your fabric panels to the wall?

BTW, got my Zirconia - Garnet sample in the mail yesterday. I like it a lot. Thats my top choice so far in my HT. Are you finding that it blends well with the blue carpet & ceiling?

Man, we really need those pics. :)

nice!

did someone mention pics???

:D

Gary,

I know you're hard at work on your theater, spending time with your family, or earning a living. Don't let these guys pressure you. We know you'll post pictures when you can. I understand completely, having been in your shoes. So, one question.... Where are the damn pictures? :D Sorry, couldn't resist.

Bud

lmao...nice approach Bud

Been lurking on the side following this thread - great work! I'm planning the GPowers frames for my theater as well but am trying to come up with a way to mount them so that they can be removed if needed for replacement, or in one case get at a water shut off valve. Has anyone come up with a secure mounting technique that is removable for these yet?

Cheers,
Lewis

I havent done it personally yet but from everything I see the best route to go is with industrial velcro.

Robert

I havent done it personally yet but from everything I see the best route to go is with industrial velcro.

Robert

I've got a source for that stuff. I have been planning on fastening the panels to furring strips on the wall anyway so I could just staple the velcro to the back of the panels and the furring strips without problems. Thanks for the tip.

Lewis

A similar option might be the friction fittings Parts Express sells for fastening speaker fronts. Just a thought.... :cool:

I think some people toyed around with a french cleat idea, but there was concern about rattles. I mentally debated french cleat plus integrity gasket. The velcro is probably better.

Picture withdrawl is ugly man....you dont want to see it...help a brother out with a fix :D

Robert

Gary,

How are you attaching your fabric panels to the wall?

BTW, got my Zirconia - Garnet sample in the mail yesterday. I like it a lot. Thats my top choice so far in my HT. Are you finding that it blends well with the blue carpet & ceiling?

I am attaching them with 18 guage nails, 2 inches long, one in each corner and one in the center of the top and bottom for the larger frames that "bow"

It blends in great with the carpet, ceiling and trim. I'm very happy with it.

You forgot to ask "where are the pictures?"

Gary

Been lurking on the side following this thread - great work! I'm planning the GPowers frames for my theater as well but am trying to come up with a way to mount them so that they can be removed if needed for replacement, or in one case get at a water shut off valve. Has anyone come up with a secure mounting technique that is removable for these yet?

Cheers,
Lewis


Use an 18 guage nail gun into the sheetrock on a slight angle. Using a pull hook tool (very thin and long with a hook on the end) I will be able to pull out the frames that are only held in the corners with one nail each. I made some really nice friction fits that really didn't need nails at all, but I put them in anyway. If you pull, the frames come right off the sheetrock.

Gary