Big, thanks. I think you posted that link in my thread as well, but can't tell if they do anything else besides brass? It's hard to tell (for me) what Mark used. I assume brass?

Bud

Looking good Mark, you made quick work of getting that foot rail on.


Thanks - it was installed within 30mins of being delivered :D


I'm curious with those particular brackets how high off the floor is the top of the foot rail?

The top of the rail is 7 1/8".

Here are the specs of the bracket.

http://www.kegworks.com/images/detailed/d_4510.jpg


Mark, looks great! Where'd you get the rail from?
It's hard to tell (for me) what Mark used. I assume brass?


I used the Satin Stainless Steel purchased from KegWorks (http://www.kegworks.com/home.php?cat=486). I did look at Lawrence Metals but they only seemed to do Brass and as all my appliances are stainless steel I wanted to use same.



I also live in NoVa. Your project looks outstanding! I'm currently doing a 1,000 s.f. project in my basement. I'm only a month into it, but the framing is all done and the wiring is over half-way completed. I have a material budge of $10K and all the labor is done by yours truly. We pulled the permits about a month ago when the work started.


Good to have another NoVA around. Where in NoVA are you - can't recollect seeing a build thread for you. Feel free to PM me if you want to take a look.


Cheers,
Mark

Here are the options with Lawrence:

http://www.lawrencemetal.com/productlist.html?basemodel=920

All their pics are brass you need to click a specific product to get finish options.

Here is the bracket I'm looking at:

http://www.lawrencemetal.com/productlist.html?basemodel=901

I ordered one of the satin chrome to check it out and make sure I was building my bar correctly to mount the bracket. visually it will go with the satin stainless tube. The thing is massive. My rail will be over carpet so I'm looking at a bracket that will make vacuuming easier.

Here are the options with Lawrence:

http://www.lawrencemetal.com/productlist.html?basemodel=920

All there pics are brass you need to click a specific product to get finish options.

Here is the bracket I'm looking at:

http://www.lawrencemetal.com/productlist.html?basemodel=901

I ordered one of the satin chrome and it will go with the brushed stainless tube. The thing is massive. My rail will be over carpet so I'm looking at a bracket that will make vacumning easier.

Actually I remember now - Lawrence was cheaper and I did start the ordering process with them. While they did do the tubing in stainless steel all the other components were not in stainless steel (available in satin chrome) and was not sure how it would look so took the safer more expensive route and used Kegworks.

Ok people I need you to keep me in your prayers over the next week.

1) The wife flew off to the UK tonight - not back until late Tuesday. So I'm playing Mr Mum to a 9yr & 12 yr. :eek:

2) Arranged my final county inspections for tomorrow :eek:

3) I'm going to take opportunity of no wife around to go buy a new HD TV for the Family Room. She thinks a 32" is more than big enough but sort of indicated (well sort of hmmmm'd) a 37" 'may' be OK but I got my eye on the Sony Bravia KDL-40S2010 40" LCD TV. Going to go the BB armed with Internet pricing and a 12% Reward Zone coupon. :D

4) When wife returns to find Beds unmade, House not cleaned, kids hair matted, dead fish etc. but a highly polished 40" TV I'm sure I may need one of the local AVS'ers to put me up. Don't worry I don't mind sleeping on a Berkline :D

Cheers,
Mark

hehe :D

I see your wife is like mine. I can save major $$ by taking on projects around the house. Then, as soon as I suggest spending a few of those $$ on some audio gear ... well, "yes, dear, we can take that money and apply it towards some new furniture instead."

I think I'm going to head to eBay and see if they have any "man cards" for sale. I need one.

1) The wife flew off to the UK tonight - not back until late Tuesday. So I'm playing Mr Mum to a 9yr & 12 yr. :eek:

Mark,
have fun and I am wishing you all the best for Tuesday evening! :D

Of course you could tell your wife that all 32" to 38" LCD's were sold out in you local stores and you were forced to get a 40" one....not your fault! :rolleyes:

Mark, Costco sells flowers (CHEAP) and an assortment of TV's to checkout so the trip isn't a total waste.

Just passed Electrical

Just Plumbing, Mechanical and Building to go :D

Of course you could tell your wife that all 32" to 38" LCD's were sold out in you local stores and you were forced to get a 40" one....not your fault! :rolleyes:

Me like the way you think. :cool:

Mark, Costco sells flowers (CHEAP) and an assortment of TV's to checkout so the trip isn't a total waste.


I'll be going to Costco to check out pricing - They also sell the Sony Bravia 40" LCD and I have a $200 off coupon for 19-25 Mar.

Cheers,
Mark

Just passed Electrical

Just Plumbing, Mechanical and Building to go :D

Excellent. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

Bad News - Failed Mechanical :(

But not on anything I did......basically he say's don't have enough fresh air for the furnice room. Basically need to add another grill even though none of thats been touched :(

3) I'm going to take opportunity of no wife around to go buy a new HD TV for the Family Room. She thinks a 32" is more than big enough but sort of indicated (well sort of hmmmm'd) a 37" 'may' be OK but I got my eye on the Sony Bravia KDL-40S2010 40" LCD TV. Going to go the BB armed with Internet pricing and a 12% Reward Zone coupon. :D


Is your wife handy with a tape measure? You might get away with just telling her the apparent size is an "Optical Illusion Trick." Then, wait for the "Two Week Rule" to go into effect. She'll get so used to seeing it the subject will never come up again, except when she wants to brag to her friends about what a manly-man you are for doing all this (arrgh arrgh arrgh!)


The author takes no responsibility for the failure or improper use of the "Optical Illusion Trick" and "Two Week Rule." The success rate of the "Optical Illusion Trick" and "Two Week Rule" have not been independently verified. Improper use of the "Optical Illusion Trick" and "Two Week Rule" can lead to loss of affection, worldly goods, and occasionally dismemberment or death. Do not use the "Optical Illusion Trick" or "Two Week Rule" rule while under the influence drugs or alcohol.

Ok people I need you to keep me in your prayers over the next week.

1) The wife flew off to the UK tonight - not back until late Tuesday. So I'm playing Mr Mum to a 9yr & 12 yr. :eek:

2) Arranged my final county inspections for tomorrow :eek:

3) I'm going to take opportunity of no wife around to go buy a new HD TV for the Family Room. She thinks a 32" is more than big enough but sort of indicated (well sort of hmmmm'd) a 37" 'may' be OK but I got my eye on the Sony Bravia KDL-40S2010 40" LCD TV. Going to go the BB armed with Internet pricing and a 12% Reward Zone coupon. :D

4) When wife returns to find Beds unmade, House not cleaned, kids hair matted, dead fish etc. but a highly polished 40" TV I'm sure I may need one of the local AVS'ers to put me up. Don't worry I don't mind sleeping on a Berkline :D

Cheers,
Mark

Are you bringing the TV?

Do you need fresh air because you're running a gas furnace? The room with my heat pump air exchange unit has literally no ventilation... I guess other than the gap around the door.

The author takes no responsibility for the failure or improper use of the "Optical Illusion Trick" and "Two Week Rule." The success rate of the "Optical Illusion Trick" and "Two Week Rule" have not been independently verified. Improper use of the "Optical Illusion Trick" and "Two Week Rule" can lead to loss of affection, worldly goods, and occasionally dismemberment or death. Do not use the "Optical Illusion Trick" or "Two Week Rule" rule while under the influence drugs or alcohol.

LOL!

Luckily Mark's wife does not read his thread :cool: My wife had mentioned in passing she wanted to read mine and I quickly changed the subject -- "Hey Honey, let's go to Ci Ci's" :D

BTW Mark -- Good luck with the kids. My wife has never left me with the kids like that (yet) but I'm sure it will happen someday :eek:

"Hey Honey, let's go to Ci Ci's"

Wow, you get off easy, my wife is more of an Outback or Olive Garden gal!

My wife has never left me with the kids like that (yet) but I'm sure it will happen someday :eek:

My wife has been in the lovely Upper Midwest the last week visiting her parents, who both managed to wind up in the hospital at the same time. No, the "Optical Illusion Trick" or "Two Week Rule" were not involved this time.

So the dog and I are drowning in a sea of estrogen with my two teenage daughters :eek:

More bad news. I failed Plumbing :(

The way I routed the waste to the bar sink apparently 'jumps the trap' :( Plus had a minor leak around the shower enclosure.

Mark,
How about a pic of the sink setup, so I don't make the same mistake?
Thanks,

Mark,
How about a pic of the sink setup, so I don't make the same mistake?
Thanks,

Gonzo - I would do but my wife has the camera.

Basically to maximize space in the sink cabinet I came out the wall low, took a 90deg bend straight up, then took a 90deg to the p-trap.

What I need to do is from the wall take a 90deg from the wall and go horizontal, then 90deg out to under p-trap then 90deg to the p-trap.

Cheers,
Mark

BTW - I passed the Building inspection :D

So will correct the mechanical & plumbing over the weekend and then reinspect on Tues.

Cheers,
Mark

Crud Mark. Sorry to hear that. Hopefully the fixes aren't anything too difficult.

The good thing is that they caught the issues so that they won't cause bigger problems down the road.

edit: Cross-posted with you. Glad to know it's only minor fixes. My biggest complaint would be needing to take more time off from work. But given you get to work from home that isn't a biggie.

Mark -

Too bad. After all that beautiful work. But it doesn't sound like anything major.

The HVAC guy I had in a couple of weeks ago to do the routine maintenance on the furnace indcated that the code doesn't specify WHERE the fresh air needs to be as long as it exisits and one is high and one is low. He gave a good idea as to where to place mine, as I really want to have a solid door and minimize furnance noise in the room.

Do you need any of your plumbing tools back? I THINK I'm through with them. I fixed that one stupid (that's the nice word for it) leak that I was trying to wrap.


Tom

4) When wife returns to find Beds unmade, House not cleaned, kids hair matted, dead fish etc. but a highly polished 40" TV I'm sure I may need one of the local AVS'ers to put me up. Don't worry I don't mind sleeping on a Berkline :D

Cheers,
Mark

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/506/medium/23742Berkline_0880007.jpg

Mark, Just got back from Costco.

They must plan on selling a bunch of TVs for the Basketball finals because they were stacked to the rafters:

They had a big pile of the sony 40's but a different model then you are looking at:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11190377&search=sony%20lcd&Sp=S&Mo=3&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=sony%20lcd&Ntt=sony%20lcd&No=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

They also had a big pile of Vizio 50 inch plasmas and I had to stand on my cart to see the price = 1K.

Think only difference is color. The KDL40S2000 is silver and KDL40S2010 is black.

I must say I'm nervous about brands like Vizio, I've always gone with Sony for my primary sets that I spend $$$'s on.

It's Costco. If the TV quits working in 5 years and you think it was too early, you just take it back to them for a full refund.

It's Costco. If the TV quits working in 5 years and you think it was too early, you just take it back to them for a full refund.

Not anymore, they just announced 90 days. The return policy cost them 8 cents per share last year, and I think the share owners got fed up.

Not anymore, they just announced 90 days. The return policy cost them 8 cents per share last year, and I think the share owners got fed up.

Here is the Costco ploicy change:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17350641/

Bud beat me to it

Here is the Costco ploicy change:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17350641/

Well that sucks. Buy from Sams Club instead.

I bought mine from amazon, and highly recommend it and no tax to boot

One of the things I like about purchasing from Best Buy is whenever there is a problem I take it back, they either get it repaired, swap it out or refund.....and I have someone to shout out if required rather than listening to music. only to speak to someone in india They are also an approved dealer....which for me is peace of mind on bigger ticket items. Also on items like this I can get 12 months interest free plus a small kick back on rewards points.

Now I'm not going to get any cables from them - orded that of monoprice.

I plan on stopping by Costco & Sams - see what they got on offer and look at warrenty.

Cheers,
Mark

Well that sucks. Buy from Sams Club instead.

Does Sams Club have a good waranty/return policy on TVs or something?

Guy

Mark,

Your ticket window is ready. I will pick it up on Monday and ship on Tuesday. :D

Jason - thanks. Just PM me when you know total cost.

Cheers,
Mark

Me thinks I got a great deal today. Was out looking for best price on a Sony 40" LCD. While in Sams Club noticed they had a Refurbished model for $1,359 + tax. So managed to get that plus a 4yr warrenty for $1,630 which is less than I could have purchased just the TV for at BB.

Hopefully that great price will help with the extra 8" that the wife didn't want :D

On another note I need to split the Audio out of my Cable box 3 ways. Anone know of a 3 way splitter or do I just double up a standard 2 way splitter?

Cheers,
Mark

If she asks how large the TV is, just give her the dimensions in CM. That may throw her off the scent. ;)

Have fun with the new toy!

Hopefully that great price will help with the extra 8" that the wife didn't want :D


Mark


Ummmm....oh never mind :eek: Mark you ARE the man!

If she asks how large the TV is, just give her the dimensions in CM. That may throw her off the scent. ;)

Have fun with the new toy!

If she asks how big it is, just give her the height or width of the screen, and try and move on quickly. Then if she questions you, claim you didn't know screens were measured diagonally.

Guy

Good News.

1) Wife is back (I think thats good as not more cooking, school runs etc. ) :D

2) She likes the new 42" TV :D

3) Passed my Final Plumbing :D

Just got to make some HVAC changes to clear the Mechanical - that needs to wait as in middle of building a murphy bed.

Cheers,
Mark

EXCELLENT!

Now be honest, is that the ONLY reason your glad she's back? :-)

Tom

Bar turned out awesome Mark. Congrats on getting that knocked out along with the plumbing inspection.

Mark,

Great to hear that your wife liked the new (larger) TV. :)

Good luck on the mechanical inspection. I realized a few days into my project, I didn't pull mechanical permits. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Now be honest, is that the ONLY reason your glad she's back? :-)


Well night time conversation is not the reason - 2 nights in a row shes off to bed at 9pm :eek:


Bar turned out awesome Mark. Congrats on getting that knocked out along with the plumbing inspection.


Been funny these inspections - so far all inspectors have been awe struck at the room and then finding out a) I did it myself and b) I'm in telecoms and not a trade. They have also been talking to each other as one mentioned the paneling was better than had been explained to him.


Good luck on the mechanical inspection.


Yeah, its a PITA as was nothing to do with my remodel but moving a Return will benefit the Rec Room Area. Not sure I like the idea of have Air Grill s at bottom of stairs but I'll add them to get thru inspection and then decide if to close after. Anyone know how to calculate how much air a furnice & water heater require?

Cheers,
Mark them up once passed. Way I see it is been fine for 8 years

This is from the Fairfax County Code, I'm guessing yours is about the same.


COMBUSTION AIR: Furnace rooms with fuel-burning appliances must be provided with two permanent openings to adjacent spaces: one within 12" of the top and one within 12" from the bottom of the adjoining wall. Each opening must have a minimum free area equal to 1 in sq per 1,000 Btu/h input rating of all appliances in the furnace room, but not less than 100 in sq. The openings are not required if a louvered door is provided or the furnace room area is greater than 50 ft cu per 1,000 Btu/h input rating of all appliances installed in the room.

Been funny these inspections - so far all inspectors have been awe struck at the room

So am I.

I've said before that I got the same feeling from the one inspector I've had so far (HVAC). He loooked around and said everything looks great, then made a comment about "the framing guys." I was glad to tell him it was me. Then he started asking me about my dricore.
My brother was a phone installer and has been in tons of new construction and said the same thing. He saiod most framing guys just throw it up there and let the drywall guys fix it. Then the drywall guys let the painters fix it, etc.

I also think that if you just go pick up two of the 12"x12" return grills, put one up and one down, the inspecter won't even need to take a second look. They don't even have to do any math in their head as they recognize the 12x12 as being more than the required 100".

I had an HVAC contractor in to do routine maintenace and he did the calculations for me, so I'm no help there. Well, not so much DID, as looked them up in a handy notebook that had a nice spreadsheet all layed out. I have a friend who is a home inspector and he says the rule of thumb around here for most houses is that it takes the entire basement. Anyway, the HVAC guy said that the code is (and if you look at Big's Fairfax County quotation, it IS) pretty murky as to WHERE they need to be other than top and bottom and connect the furnance room to the rest of the space.

I'm sure you'll find a good place to put them so that they won't interfere, too much.

Tom

Tom,

The way my basement is layed out the furnace and water heater are in an unfinished storage area that is ~ 2,200 cu ft and a Rec Area that is ~ 3,000 cu ft. There are 2 13" x 14" grills between these rooms so over 5,000 cu ft of air.

The Furnace is 100,000 BTU.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/Unnfinished_Basement.jpg

The main return for the basement is at the bottom of the stairs (Dumb) so I agree that that should be moved into the Rec area. However he wants me to put 2 additional grills between the storage room and the stair well.

I'm going to comply to get inspections done but a) they will be ugly and b) send futnace noise to the upper levels.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,

Can you post some pictures of what you're talking about? I'm getting ready to run the hvac and it would be good to see. Also, do you have a layout of where you put your returns/supplies? I'm a little iffy on how many supplies I should have in my 40'x20' space outside the theater and furnace room.

Nick

Nick,

Not sure my example will help as I was constrained by pre-existing conditions. .....If you are starting fresh get proper calculation done.

In the HT I have a new 8" supply and a new 8" Return. The supply is split into 2 registers (to reduce air flow noise).
The new bath has a 4" supply no return.
The Rec Room has two pre-existing 8" supplys no return.
The storage area has a pre-existing 8" supply no return.
At bottom of stairs there is a pr-existing 8" return.

What I need to do is re-route the pre-existing return at bottom of stairs so its in the Rec Room. Then and 2 ait flow grills at bottom of stairs.

Cheers,
Mark

Hey Mark,

PM me your address so I can ship the window to you. I am off work today so I picked up the window and will head up to UPS store in about an hour or 2 to send it your way.

Jason

PS - it looks amazing... :D

If you are starting fresh get proper calculation done.


Now what fun is that?

In the HT I have a new 8" supply and a new 8" Return. The supply is split into 2 registers (to reduce air flow noise).


Did you split the 8" into two 6" lines? Or do I remember you writing something about you should have but the inspector let it go? Also, in your theater, where did you put your supplies, both in the front by the stage and the return in the back?

Nick

I found a Combustion Air Calculator (http://www.houseofcraig.net/combustion_air_calc.html)

Based on this for a 100,000 BTU Furnace I need 6667 cu ft of Indoor Volume so I'm shy of ~ 1600 cu ft. Looks like those vents will need to be permanent :(

Did you split the 8" into two 6" lines?


I believe it was into 2 x 8" Ducts but been a long time now :D


Or do I remember you writing something about you should have but the inspector let it go?

Apparently according to code you should NOT split a 8" line into 2 x 8" lines but after I explaned reasoning he let it pass.


Also, in your theater, where did you put your supplies, both in the front by the stage and the return in the back?


The supplies are in the soffits 1/2 way between the screen and seating. The Return is behind the seating near the door. It's down low which is typical when heating or hunidity is primary reason but many say return should be high as HT's tend to suffer from heat more than cold.

Cheers,
Mark

Received the Plexi Glass for the Ticket Booth today - Thanks Jason (jikkjack)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/140-4084_IMG.jpg

Difficuly to get a decent picture as on 4' in from of windoww.

I need to install the louvered speaker vent (on order) and make a better "Ticket Office Closed" sign.

Cheers,
Mark

That came out great Mark!

Mark,

Whats that yellow thing on the window?

Bud

That came out great Mark!

Thanks Mike

Whats that yellow thing on the window?


Bud - A very poor effort at a Ticket Office Closed sign :o

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/TicketOfficeClosed.jpg

Anyone good in paint shop :rolleyes:

Cheers,
Mark

That looks great!! Can't wait to see more pics once you get the round vent installed.

Mark to be "authentic" that ticket office closed sign should be dog eared, coffee stained, Sun faded, handwritten and mis-spelled.

That booth looks great.

Mark -

Ticket booth is fabulous! I have a space that I was thinking of doing something very similar, only it wouldn't actually be a door, just a wall decoration.

I think for a "closed" sign a simple, black block letterring on white card stock would work. Although there is a font that I've seen as "showtime" that might look right.

Tom

Thanks Jason, Big & Tom.

This is what I've ordered for the centre

http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20070301/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/products/1-59/167990159.jpg

Its comes in stainless steel but think I will spray it black. Should be here by the weekend.

Cheers,
Mark

I think Bud glued his rounded grill in his window but not sure...

I think Bud glued his rounded grill in his window but not sure...

Yeah, saw in his thread he glued it. Looks like he left it stainless steel (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8501750&&#post8501750)

Now I ordered the Louvered Vent Monday at 8pm and it just arrived. :eek: Great Service!

Will see what the wife thinks later but won't get installed untill weekend as fly out the Dallas tomorrow. Me going to get a test run of Swithey's IB Sub :D Can't wait.

Cheers,
Mark

Yeah, saw in his thread he glued it. Looks like he left it stainless steel (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8501750&&#post8501750)


Glued - yes. Elmers. Fell off the other day, but will re-glue it again.
Stainless - also yes.

Bud

Elmers may not be as good as hot glue for this purpose.

Elmers may not be as good as hot glue for this purpose.

It actually worked pretty well. I pulled the ticket window off to show my brother the construction and I knocked it off.

Just sprayed mine Gold and mounted using some clear caulk.....was not sure if the hot glue would mark the perspex. Will take a pic at weekend when the blue tape removed.

Cheers,
Mark

I just ran some of the LFE Demos got from Steve on my modest setup.

First the good news. The combination of the sub and baseshakers was better than I had expected. Nowhere near Steves but good nether the less. I took a look at the power consumption - during normal playback and was sucking up about 318W, it peaked at 408W during the Pulse clip. Of all the clips the Pulse and the Haunting were best.

Now the bad news - I got some serious rattles in the bar area to sort out. The deflection of the glass in the canopy above the bar was very noticible. Was like a drum skin :eek: Sowill put some lind of gasket around the glass and line the shelves with felt.

Cheers,
Mark

Here is the latests pic of the Ticket booth with the louvered vent installed.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/140-4087_IMG.jpg

Cheers,
Mark

Very nice Mark - I think the gold looks very good together with the wood and red curtains.

I just ran some of the LFE Demos got from Steve on my modest setup.

First the good news. The combination of the sub and baseshakers was better than I had expected. Nowhere near Steves but good nether the less. I took a look at the power consumption - during normal playback and was sucking up about 318W, it peaked at 408W during the Pulse clip. Of all the clips the Pulse and the Haunting were best.

Now the bad news - I got some serious rattles in the bar area to sort out. The deflection of the glass in the canopy above the bar was very noticible. Was like a drum skin :eek: Sowill put some lind of gasket around the glass and line the shelves with felt.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark, remind us of what your modest speaker/receiver setup is? I'm too lazy to look back through the last 28 pages (I did read it once when I first found your thread!)

Did I ever ask if you have heard any of the Wharfedale line? (yes, I ask because of your username :) )

I just ran some of the LFE Demos got from Steve on my modest setup.

First the good news. The combination of the sub and baseshakers was better than I had expected. Nowhere near Steves but good nether the less. I took a look at the power consumption - during normal playback and was sucking up about 318W, it peaked at 408W during the Pulse clip. Of all the clips the Pulse and the Haunting were best.

Now the bad news - I got some serious rattles in the bar area to sort out. The deflection of the glass in the canopy above the bar was very noticible. Was like a drum skin :eek: Sowill put some lind of gasket around the glass and line the shelves with felt.

Cheers,
Mark
Mark,

Glad you could make it to Texas to check out my setup! It was great to put the face to the name. I figured that the power consumption during those (2) scenes would be at an increased level (kind of fun, yes??!!)

I am curious about the bass-shakers and what the feedback felt like compared to the vibration the IB did to the chairs in my room. From what I understand, the bass-shakers are suppose to "simulate" this pretty well. Did it feel artificial compared to the real thing or less intense or both? I curious because I've never experienced bass-shakers in a proper environment.

Oh -- and hilarious about the rattling glass. My wife may have changed her mind to put glass shelves in my wet bar area -- so please let me know how well the felt works out. Does the wife think you are really insane now? :eek:

Mark, remind us of what your modest speaker/receiver setup is? I'm too lazy to look back through the last 28 pages (I did read it once when I first found your thread!)

Did I ever ask if you have heard any of the Wharfedale line? (yes, I ask because of your username :) )

- Denon AVR 2807
- Panny AE900U
- Oppo DV971H (main player)
- Sansung DVD R-120 (for Intro)
- Ascend CMT 340 SE L,C,R
- Axiom QS-8 surrounds
- HSU STF-2 Sub
- APC J10 Power Conditioner

Been a while since I listened to the Wharfedale's, I was a fan of Mordaunt Short but they are pricy over here.

Cheers,
Mark

Very nice Mark - I think the gold looks very good together with the wood and red curtains.

Thanks - the color scheme does all go nicely together.

Cheers,
Mark

Glad you could make it to Texas to check out my setup! It was great to put the face to the name. I figured that the power consumption during those (2) scenes would be at an increased level (kind of fun, yes??!!)
Yes - and good news is I think I can squeeze another 190W out out the power conditioner before I need a 2nd :D


I am curious about the bass-shakers and what the feedback felt like compared to the vibration the IB did to the chairs in my room. From what I understand, the bass-shakers are suppose to "simulate" this pretty well. Did it feel artificial compared to the real thing or less intense or both? I curious because I've never experienced bass-shakers in a proper environment.
Did not feel artificial at all but definitly less intense than your set up.


Oh -- and hilarious about the rattling glass. My wife may have changed her mind to put glass shelves in my wet bar area -- so please let me know how well the felt works out. Does the wife think you are really insane now? :eek:
Wife has always thought I was insane - I've not told her yet about next years plans :eek:

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,
very nice job on the ticket booth - looking good!

Sounds like you had a great time visiting Steve's HT and his insane IB-blow-off-the-roof-setup! :D
What a shame you guys live so far away from Europe.....would be great to see other cool projects in person - you can never do a room justice with only a few pics... :rolleyes:

Mike,

Thanks, you know you can always come over on a road trip. The recent Open Skys pact between the US will hopefully lead to more competition and cheaper flights.

Actually we were talking about you and your IB. I have two options to include an IB in my set up. One is to use a similar design to yours and put under the screen. The other is to use the back of the equipment closet which will put the IB to the side of the viewing area.

I just cannot dare think about upgrades until the Master Bath & Bedroom are done.

Cheers,
Mark

Hey Mark, I just wanted to say it was great to meet you while you were here in the Dallas area. Be sure and let us know if your down this way again. It would by my pleasure to have you over for a visit.

PS: I got my IB installed this weekend and will post up the details on my thread later this evening. Its down right freakin scary! :eek:

Ronnie

PS: I got my IB installed this weekend and will post up the details on my thread later this evening. Its down right freakin scary! :eek:

Ronnie
Okay Ronnie., I gotta know. If my (2) 15's are at a scarry level of 5 on a 1-10 scale. Do the (2) 18's get a 10? The air movement of those suckers is unbelievable. Enquiring minds want to know :D

Mark -- don't ever let your wife read this thread - or she'll never let you get an IB without a rider policy on your homeowners policy! ;)

Okay Ronnie., I gotta know. If my (2) 15's are at a scarry level of 5 on a 1-10 scale. Do the (2) 18's get a 10? The air movement of those suckers is unbelievable. Enquiring minds want to know :D




Steve, You will have to come check them out and compare to yours. I give them at least an 8 out of 10. I stood in amazement as I watched the cones on these things travel in and out. It almost doesnt even look real. The floor and ceiling were all flexing. I thought nails were going to start popping out of the sheetrock. Im going to have to rethink my design though because the mechanical vibration on the ceiling is to much with the Array design, even though im spanning 3 ceiling trusses. Its just to much vibration and it distracts from the experience.

I have no idea how EBR can handle 4 of these things. Thats just insane!! A single 18 would probably do the trick.

Ronnie

Mark,

I just happened upon this and thought it "might" be something whemsical and useful in your room. It is a rack that looks like an English Style Telephone Booth. I'm not saying you buy this (because it only fits CDs) but you could build one to any size you want. Just something for fun to add more nostalgia to your room :)

http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/UT/UT1218_l.jpg (http://www.racksandstands.com/Southern-Enterprises-MS1367-UT1218.html)

HAH!! That's cool!

Could do something like this too:

http://www.richardwho.com/collectors/timmichels/cabinet2.jpg

http://www.richardwho.com/collectors/timmichels/cabinet3.jpg

I really like the ticket booth looks great. I think it would be nicer without the closed sign that part looks kinda distracting. the plaques near it already complement the look. Then maybe another might look different entirely and change my mind.

Hey Brit!

Just trying to shamelessly bump your thread count up to the "green glue" thread count (834 to 890)! Your thread is as popular as green glue. Maybe Brian Ravnaas will check-in here and comment!

Come on everyone! Let's make Brit MORE popular than Green GLue!

Tom

Bump. :D

Mark, what are you working on? You have been quite after the visit to Steve's house...I might start assuming you are working on an IB set-up... :)

Yea Mark -- where are you??

Where is eveyone? We're falling behind here! Brian just posted about 10 more replies in the green glue thread since I posted earlier today.

LET'S GET POSTING! Give Brit the props he deserves!

Tom

A smaller scale replica of Big Ben would make a nice storage unit too.... :D

Bud

Where is eveyone? We're falling behind here! Brian just posted about 10 more replies in the green glue thread since I posted earlier today.
LET'S GET POSTING! Give Brit the props he deserves!

Tom

My guess is that he's too busy watching movies to hang out with the likes of us. :rolleyes:

Mr. Marrrrrrrkkkk.......

Spotted this: One day left.

Current bid, $750, terms are you come and take this 1500 lb full size metal english style telephone booth.

http://www.gigcom.net/data/bartek/inventory/10361/1173163533.jpg?width=265&height=400

I would buy one if it were cheap just to have one. Make it look nice and put it in the living room with a working phone inside. Heck, even in the back yard would be neat.

We just watched "Man of the Year" and not once but TWICE, one of the characters is driving along the road at a high rate of speed, and whips over to the curb, jumps out and makes a call from a phone both. Here, in Washington DC. Supposedly set in contemporary times. When was the last time ANYONE has seen a full glass phone booth along the road? ANY road? But then the car chasing the character couldn't smash it to pieces just as she leaves. Ooo..exciting.

Tom

... and that's precisely what has happened to all the glass phone booths by the sides of roads!

Yeah. Just take a drive down RT 7 or 7100/7700 and behold the carnage.

Ya... like you can really get thru traffic on 7 fast enough to smash a phone booth. ;)

Yeah. Just take a drive down RT 7 or 7100/7700 and behold the carnage.

And all this time I thought it was deer.

Tom

He could build a Hydrant Phone Booth/DVD Case. You know this one would attract a lot of 4-legged friends :p Guess he might need to show a few Benji movies :D
http://www.worth1000.com/entries/166000/166194XeGD_w.jpg

Sorry everyone - been real busy with family over from UK & work - just not had time to get on AVS and the withdrawel symptons have been a nightmare. So will answer a few posts now :D

Cheers,
Mark

Steve [Swithey]/SpaceMoose - Funny thing was we were thinking about having theme doors on all Rec area doors. Phone Box and Police Box were in our list but in end decided not to as these things can end up a bit tiresome.

I really like the ticket booth looks great. I think it would be nicer without the closed sign that part looks kinda distracting. the plaques near it already complement the look. Then maybe another might look different entirely and change my mind.

Steve - the ticket sign is only ever seen as you walk in. I may lose it or redesign when I get time.

Cheers,
Mark

Hey Brit!

Just trying to shamelessly bump your thread count up to the "green glue" thread count (834 to 890)! Your thread is as popular as green glue. Maybe Brian Ravnaas will check-in here and comment!

Come on everyone! Let's make Brit MORE popular than Green GLue!

Tom

Tom,

I'm amazed with post count/views I got. Never thought they would be what they are now.

Cheers,
Mark

Bump. :D

Mark, what are you working on? You have been quite after the visit to Steve's house...I might start assuming you are working on an IB set-up... :)

Jason,

I did PM Mike [Zinima] about his TL sub. Need to get him some more accurate measurements of my available space but going to be a while being I start that.

My current project is a Dolls House.....I collected 112 issues of a Build a Dolls House magazine about 8 years ago.....the kids found the box and been on my back to build it.....at the rate I was going it would be for our future grandchildren. :eek:

Cheers,
Mark

New addition to the HT

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/141-4155_IMG.jpg

Cheers,
Mark

Looking great Mark! What's still on the to-do list?

Damn -- I can't wait until I get to the point that I can do these small but nice details to my room. So much to do and so little time left to watch movies :D

Glad to see you are still doing some work ;) Hopefully someday I can see your room in person. My wife wants to take a trip up there for peeper-season one of these years. Hmm.. "The BritInVA Bed, Breakfast and Home Theater". It has a nice ring to it :p

Looking good Mark, one more little detail done!

Reminds me to order my exit sign.... :rolleyes:

Looking great Mark! What's still on the to-do list?

To actually say 'Stage 1' is finished I need to:
- Complete Bar shelfs/mirrors
- Make velvet border for screen wall
- add additional power outlet for recliners (bad planning :o )
- add PS2 outlet with component / Cat5e (bad planning :o )
- put lock on HT entry door
- Get a couple on Bean chairs
- Bar Stools

'Stage 1' will use the painted drywall as screen. As 'Stage 2' is to upgrade subwoofer to TL Sub which is likly to impact on screen wall I'm holding off buying screen till I know how that plays out.

Glad to see you are still doing some work ;)
Believe me work is going on all over (Dolls House, Study remodel, Yard - load of projects back logged due to HT). The hardest thing is actually getting in the HT room. The Kids are ALWAYs in their playing PS2 and Friday/Saturday nights are booked for next month. If I want I guy's night in the HT I have to do it mid-week and keep LFE down so as 'not to keep kids awake'. Something wrong there :confused:

Hopefully someday I can see your room in person. My wife wants to take a trip up there for peeper-season one of these years. Hmm.. "The BritInVA Bed, Breakfast and Home Theater". It has a nice ring to it :p
Buds wife's comment comes to mind. "So you met him on Internet, you know nothing about him other than he likes your HT, and he is coming to visit and stay for Dinner"
You will have a great time if you come to the DC/NoVA area......loads to do for family and loads of Great HT's for you to visit. :D

Looking good Mark, one more little detail done!

Reminds me to order my exit sign.... :rolleyes:

Thanks Mike - have not forgot that need to get you those measurements. :o

Cheers,
Mark

I am extremely jealous of your Berklines. Some day I may have enough money and nerve to ask the wife for some...

On a different note - Where did you get your undercounter fridge? It looks great and it is what I am lookign for. Is it a wine fridge or a beverage fridge? Does it come in the other style? I have a space for 2 fridges under my bar and I need a wine fridge (preferably dual zone) and a beverage fridge - I would like them to match.

Vincent,

My wife originally didn't think electric recliners was worth the circa $150 extra per chair untill she compared manual versus electric. Manual really was limitting in recline positions.

Got the Beverage Cooler from Home Depot. Its a Magic Chef brand and costs $299. They also do a Wine Cooler too - same price that matches the Beverage Cooler.

Cheers,
Mark

Thanks Jason, Big & Tom.

This is what I've ordered for the centre

http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20070301/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/products/1-59/167990159.jpg

Its comes in stainless steel but think I will spray it black. Should be here by the weekend.

Cheers,
Mark


Where did you get this Cover? This is great.

I got it from BoatersWorld.com

Its a Whitecap Round Louvered Vent 4" (http://www.boatersworld.com/product/167990159.htm)

Can't take credit - Bud [Chinadog] found it.

Sprayed mine Gold and used clear caulk as adhesive.

Cheers,
Mark

Nah, I got it from someone else as well. Can't remember off the top of my head who though.

Bud

Looks great Mark, incredible work.

Nothing exciting going on here - other than watching movies :D

Did get a couple of items from my to do list done.

- Added gaming console plate in HT area
- Added additional recepticle for power recliners

I won't post pics :eek:

Cheers,
Mark

Mark - I am in the same boat as you when it comes to having to retro-fit the power outlets in the riser/room for the power berks. May get your opinion on some ideas I have been looking into doing.

Jason,

Retrofit was not too bad.

Basically removed the outlet box nearest where the new one was to go. As I used the carlon adjustable boxes this was simple. I was then able to remove the staple securing the wires with a large flat headed screwdriver.

I then cut the opening for the new box and was able to reach up and grab the romex annd identify which cable went to the existing box, I tied a new section of romex and pulled it thru.

So providing you have a run going by where you new outlet is to go you should be able to use the same procedure.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark - blow away your old PM's...

Jason - I forgot to renew my AVS Club Membership. All sorted now.

Mark

Nothing exciting going on in the HT (other than enjoying it). I did try my hand at calibrating audio/picture using AVIA - both much better.

I did finally build a small Marquee based on this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10838240)

I have not decided if I'm going to illuminate yet.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/142-4251_IMG.jpg

Thanks to dachavez for editing the PSD for me.

I'm hoping to start on Concession Stand soon - got the outlaws coming over from UK next week with a stash of British Candy.

Cheers,
Mark

The marquee looks great.

You can tell that the room is finally lived in - paper towels, peanuts, dust mitts (?)...

Mark,

Now that you have been in the room for a while, I am wondering how you feel about the sound with the 46" (or is it 47") Linacoustic down the sides of the theater? I am copying a lot of your ideas (along with others) for my theater, which is much the same size as yours, only I didn't have to use part of the room for the bath, and I don't have a bar. Instead, I went with a second row of seating.

I am at the point where I am debating with myself for the height of the Linacoustic, since, as you pointed out, if you leave it at the current height, it is only a bit higher than the "ear level" of a tall person. :) I have also debated with myself over the way to cover the Linacoustic with the GOM, and how large the panels should be, etc. There are a lot of decisions at this stage. :eek:

Ken

You can tell that the room is finally lived in - paper towels, peanuts, dust mitts
Yep, that's why he's a once a month poster in his thread now too :D

I'll be in the same club soon, I hope.

Cheers
Chip

Sorry guys - on vaction down in Florida and access to Internet is not easy. Got a laptop with Sprint PCS Broadband card - its more making sure wife is not looking :eek: She thinks I still spend to much time on here even though I'm finished :D

I hope to get back to doing some work in HT in Fall. Still got screen, candy cabinet and shelving to complete MK1. MK2 will be a couple of years off.

Cheers,
Mark

Ken - I didn't use JM Linacoustic. I used 1" (on side) and 2" (on screen wall) Owens Corning 703 solid fiberglass panels. Overall happy with the sound in the room.....I think it will improve when I put more 703 behind an AT screen.

Cheers,
Mark

Got a laptop with Sprint PCS Broadband card - its more making sure wife is not looking :eek: She thinks I still spend to much time on here even though I'm finished :D

Mark, didn't you tell her that this kind of project is NEVER completely finished? :)

Every time I mention a tweak or a new idea to improve I get the LOOK :eek: So I try to keep my ideas and future upgrade plans to myself and get my fix from everyone else. :(

Just give her some time to recover. She's a lot like my wife who won't get the constant tweaking. It's one reason I'm going to try to get everything that I want into my first go around. The moment the projector gets hung my theater spending will be diverted to a growing list of other projects. Heck, if evertything works out I'll have a lens, scaler, auto-masking and IB sub before the projector gets ordered. Back-assward, but hey, if I don't I'll be in your boat. ;)

and get my fix from everyone else.

You know where I live. You're welcome to come over anytime you want/need a fix!

Tom

Mark, I know you're getting the look. I get no words spoken, just "the head shake", which is sort of like disbelief. If I had to interpret the look, it would be like "You're gonna what"?" or "You want to spend how much?".

So since you're getting the look anyway, every time I see this I think of you:

http://www.racksandstands.com/Southern-Enterprises-MS1367-UT1218.html

I saw it elsewhere, maybe in this thread, but would make a fine addition if you had the room. It's not full size, its four feet high and hold 136 DVDs. Or, if you got the itch, you could build one full size!

Bud

Funny Bud, isn't that in skymall? I think of Mark's thread when I see that also.

Mark, I know you're getting the look. I get no words spoken, just "the head shake", which is sort of like disbelief. If I had to interpret the look, it would be like "You're gonna what"?" or "You want to spend how much?".

So since you're getting the look anyway, every time I see this I think of you:

http://www.racksandstands.com/Southern-Enterprises-MS1367-UT1218.html

I saw it elsewhere, maybe in this thread, but would make a fine addition if you had the room. It's not full size, its four feet high and hold 136 DVDs. Or, if you got the itch, you could build one full size!

Bud

No room in the HT area, might be cool to make the entry to the HT a Faux BT Phone Booth thou......wonder what Wife would think :D

Cheers,
Mark

You know where I live. You're welcome to come over anytime you want/need a fix!

Tom

Ha, Ha - but I wouldn't want to cause you to finish your HT too early and then be in my predicament.......enjoy your build while it lasts :D

Cheers,
Mark

I wouldn't want to cause you to finish your HT too early

No cause for concern there at the rate I'm going.....

MAYBE I'll get sometihng done this weekend.

Tom

To the NOVA guys. I am just starting out my HT in Brambleton and would like some ideas.Can I maybe pick your alls brains one night at a bar or something?

Pick away. Certainly start a thread and you'll get input from more than just us NoVA'rs. Welcome to AVS by the way. :)

Ask away!

To the NOVA guys. I am just starting out my HT in Brambleton and would like some ideas.Can I maybe pick your alls brains one night at a bar or something?

My wife and I have been in every model home in Brambleton, from Beazer to the Winchesters, with the exception of those new townhouses at Ryan and Belmont Ridge. The Gulick model has the best HT. The Stanley Martin model on the lake is small but very well outfitted. There is also a decent HT in a model at the Evergreen Mill Preserve development - just a couple minutes down Evergreen Mill(towards Leesburg) from Ryan road.

You can also see my HT at: Our family theater (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=853124)

If you want to see a room in progress, feel free to come on over (Sterling, next to the NOVA campus). There's no hurry at the rate I'm going. It'll be in progress for a while yet.

Welcome!
Tom

To the NOVA guys. I am just starting out my HT in Brambleton and would like some ideas.Can I maybe pick your alls brains one night at a bar or something?

Your welcome to come over to see my HT also, I still plan on inviting fellow AVS'ers over but still not completly finished yet.

Cheers,
Mark

To the NOVA guys. I am just starting out my HT in Brambleton and would like some ideas.Can I maybe pick your alls brains one night at a bar or something?

Welcome to the AVSforum.

Beer is good!

Now that summer is over we should try organizing a few get-togethers. I see a lot of new folks here from Northern VA. I'm willing to host a meet to get the ball started.

Regards,

BillMac

We need a secret handshake.

MAybe just for Ashburn? :cool:

I see a lot of new folks here from Northern VA. I'm willing to host a meet to get the ball started.


I'm interested.

We need a secret handshake.

MAybe just for Ashburn? :cool:

I'm sure it would be just a good as the Ashburn hand sign...

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/265076/2/istockphoto_265076_loser_web_hand.jpg

:D:p:D:p

I think you are confused, That's for Fairfax county.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/363749/fairfax_county_tops_the_median_household.html

You (Loudoun) can have this one:


http://www.autosportsltd.com/Images/making_lemans/finger.jpg

Such ugly jealousy. ;)

I think this ones better for you bunch of Tossers :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Fingers_and_thumb_in_circle_downward_motion.jpg

I'm up for a meet.

Cheers,
Mark

Lets make a plan to meet at Sweetwater or something. Put faces to text, drink beer and talk HT. Trying to find Isulshield will drive anyone to drink... HEAVY. BTW, still cant find it.

I'm in. Will roll into Fairfax County for a brew or two.

'-)

I'm up for a get together at either a bar or if someone is up for hosting (not quite ready myself).......I can't do this weekend thou.

as far as getting together, what works better for everyone, weekends or a week night?

weekends are looking to get busy, but could manage (what the heck, one MORE day of NOT working on the build won't matter much at this point)...weeknights work for me, just NOT Tuesday

Tom

Either works for me but will be camping this Friday & Saturday nights.

pretty much available for any time but this weekend. Got the in-laws coming in town. Come to think of it....:)

Has anyone been to the brickskeller in DC? It would be a great spot to meetup.. Its in DC, but its something to experience.. I will monitor this thread.

Martin

The Brickskeller is great!

RFD in DC is another.

Pizzeria Paradiso in Georgetown has a great downstairs pub with many unique beers on tap and lot's of bottles.

Vintage 50 in Leesburg.

Any of the Sweetwater Taverns.

Gordon Biersch in Tyson's

There's always the Old Dominion Brewery in Ashburn.

I'm out of town for work next mon-wed., maybe thursday night?

Regards,

bill

my vote is for NOVA, preferable ashburn sterling reston area.

Old Dominion Brewery in Ashburn sounds good to me......nice selection of beers.

Next Thurs is good for me too.

Great, fellow draught heads and audiophiles as well??? Would the collective YOU marry me? LOL. Perfect Thrusday is great thats my sunday, Ashburn is great as well. I will continue to monitor this thread.

Martin

OK then! Are we on for Thursday night at Old Dominion Brewery, say 7:00pm?

regards,

billmac

I just got back from vacation so unfortunately can't make it out to Ashburn on a weekday evening.

On a plus side I do feel re-energized to continue work in the basement this weekend. Feel free to send some stout my way...

Looks like I can make it. Hope to see others.

http://www.olddominion.com/

Cheers,
Mark

I'm a long time lurker on your thread Mark and would love to come along. My theater is just about finished (as much as it will ever be). I think someone said NEXT Thursday and someone else just Thursday!! Can you confirm if you mean the 25th or the 1st?

Thanks

Piers

I believe its tonight - well at least that when I'll be there.

How do we recognize each other - at the bar with a copy of a HT Mag :D

I'll be there. red shirt & blue jeans.

DANG! Did I miss out? I've ben running between projects at work and a little out of touch this week. I WOULD have attended if I thought to check in from home. I'm at a point I could use a few electrical pointers, and it would be easier to ask in person.

Tom

Yep, you missed out.....ended up just being me & Bill. Bill is probably going to have a local meet at his place in near future. Maybe will start off a series of meets - so I'd better finish mine off.

Feel free to call me if you have any Q's.

Cheers,
Mark

Sorry I missed it too. Wrong Thursday for me!! I'm still keen to meet up though so if Bill does do an open house that would be great. I too need to finish up before hosting something.....

Just took the plunge in the HD world :eek:

Ordered the Toshiba HD-A3 from Best Buy. Was too good an offer to pass by - especially with potential of 10 free HD Movies :cool:

Only have a 720p PJ.......1080p will need to wait :(

Cheers,
Mark

Congrats!

That nice room of yours deserves some HDM goodness.

Just took the plunge in the HD world :eek:

Ordered the Toshiba HD-A3 from Best Buy. Was too good an offer to pass by - especially with potential of 10 free HD Movies :cool:

Congrats! You will enjoy. They are having a great deal on some of these players now, and the free software doesn't hurt either. I had two people from my office pick up the HD-A2 from wally world on Friday, and they are both drooling. Keep us updated on how you like it, and what discs you start out with.

Just took the plunge in the HD world :eek:

Ordered the Toshiba HD-A3 from Best Buy. Was too good an offer to pass by - especially with potential of 10 free HD Movies :cool:

Only have a 720p PJ.......1080p will need to wait :(

Cheers,
Mark
Mark,

How did you manage to get "possibly" 10 free DVDs? I only see it offering 8 on their website?

I missed out on the Walmart deal but glad I did now .

The discs I ordered with the player (all free) were Transformers, Superman Returns & Corpse Bride.

For the Rebate order I'll probably go with Babel, The Hulk, Charlie & Chocolate Factory, U2: Rattle & Hum and Troy.

Then if I'm lucky I'll get The Bourne Identity & 300 with the player.

Its back ordered so will have a wait...........but too, too, too good to miss

Mark,

How did you manage to get "possibly" 10 free DVDs? I only see it offering 8 on their website?



Toshiba HD-A30 and HD-A3 HD DVD players come packaged with 2 free HD DVDs — The Bourne Identity and 300 — right in the box. (Only while supplies last.) That's a total of 10 free HD DVD movies with these models!

So no gaurentee.....fingers crossed.

Cheers,
Mark

I missed out on the Walmart deal but glad I did now .

The discs I ordered with the player (all free) were Transformers, Superman Returns & Corpse Bride.

For the Rebate order I'll probably go with Babel, The Hulk, Charlie & Chocolate Factory, U2: Rattle & Hum and Troy.

Then if I'm lucky I'll get The Bourne Identity & 300 with the player.

Its back ordered so will have a wait...........but too, too, too good to miss

Oof, that is a better deal than I thought. On your rebate, I'd think twice about the Rattle & Hum and Troy... Rattle and Hum was evidently a poor transfer (some people claimed not much better than the DVD), and a directors cut of Troy was recently released. But then again, they are free ;-)

I'd go with The Frighteners (haven't seen it, but it is supposedly the Peter Jackson movie that put him on the map), and Black Rain (Ridley Scott cop movie that looks pretty good). Pitch Black is a good sci-fi movie... not as much eye candy as Hulk, but a much much better film.

Man you are going to have some fun when everything shows up!

Was torn on some of the movies, was trying to get movies the family could enjoy....but alas most were R rated. Looking forward to some of the upcoming HD-DVD releases - just changed my format preference on Netflix.

I've also ordered a HDMI cable from Monoprice - gutting thing was yesterday I ordered a new component cable from them - could have saved on some postage.

...and Black Rain (Ridley Scott cop movie that looks pretty good). Pitch Black is a good sci-fi movie...

Black Rain is a bit like Blade Runner set in Japan. Ridley once again uses rain, sound sensory overload and gloom to great effect. I'd give it a solid B.

Pitch Black is on my list to watch in the home theater (whenever it gets done). I saw it a few years ago and just remember it creeping me out in all the darkness stuff.

Speaking of movies, and one go see Blade Runner yet? We took a field trip to see it at the UpTown in DC this weekend. Great theater for a really SciFi classic. THe remastered "Super-Duper" director's cut was nice and clean. Looking forward to that one in the home theater as well. :)

Mark, when I got my A2, they were giving away 3 free DVDs and it took like 3 months to get them. There is a phone number for customer support that I'll try and dig up for you, they tell you about when you will get them.

Bud

Thanks Bud.

Its going to be interesting to see how this recent drop in price and promotions affects the HD-DVD sales. I'm assuming Toshiba are fearing they are losing the war and trying to put a last ditch effort to save the format.......lets hope it does and I have not picked the losing format again (last time I chose Sony Betamax :( )

Mark,

When I sent in my rebate the first of August, it only took about five weeks. They seem to be getting better. You will love the new machine. My D2 (Costco) does a really good job upcoverting standard DVDs and HD-DVDs are incredible.

We dropped Netflix last week due to the very long waits on HD DVDs. It was great service in the beginning...I think they are picking up a lot of new customers...

Randy, did you go the Block Buster route then? I thought they were more BD friendly.

Bud

Bud,

We haven't done anything yet. With football season now and a full cable line up, we are going to wait this one out for a while. Been so busy that we haven't viewed the HD DVDs we already bought yet. We can always go HD On Demand and see "must see" new releases. Others have not had problems with Netflix. Depends on your service area I guess.

I saw an article today that indicated BB doesn't care if they lose online customers to Netflix. Seems they were losing some big bucks.

Sorry didn't mean to ramble Mark!

Happy Turkey Day everyone!

UPS delivered my Tosh A3 yesterday and we watched Transformers in HD last night. :cool:

Initial impression was that AQ/PQ were excellent - but then again I thought the SD version on my upscaling Oppo were too. Difficult to tell without an A/B...........hope to get Shrek 3 on HD tomorrow and compare with an SD version from Netflix.

A couple of factors that will impact PQ in my case is my PJ is only 720p and I'm still projecting on drywall :o . I really need to get around to getting a better temporary screen.

I do like the interactive features and the fact you can access menu items without stopping movie. Also updating to latest firmware was a breeze.

Cheers,
Mark

Happy Thanksgiving!

Congrats on getting the A3. Spend some more time watching Hi-Def content, then switch back to SD, and you will definitely be able to tell the difference. I've been watching a little of each lately, and I've noticed that after I watch several SD discs, I get sort of used to it, thinking it is not all that bad... then I put in an HD disc, and the fog gets lifted.

You mentioned a temp screen? I didn't even realize you were projecting onto drywall. I built my screen out of blackout cloth, and have been happy with it, but it is a 0 gain (if that) screen. Dunno how much better it would look if I had a positive gain screen. I projected onto drywall for a while, and I was surprised at how good it looked, even though my drywall was painted a dark tan... And then I put my new screen in place, and the colors really popped.

If you are truely looking for a temporary screen, I would either just leave it the way you have it, or use one of the popular paint mixes talked about in the DIY screen section.

Enjoy your new toy ;-)

You mentioned a temp screen? I didn't even realize you were projecting onto drywall. I built my screen out of blackout cloth, and have been happy with it, but it is a 0 gain (if that) screen. Dunno how much better it would look if I had a positive gain screen. I projected onto drywall for a while, and I was surprised at how good it looked, even though my drywall was painted a dark tan... And then I put my new screen in place, and the colors really popped.

If you are truely looking for a temporary screen, I would either just leave it the way you have it, or use one of the popular paint mixes talked about in the DIY screen section.

Yeah, painted drywall with Behr Silver screen.........I started that way so could watch movies during build. Plan was a 16:9 SMX but I now want to go to 2.35:1 in future so don't want to spend too much on a MKI screen.

I still want to sort the screen such that I can fully treat the screen wall. Current thought is to make a DIY screen out of Dazian (http://www.dazian.com/html/audio_visual_intergration.html), which is pretty cheap and hopefully better than drywall. Keep requesting sample but so far no luck......so will probably bite the bullet and just buy.

Cheers,
Mark

Well got up early and headed to BB for one of the PC deals - but was not early enough :( . Ended up just buying Shrek III on HD-DVD for $30 :eek:

Came home and compared SD-DVD to HD-DVD and did an A/B. The PQ on HD-DVD was definetly better. The colours were more vibrant and the was more fine detail. My Oppo did do a great job at upscalling but not as good as HD-DVD.

Glad I finally made to decision to buy a HD-DVD player.

Cheers,
Mark

Long time no talk.... things look great! I'm starting my bar and have been searching around for ideas and pics. Your bar really turned out nice! I'll warn you now, I might steal some ideas.:D

Quick Q

When making a DIY screen what color should the screen frame be (i.e. the frame you warap the screen around).

Cheers,
Mark

Quick Q

When making a DIY screen what color should the screen frame be (i.e. the frame you warap the screen around).

Cheers,
Mark

Black. Cloth or other dark material will give you better results than paint. Paint works good also and it is only slightly less superior depending on your projectors brightness etc.

Mark,

Probably depends on the screen material but I painted my wooden screen frame flat black.

Regards,

Billmac

Thats as I thought - I think you can guess what material it is :-)

Cheers,
Mark

As Steve mentioned it's also a good idea to use dark fabric or velvet. I had four recessed braces across on the back of the frame that were visible under spotlight until I wrapped them in black fabric.

billmac

How are you planning on making your screen? I made a large frame, and wrapped my screen material around that. Then made the border out of 4 sections of casing wrapped in velvet.

* Staple the velvet to the back of the casing
* Put the casing in place on the screen
* Brad nail the casing to the screen frame (covering up some portion of screen fabric)
* Wrap the velvet around to the backside of the screen frame
* Staple velvet in place

I used mitred corners, and as I recall the only hard part to the whole thing was getting the corners wrapped nicely.

The velvet is a must in my opinion... even if the rest of your screenwall is black GOM or similar.

I found the link for what I mostly followed:
The AT Woody Frame (http://www.smxscreen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101).

cheers,
aaron

Aaron - pretty much doing as you describe. So the border frame will be covered by a velvet edge. The will be some cross beams which I can wrap in some spare black expo cloth as Bill/Steve suggest.

Thank,
Mark

I didn't do anything special to the cross members. I left them in their natural poplar color. I have *never* noticed them through the fabric. I am using blackout cloth as the screen material, so that may differ from the Dazian or whatever you ended up going with. It can't hurt to wrap em in the expo though.

Also, my screen material is not touching the cross members... it is sitting about 1/4" in front of them. that might make a difference as well.

Drat - my cross-beams are flush with the outer frame - wonder if I should cut some ply strips to pad the outer frame so it will give 1/4" gap between the screen material and the cross beams.

I'm using Dazian - which was a gift from Bill when he saw was looking to make a temp screen.

Cheers,
Mark

Drat - my cross-beams are flush with the outer frame - wonder if I should cut some ply strips to pad the outer frame so it will give 1/4" gap between the screen material and the cross beams.


I was worried about the material pressing against the cross members and causing a crease. If you haven't put the material on yet, I would put something on the front of the frame. I just used some simple case molding strips (1.5" - 2" wide by about 1/4")... but that was before I had a real saw. If you have some scrap 1/4" ply laying around, that would be a good idea to cut into strips and brad around the border.

Got plenty of scrap 1/4" ply from the Bar Oak Paneling & a Table Saw so will cut some strips tomorrow.

Boy its nice to do something in the HT for a change - laying hardwood floors, reseeding lawns, Christmas decorations etc ain't quite as enjoyable.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,
I painted my frame black. To get it so the fabric does not rest on the cross-members you can make the frame and then insert some screen door spline around the perimeter. I had to do this because my screen this winter got some ripples in it (I think due to the wood changing with the temperature). This tightened up the screen and also provided about 1/8" gap between the fabric and the frame. Last page in my thread shows the process. Good luck. It is good to see you doing something productive with your time again:).

Boy its nice to do something in the HT for a change - laying hardwood floors, reseeding lawns, Christmas decorations etc ain't quite as enjoyable.

Mark, you should start of volunteer group with all your NoVa buddies, something like "Home Theaters for Tots" or "Salvation Home Theater Army" or "Home Theaters for Humanity". You can go around and do builds for the underprivileged home owners in the area. Maybe AVS sponsors will donate equipment for the cause. That'll keep up that HT spirit!

LOL. :D

Happy Holidays!

Bud

Bud - you have obviously never been to Ashburn. If your "underprivileged" they don't let you in even a Good Will center is having a hard time with its neighbors.

Gonzo - I'll take a look at you screen updates - they must have been very recent as I don't recollect seeing them.

Cheers,
Mark

"underprivleged" is relative.

ME FRIST! Do mine!

Tom

Tom think the word for you is "slow" :D

Where you up to now? Finshed Plumbing, HVAC & Electric?

Cheers,
Mark

Gonzo - good tip on the screen spline. Think I'll start with ply strips (as fabric not on frame yet) and keep this in back pocket.

Cheers,
Mark

Plumbing, HVAC rough-in approved. I've got the electric for the outlets pulled. Need to get to the lights. Hoping to do that over the two 4-day weekends comming up. Framing substantially complete, need to fire-stop, then should be good from there.

AND I STILL owe you $20 and have to return your stuff! Are you going to be around for the Holidays?

Yep - be around over the holiday - looks like I'm working on the 1/2 bath :(

Just call ahead.

Cheers,
Mark

Well cut the ply strips and applied to to screen frame border, painted the cross beams black and got the screen fabric on frame and tested......at moment I'm seeing the shadows of the cross beams but thats because the wall behind is gray. I need to treat wall and get a blackout cloth up to solve that.

For wall treatment was going to use 2" Owens Corning 703 solid fiberglass panels. But only got 2 left and need 4. Any NoVA AVS'ers know of a local dealer where I can pick up a couple of panels - or is anyone ordering and going to have surplus I can purchase?

Alternative is to try to cut them down to 1" thick.

Cheers,
Mark

OK - started getting what looks to be a 'ghosting' on the picture - only shows up on blacks.......any ideas?

Cheers,
Mark

AE900, right? Might want to post over in that thread if you haven't already. How many hours on the bulb?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=586260

Bud

Thanks Bud - I've posted in the Panny thread.

Lamp has got 543hrs on it and has been running in low power mode, just changed to high power to see if that changes things over next few movies.

[EDIT] Think it must be a a dust blob. Will get some compressed air and try to remove per this archived post.

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...d.php?t=738942

Cheers,
Mark

OK - started getting what looks to be a 'ghosting' on the picture - only shows up on blacks.......any ideas?


For what it's worth After 2 years on my Optoma I started getting (or started noticing) ghosting on blacks. I determined that it is limited to when I watch with the OPPO, not evident with DirectTV nor a OTA Sony HD HDD.

It is also a function of brightness and contrast on my PJ.

It seems to be there with both the Oppo & the Tosh HD-DVD so asumming it is a dust blob.

Hope everyone has a Great Christmas.

Cheers,
Mark

Well finally got time to get some work done on the DIY screen (damn 1/2 bath and some hardwood floors impeded progress).

Screen wall now has 2" of OC 703 (thanks to bmackrell for his surplus) and covered with black cloth. Now don't see the cross beams. :)

First impression is that the colors seem to pop a little more. Need to watch a few movies.

Just need to gets some Fidelio velvet (local Joannes didn't have any) - is The Millinery (http://www.bymichelle.com/fidelio.html)the only on line stockist? Any NoVA folks found it locally?

Cheers,
Mark

Just need to gets some Fidelio velvet (local Joannes didn't have any) - is The Millinery (http://www.bymichelle.com/fidelio.html)the only on line stockist? Any NoVA folks found it locally?

Cheers,
Mark

That's the only online source I have seen for the Fidelion. Sometimes e-bay has it. I think Ruben sold some off at some point. Might check with him. Jo-Ann's usually doesn't have the black. Seen other people snag some at other local establishments.

OK - so I have these track lights in the bar area a rear of the Theatre.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/lights1.jpg

I like them but problem is that when on and even when dimmed they cast a shadow on the screen (soffet blocks some). They are usually off for movies but for sporting events I prefer to have some light in the bar area.

Any tips on how I can stop light bleeding onto the screen? Was thinking of maybe some foil on the sides that face the screen.

Here is a closer look.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/lights2.jpg

Thanks,
Mark

Probably really dumb question :o

I need to order some Fidelio Velvet to finish the screen but looking at the website (http://www.bymichelle.com/fidelio.html) it displays a pattern.

http://www.bymichelle.com/velvetcolors/1000black.jpg

Am I right to assume this is just way to show the velvet colour on the site and the actual velvet has no pattern?

Cheers,
Mark

So my question too dumb :o

Not a dumb question - I just don't know the answer. :(

Mark, the second group of velvets has this wording:

"Velvet Colors - Approximate current stock noted
Cut yardage requires a 1 yard minimum and is not embossed"

I'm assuming that the pattern is to show what the color will look like if embossed.

What are you using for screen material?

Thanks - Big.....you know I thought I read that once on that page but then I couldn't find it.

I've used a white Dazian for the screen - as I know it's only going to be a 18-24 month screen (when I hope go 2.35:1 / 1080p) I didn't see point of spending too much and this was really cheep - billmac had it surplus :D

Really liking the richer colors but think blacks are a Little grayer - plus was able to finally treat the area behind screen.

Still not had time to do any more in HT (still need to finish Bar and build a confectionery stand) as I have got so many other projects going on. Currently building wall units in Study then got to turn the master bedroom vaulted ceiling into a multi layer tray ceiling :(

Cheers,
Mark

My new toy

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/009.jpg

MX-980 and a MRF-260 :D :D : D

How do you like it?

Bud

My new toy

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/009.jpg

MX-980 and a MRF-260 :D :D : D


very sweet. and very expensive!! i had to go with the 810 to get a color LCD and stay in my budget. how is it working out for you? later.

How do you like it?

Bud

Bud,

Only got it programmed today - not really put it thru its paces but so far love it.

Glad I went this route.

Can't wait to get the Insteon IRLinc to integrate with the lighting.

Cheers,
Mark

My new toy

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/009.jpg

MX-980 and a MRF-260 :D :D : D
Sweet remote. I have an older version of this remote -- the MX-700. I've been looking for an excuse to buy a new one and may do that after I get my new BR player purchased bought and broke in :)

Sweet remote. I have an older version of this remote -- the MX-700. I've been looking for an excuse to buy a new one and may do that after I get my new BR player purchased bought and broke in :)

From my limited experience you cannot go wrong with this remote.....the programming takes a bit of getting used to but once you get hang of it - seems straight forward. All graphics fully customizable too. Very, very flexible and I'm sure I'll be tweaking for months :D

One thing I love is the way that when in not use it shuts down but immediately you pick it up comes to life back lit and all. Big pet grievance of mine not being able to easily find pause button - no longer - hip, hip hurray :)

You picked out a BD yet? I'm going to keep eye out on early adopters of the Panny BD50. Also hoping Tosh may come out with a BD player with combo HD-DVD. No rush on my part - I'm thinking be toward end of year before I pick up a BD. If I or my kids (girls) were into gaming I'd get PS3 - but I'm not so will wait it out a while.

Cheers,
Mark

You picked out a BD yet? I'm going to keep eye out on early adopters of the Panny BD50. Also hoping Tosh may come out with a BD player with combo HD-DVD. No rush on my part - I'm thinking be toward end of year before I pick up a BD. If I or my kids (girls) were into gaming I'd get PS3 - but I'm not so will wait it out a while.

Cheers,
Mark
Not yet. I'm probably going to get the Panny BD50 once it is available. I'm not a huge gamer either. The Wii is working out fine but my girls are asking for some new games. I'm most excited about a new game called Mario Kart Wii (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/mariokart/index.html?tag=topten;all;title;4) - available 2008 Q2. I may have fun with it as well :o

Bud,

Only got it programmed today - not really put it thru its paces but so far love it.

Glad I went this route.

Can't wait to get the Insteon IRLinc to integrate with the lighting.

Cheers,
Mark

You and me both. I'll let you be the guinea pig. ;-)

Can't wait to get the Insteon IRLinc to integrate with the lighting.
Mark, same here and that's a beautiful remote BTW. I was a little disappointed that they pushed the ship date back to the 29th.

I’ve been using IR to control Insteon through the ISY-99i/IR Pro and the IES Touch Screen for a while now and it’s worked out extremely well. Let’s hope the IRLinc functions in the same fashion.

Can't wait to get the Insteon IRLinc to integrate with the lighting.

Cheers,
Mark
I have mine on order as well. I've been waiting 2 years for this sucker! Finally, I can control my lighting from a seated position.

I have mine on order as well. I've been waiting 2 years for this sucker! Finally, I can control my lighting from a seated position.

He he, my little X10 solution has been working mighty fine for some time now. :) Curious how the IR to Insteon device works out for you all. Its the end of April now before its out, correct?

Bud

He he, my little X10 solution has been working mighty fine for some time now. :) Curious how the IR to Insteon device works out for you all. Its the end of April now before its out, correct?

Bud

They are shipping pre-orders at end Feb.......but now showing out of stock. I hadn't ordered mine as wanted to see what others thought about them first.

So doubt will get mine now for a few months :(

Cheers,
Mark

Got a few things accomplished in the HT over the weekend.

1st the Screen now has a velvet border

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/004.jpg

2nd got an Insteon IRLinc which means I can now control my lights with my remote. Works great - it was a PITA trying to create scenes with the tap-tap method so ended up creating basic IR commands with the IRLinc and then used the macro function of the remote to create scenes.

When I walk into room I use KeypadLinc to turn on Sconces, Front Bar and Rear Bar lights. When I take a seat and want to watch a movie I use the 'Movie Lights' macro that slowly turns off the Scones and Front Bar, dims Rear Bar to about 20%, turns on Rope to 70%.

If during movie I want to pause I use a 'Pause Lights' macro which turns on Sconces and Front & Rear bar to 70%.

Works great.

So just leaves the bar to finish (shelfs) and a concession stand.

Cheers,
Mark

Just a note to let people know I added a thread index to the first post.

Cheers,
Mark

Copy cat! :)

Bud

Theres not much in this thread that was not copied from someone :D

And as you know a lot of it was from you ;)

Just a note to let people know I added a thread index to the first post.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,
Thanks a bunch for the index. I wish everyone who has a extensive build thread would copy this.

Copy cat! :)

Bud
Let’s all remember that plagiarism is the highest form of flattery.

Mark,

Thanks for responding to my post on my screen wall. It is very similar to what you did, so there may be more plagiarizing going on. It looks like you used a grey fabric. Are you happy with the way that is performing, or would you use black if you could do it again?

I would prefer to use a dark grey like yours, but the majority of people are recommending black.

Chris - Actually I used black Dazian (Exposure) - it's the flash that washes it out a bit. Unlike the border which is a black velvet which is more light absorbing.

They actually look as black as each other in real life.

Cheers,
Mark

I finished the concession stand

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/001.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k242/BritInVA/HT/002.jpg

Took the week off to do stuff with kids and 'they' decided to make 'other' plans.....oh well one persons loss is another's gain so working on the Bar shelfs now :D

Cheers,
Mark

Mark, great job! That came out really nice!

Bud

concession stand looks awesome.... I can see your next guests coming over and saying..

"what are you gonna put in that empty lighted counter?" :)

great work. thanks for the ideas.

Thanks guy's - still planning a little work on it.....at some point will order some glass for the top. Still debating glass or wood shelves for the bar - thinking glass will probably rattle.

Cheers,
Mark

Just tape them down with some duct tape for a true DIY look. ;)

Maybe stick some rubber grommets under the glass to prevent the rattling?

Home Depot/Lowes has green or black felt pads specifically designed for glass tabletops and shelving to protect the surface, keep the glass in place, and keep it from rattling.

Just tape them down with some duct tape for a true DIY look. ;)

Yes, I can just see some nice silver duck tape against the Oak panelling....but would match nicely with the stainless steel appliances :D

Home Depot/Lowes has green or black felt pads specifically designed for glass tabletops and shelving to protect the surface, keep the glass in place, and keep it from rattling.

Maybe stick some rubber grommets under the glass to prevent the rattling?

Is not just the shelves vibrating on the supports but also the bottles vibrating.

I'm going to go with wood shelves for now, at least with wood I can also lay some type of rubber mat to stop bottles from slowly vibrating off the shelves. Can always change out later if I don't like the look.

Cheers,
Mark