Looking for someone or some people that have built their own home theaters here in Omaha.

Looking for best resources for Acoustic Board of some kind similar to Insul-shield

Looking for GOM resource locally so I can see samples

Any other resources you may know about.

Thanks for you help.

Matt

I've seen a few people from Omaha posting here. I'm in Papillion and am in the process of building my HT, as well as finishing my basement. It's almost half-done (pictures will follow). As far as materials locally, I've been trying to find OC 703 in Omaha, and have had a very tough time finding it. No-one I've called sells it or rockwool. If you find one, I'm still searching. Let me know. . .

As far as GOM, I had to call a couple of places from the internet and found here in these forums. No local places that I can find. One of the places (I'm at work now, so I can't remember off the top of my head) sent me a full brocure with some nice samples of fabric. Search for distributors here in the forums.

Ed

I'm in Omaha and like Ed, I'm finishing my basement with a theater. I'm not to the GOM point (still hanging drywall) but I have got some nice samples (9" x 9")from the GOM website. http://www.guilfordofmaine.com/

I was on the hunt for Linacoustic and called Menards because they carry Johns Manville insulation but they don't carry Linacoustic. Menards did give me the name of Allied Insulation that could order it in for me (895-4115). I have not called Allied to order any yet, but if you do, I'd like to hear if they could help you out.

Good Luck!

Brian

I really need to get GOM samples quickly though.

Sheetrock goes up on Friday if I get all the wiring in place. Glued some conduit tonight for the audio and video cables. Not moving as fast as I wanted. Oh well, movie season is several months away.

It never goes as fast as you want it. My father-in-law, who builds houses for a living, slapped up everything in our basement extremely fast, whereas when I'm doing the high and low-voltage wiring, it takes me a quarter-century to get everything done. Things keep popping up that make me have more work. This week: central vac outlets downstairs, speaker rough-ins in the bathroom and other places in the basement, etc, etc. We hope to have drywall starting to be hung by this weekend. . .but don't quote me. I've got a lot of work still to do before that happens.

Several guys here at work have nice front projection home theater setups but none of them went with fabric on the walls. Your best bet if you have to find GOM locally is to call some places that do cubicles for offices.

I think a board favorite for ordering the stuff is here: http://www.fabricmate.com/

I'm here in Omaha as well and I DIY'd. I purchased my rigid insulation from Midwest Insulation dowtown (346-6301). They are a JM supplier but I ended with Certainteed Toughgard R which specs out very close to linacoustic, at $165 for a 100' roll. They looked at me like I was nuts comparing the data sheets of the two...

Fabricmate was also the best choice for me at the time when I ordered my GOM.

Dan

A friend at work told me last fall that he got OC 703 panels for a resonable price at "The Sound Environment". Haven't been there in a very long time, so I don't know what all else they may offer.

Good luck.

-Rod

Nice theater Dan!

I am bookmarking your thread so when my wife and I start building ours, I have somebody local to bother with questions :)

If you are interested in making your own, these guys sell OC703:

LINCOLN DRYWALL
5731 Seward Avenue
Lincoln NE 68507
Toll-free:800 234-0691

I got this information from HuskerHarley.

I am also in Omaha trying to finish my basement/theater and doing it myself. I'm just getting ready to do the drywall. Good to see people from the Big O on this forum. I will check back soon.

-Greg

Thanks for the info. I also have someone checking here in Omaha to see if we can get the OC703. If I am able to find it, I will post.

Matt

Since we have a great representation of folks here from Omaha, does anyone know where to get ductliner? What about Silent Flex flexible duct?

I haven't made any calls yet. Was hoping someone may have found a source they could point me to.

-Rod

The flexible duct you can pick up at Loewes or any place really. Not sure about the duct liner.

I am drywalling right now and have one of those red drywall lifts from ebay I'll have it for sale in about a month or so when I am done. Let me know if any of you guys in Omaha are interested in it. Just send me a PM.

Brian

I have to begin working on all the interior details but can't for at least a week. My wife used the b-shire opportunity to order carpet so the color scheme looks like it is getting set. I will keep you guys informed...

That's excellent. You'll surely save a bundle. My wife and I took that same opputunity for carpet in our last house. We saved nearly $1300 while doing a small basement.

Dan

here is a company in the poweruys section of avscience that saved me a bundle on berklines even over b-shire. When we built our house three years ago we used the b-hire for all the carpet appliances furniture and electronics. Quite a savings!

No one has posted here in a while so I thought I would give you a little information. I ordered fabric samples directly from Gilford of Maine. The samples were pretty large so it is easy to compare and contrast colors.

Hired someone to do acoustical analysis and room set-up. Glad I did so in the building phase because the tips have been helpful in how to drywall, how to build stage and risers and what types of acoustical treatments. I guiess we will see the full worth when the room is done and I can hear how it sounds.

Also, looking for Omaha source for OC703. Thanks for the source in Lincoln, I will use that as a last resort.

Matt

I called up Lincoln Drywall, and they do not stock it regularly - it will have to be a special order. I asked the guy to give me a price quote, and he took my number and name to get back to me. BUT - he never called back. Surprise, surprise. Customer service anymore seems dead. How do companies expect to sell product when they don't pursue a sale? I hate doing business like that.

If there's any Omaha DIY'ers that will be needing some 1" loft batting, I have quite a bit left over. It may be enough to do your whole room. PM me if you're interested in simply taking it off my hands.

Dan

DKaps - what is "loft batting"?? I've never heard of it - is it something for behind or in front of the walls for sound deadening???

I may have up to a case of Green Glue left over and will sell it for what I bought it for less the shipping to an Omaha theater builder. PM me or email me.

Thanks
Matt

If anyone in the Omaha area is interested, I've got a row of 5 antique theater chairs that I'm trying to sell. I got them off ebay a few years ago and never installed them in my theater. Not enough room. They have the wooden backs and no cupholders. The seats need to be recovered, and I have enough burgundy vinyl to go with them if you want it. Just send me a note if anyone is interested.

I've also got a light up poster box with the chaser lights from a theater that was torn down in Kansas, and I'd rather not try and crate and ship and go the Ebay route.

I'm willing to do a little trading if anyone is good with a fish tape and can help me route my speaker and projector wires. :D

Dave

DKaps - what is "loft batting"?? I've never heard of it - is it something for behind or in front of the walls for sound deadening???

It's one inch thick polyester batting that's used behind fabric in locations that don't need absorption. It's the same thickness as the commonly used Linacoustic or equivalent. The batting helps maintain the same wall surface level behind the fabric.

Dan

If any of you guys ever decide to do a showing of your theater, let me know. I am very interested in seeing/hearing one of the soundproofed greenglued theaters with fabric for walls.

I live west around 156th and Blondo but will make the trip anywhere local to check out your handywork...and I can bring the drinks.


Chris

Are there any Omaha area HT meets where HT owners can meet and swap ideas?
If not is anyone interested?

Ron

I started this threat so we could share information. This has been a great source for me in the past.

Starting to threaten us will only lead to bad things. . . . :)

I'm interested in seeing what others have done. With the price and time constraints, I decided to "get 'er done" and buy 3 cases of GG. If I would have seen Video's proposal, I probably would have only bought 2 of them. Video - PM me with a price - I'll probably pull the trigger.

ALSO - DKaps, thanks for the explination. I'm still looking for OC703 in the Omaha area with no luck. I'm worried about duct noise right now, and before the second layer of drywall goes up in our room, I would like to see what I can do about it. Any suggestions??

PS - if anyone wants to come over and help out with drywalling, PM me!! :)

Ed

Ed,

You might try Millard Drywall for the OC703. I think they are related to Lincoln Drywall.

I ordered my black suspended ceiling materials from them. Their customer service was very good. I did go into the store in person to place the order though so that may have helped.

Ron

FYI, left a message with Millard Drywall. If anyone else needs OC703, I will be ordering both 1" 4x8 sheets and 2" 4x8 sheets if they can get them. If not I will keep searching. If I am able to tell them that I want more than a couple cases, they might be more motivated to order for us.

Thanks
Matt

I know I will need 16 sheets of 2" for front wall, back wall and corner bass traps - I think they cme 6 to a case. I will also need 6 sheets of 1" for the side walls - I think these come 12 to a case. It the very least I will have 2 sheets of 2" left and 6 sheets of 1" left. If we can consolidate all the Omaha orders, maybe we can share cases and save some money.

Matt

I got my application in the mail yesterday for the CEDIA show in September at the Denver convention center.

I was thinking that if anybody else local was planning on going, we might rent a van and carpool.

I'm interested in a group buy. After contacting both Lincoln and Millard Drywall, I don't have any confidence that they know their head from their other place. I'm hoping we can get some - I'm in for enough to cover my front wall. I saw that you posted 4x8 sheets, but I thought they came in 2x4 sheets. . .can anyone confirm the right size??

You are correct, it is 2 x 4 which changes my needs considerably. I am still searching and I hope others here are too. If I find a source I will let you know and we can buy a bunch together.

All other Omaha people, please keep searching too. Maybe one of us will come up with something.

Matt

Hey Nebraska HT builders, I have a question---- (OK actually I have a TON of questions, but hey, I gotta start somewhere...)

My basement building code (Lincoln) says ceiling height minimum is 7'. Considering my basement is 7'2" from joist bottom to floor (WITHOUT carpet and pad) does that mean I am absolutely screwed as far as acoustic isolation is concerned? I figure I have 5/8" plus 1/2" drywall (with green glue) and that gives me 1 1/8", right? Now I only have 7/8" to play with. Is that enough for any reasonable alternatives to RSIC clips? I guess I could try the RSCI-04 (?) clips that attach to the sister joist, but would it really make that much of a difference? And remember, I still need to put in a carpet and pad (3/4"or more???)

Oh well, forgive my rantings, but you see my plight?

I await your feedback....
Thanks,
CC

And if I do keep the ceiling minimum, what about risers? Will the inspector bust me because my riser means my ceiling doesn't meet minimum height requirements? And what about a rasied area for the stage? Argh, so many questions....

I'm interested in some OC703 or Linacoustic as well.

Why take out a permit? Your choice. Maybe you should hire one of the guys on this site that help design theaters since you have limited space.

Video:

OK now I'm confused. Call me crazy but I thought permits were necessary, at least in keeping with the law. Are you suggesting I "go around" the building code? Wouldn't that put me in jeopardy when I go to sell the home? I sure would hate, upon selling, to have to make changes or worse, demolish the basement HT because it didn't "meet code".

BTW, I did hire someone to help with this design. That's another story, but the problem still remains-I have a relatively "low ceiling!"
CC

China,

Don't know what to tell you. Countless basements have been finished without taking out a permit. Is it getting around the Building code? Yes, but like I said that is a decision you have to make. I have finished three basements in three homes and have never taken out a permit and have had no problem selling the homes. If you plan to do all the work yourself, you may choose to NOT take out a permit. If you hire a plumber or electrician, then you most likely will have to since they do not want to jeopardize their license. Again your choice.

bump
Anyone wanna tackle my questions?
Thanks
CC

China, try starting a Lincoln Thread. That way people from LIncoln might look into the thread.

99% of Omaha basements that are finished by the homeowners did not have a permit pulled when they were built.

I'm in Omaha and I'm looking for 2 affordable subs. One to tape and mud my drywall and the other to do the trim woodwork. If any of you have some names and numbers of anyone that might be interested, send me a PM.

Thanks, Brian

I refuse to believe that Omaha is such a "rural" town that we can't get a certain product. This serves as a "bump" as well as a call to see if anyone has a souce for OC703. C'mon, this is kinda rediculous!! Anyone have any leads??

Ed

Have you called "The Sound Environment"?

I called the Sound Environment along with several other places. I ended up ordering from Sensible Sound because it was considerably cheaper even with shipping. 1" OC 703 was quoted by Sound Environment as $107 per box and 2" at $200+ per box. Let's just say I saved 25%+ and 50% on 2" by ordering from BPape. FYI Bryan at Sensible Sound Solutions is also helping me with room design and acoustic design.

Another Note on the Sound Environment. I asked them about doing RTA to help me set EQ levels and projector set-up and let's just say they were less than interested in doing so. If you didn't buy it there it sounds like they are pretty reluctant to provide service. I asked for an hourly rate and asked what I needed to do to schedule. They said they were pretty busy and backed up and MIGHT be able to work me in sometime in the future.

I think there is someone here in Omaha that is ISF approved and does RTA. Does anyone know who it is or does he only work for Sound Environment? Thanks

I believe there's someone at Custom Electronics who is also qualified.

Does anyone know where I could see some Berkline 088s in the Omaha area? NFM doesn't stock them. There is a new PowerBuy posted and I'm strongly considering ordering some for my new theater.

Ron

NFM used to have them on the floor but do not any more. I priced them dureing the Berkshire Hathaway sale and the power buy price from Carolina Interiors was $1000 cheaper for the seven chairs I ordered. I really had no choice of chairs because of the width of my theater, it is only 13' wide. Mine should be here in a couple weeks.

Matt

Matt,
Sounds like we have similar width concerns. My theater is a little less than 12' wide in the seating area. What configuration are you going with?

Ron

I'll jump into the fray...
Count another Omaha HT DIY'er.

Being almost done with mine, I'll try and add what I can.
My room is 12x20; I'm not sure I remember what brand my seats were, but I did get the last couple of sets of my seats from NFM before they sold the floor displays and they were bringing in all new sets in the show area... those were way too big for my little room. I did 2 sets of three, raised the rear set up 6". I'll see if I have a pic...

Also, I did not spend a lot of effort on accoustics... the way I handled this was thru carpeting and lots of hanging fabrics (purple and burgandy velvet curtains).

I am open to anybody who would like to come take a look at my room. I'll attach a pic here.

Greg

Nice job dude. Tell us more about your gear and how you laid the room out. Is the 6 inch rise enough? I built mine 14 inches so kids sitting in the back row can see over the front.

Matt

My config is 3 wedge shaped chairs in the front row. Four seats in the back. The center two are a loveseat with a wedge shaped chair on each end. Black leather.

Gear:

Projector = Sony VPL-HS51A
Screen = Da-Lite Cinema Contour (92" diag)
Receiver = Yamaha HTR-5990
Speakers = Klipsch Synergy III series (F-3's,C-2, S-2's, Sub12 and 2 rears (JBL))
Cox HD box

I'm not quite sure 6" is enough for kids or adults of shorter stature, but for me it works. Besides, I haven't covered it yet so I could do it over if I had to.

At 14" Matt, how did you handle the foot rests?

Originally, and maybe down the road, I wanted vintage seating (read, narrower) so I could squeeze as many butts into that room as possible. I'll have to look when I get home as to the make/model of them. All I know is that the big sets NFM was bringing in, although very nice, were going to be too big and puffy for my room.

Greg

Video...

What are your room dimensions? I wanted to do a loveseat option, but settled on two rows of wedge seats, one right behind the other.

Greg

Guys...

I kept a blog log of my progress. If your interested, there's a linky in my profile.

Once on the site...
Under "Links" click on the "Home Theater Update" story link.

Because of my occupation, I'm pretty much online all day long. Between the emails, IM's and message boards, I do manage to actually get some work done.

Greg

Welcome, Greg. I work with your brother. (about 8 feet from him actually)

Dan

Greg,

I'm not sure what you mean by handle the foot rests?? I am a little lucky because my theater is 24' long and was 10' high until I framed it out. I did a room inside a room and had massive ductwork so I lost height in the final finish. My biggest gripe is that my theater is only 13' wide - but really, I'm just glad to be able to build one. That limited me to what chairs I could use and comfort was the top priority. I have been bad about taking pictures but have been taking a few. At some point I will figure out how to post them.

Matt

I built a HT in my west omaha home 2 years ago. A few things have changed over the years. Went from an Infocus X1 to a 4805, and swapped out my old Sub for a DAYTON Titanic 15" also a better DVD player. I didn't go crazy overthinking the room acoustics,I simply insulated all the walls and the ceiling. The sound and image quality are fantastic.

Search the HT Gallery for stonecreekht if you want pictures.

Dan, small world...
Which Bro? Gotta be Jeff yes?

Greg

Sorry Matt, when I built my rear decking I pretty much followed the contour of the rear set "wedge". Now I need to include a footrest maybe for those seats so you can touch the ground as it were. The thought didn't occur to me that all but me who built decking would take it to the rear of the front row, which is what I will be doing.

I thought about taking the decking forward to the rear of the front row, but I haven't quite finished playing with the distances of the two rows from the screen wall as yet...

Greg

That's right.

Gdasenbrock, Sorry I haven't responded, been in China for while so I haven't been doing much as far as the HT goes, other than buying a handful of $1 DVDs LOL. Now I get what you mean by footrest problem. I designed my riser to allow for footspace for the back chairs. Hopefully it will work out ok - the good news is that I have enough room to move the chairs back if needed, just not side to side. Looking forward to getting home after this weekend to get things going again. Hopefully I will get through customs with all the CRAP I am bringing back. Down to the trim-out stage, then carpet, fabric and system. Doesn't sound like much, but really all the time consuming stuff I think.

Video, China huh? Family or business?
I'm starting to think I may need to fly over there as well for work; I am having some probs getting some of my parts shipped from Mfgrs. These days it's glass shortages for small LCD's. Sometimes driver chips on the boards as well. I may need to start thinking about a direct source... Looking into learning some Chinese...

Also, as for the footrest issue... I think this weekend I will either build a new rear deck and commit to where my 2 rows are to be more permanently; or, I'll just build 3 small footrests to place in front of each rear chair, I'm not sure yet. That's what Friday's at my office are for... planning totally non work related projects at home...

Good luck with customs...

Greg

I am also in west O (180 & Center) starting the basement theater/gaming room.
I need to sound proof the HVAC unit that is in the middle of the basement and right next to the "theater" room. any thoughts or help would be appreciated.
I am using B&K separates for the amps and processor and M&K THX speakers. still up in the air on a sub.

Michael

Welcome!

Can't help you on the HVAC prob since I did not really have any in the room I use as my HT; OK, except the duct in the ceiling right where I drilled a 4" hole for a can light... A bit of a nudge and viola! problem solved. I'm sure someone here has a way they worked around theirs.

As for the sub... SVS subs seem to be very popular on these boards, I use a Klipsch now and I am happy with it. I moved it from the front of the HT to the rear; checking to see if I like it there or not.

Greg

Earlier, someone suggested an Omaha HT meet....for reference, how many would be interested in visiting another theater, or showing your own?

Dan

It may have been me; I was thinking maybe a Tuesday night floating "release" screening where those who were interested could view a DVD just released or just yap about HT's...
What you did or wish you'd have done differently...

Of course, the night and time could be flexible for those who have li'l kids and other responsibilities to deal with, me I'm past all that so I'm very flexible.

So, count me in...

Greg

I'd definitely be interested.

Ron

Two so far...
Ron and I...

Had a "demo" last night for a couple of my wife's co-workers... War of the Worlds...
With Tom "I'm in LOVE..." Cruise. I think I shook the PJ out of focus... The scene where the machine first reveals itself... Also, concert demo = Eagles Farewell Tour I from Australia...
Gets them everytime...

Greg

I'd be in as well. That makes 3...

Dan

I'd be interested in this also.

Cool...

Current:
Ron
Dan
"Skers"
Greg

If anybody has a setup with the full GOM or fabric walls, I am very interested in seeing that.

Street of Dreams starts in two weeks and I guess this year the houses are 1.3 million and up, I hope some of them have some nice theater setups.

No GOM fabric in mine...
But I am hoping the SOD has some nice theaters to get upgrade ideas from. That would be the ONLY reason I'd go again; I have no aspirations of owning a 1.3M house.

Greg

I did the full GOM thing with treatment behind. You can see it in the build thread in my sig.

About the Street of Dreams, I really doubt you'll see a room purposely built as a theater with attention to acoustics, isolation, and other things like that for quite a while. Those SOD rooms are done as an afterthought, typically by having a local A/V shop provide the equipment to display during the SOD event just to impress Joe Six Pack, not enthusiasts like most of us. As it is, all they need is front projection, surround sound, and a sectional couch to get people saying "It must be nice to be rich!". Our frame of reference for what impresses is based on what we've been exposed to. Most people have no idea that you don't have to be a Rockefeller to have theaters 10X better than what you'll see in a SOD event.

Dan

Dan, my interest in the SOD theaters is strictly in the decor not in function. I am always curious as to the direction others are going in there design. My curiousity in any SOD theaters lies in what a "professional" sees these rooms as. A theater? A media room? other? They put together LR's, bedrooms, kitchen's, etc... let's see their ideas on HT's.

Me? I like the direction I took, but having said that, I could decide to easily change the room to one like "The Bridge" HT...

The Bridge (http://www.reighn.com/theatermain.html)

Greg

I saw the Bridge in the home theater book I bought from this site. I had no idea that it was actually here in town! That is pretty funny!

I know a guy who talked his wife into getting married on the set of the original enterprise bridge. They were dressed as Kirk and Uhara (sp) and all the groomsman and maids of honor were dressed as red shirts.

If you can talk your wife into something like that, you know it's true love.

I don't know that it is here in town, I was just pointing out the difference between my purple and burgandy velvet retro style and a StarTrek theme...

Also, I'm apt to change my mind as to the style I'm looking for at any moment.
This room and my motorcycles are my only two hobbies, one outdoor one in...

Greg

I'd be interested in an Omaha meet or a rotating demo. As long as I can fit it into my schedule...have 2 young kids in soccer and dance. Just finished my drywall and now am ready to paint. Probably a month or 2 away from a fully functional theater.

Brian

Looking forward to seeing your progress Brian!
Don't worry, this floating excuse to get together and check a movie or concert is not going to be that structured in meets. Rather, I think it will be VERY flexible.

For me, I have 2 of my 3 kids moved out and just the 1 left at home. I can be totally flexible.

Greg


Current count of "aye's":
Ron
Dan
"Skers"
Brian
and I

IMHO,

Permit or not to permit. If there is an eectrical fire or plumbing related water damage you may have some hurdles to overcome with your insurace company. The permitting process servs two purposes 1)make sure the job is done correctly and 2)notify the tax man of the improvement.

It is a personal choice, I permitted everything - construction, electrical, & plumbing, there was to much at stake.

EdL

Local distributor for acoustic caulk:

Millard Drywall sells Miracle SCS-100 Sound-Control Sealant and they usually have it in stock.
Here is the product info: http://www.taccint.com/UploadedDocuments/339409210documents.pdf

Here is the office location:

Omaha Office 4629 South 136th st.
Omaha, NE 68137

tel (800) 365-3733
tel (402) 895-3733
fax (402) 891-9699

Here are the directions to the location: http://www.wagnerinterior.com/directionsOmaha.htm

Also, I think I found an Omaha source for Linacoustic RC (JM). I ordered some last week but I have not heard back from them. I will let you know as soon as I confirm it. The cost was $160.00 per 100 FT roll (47 IN wide).

Also, I think I found an Omaha source for Linacoustic RC (JM). I ordered some last week but I have not heard back from them. I will let you know as soon as I confirm it. The cost was $160.00 per 100 FT roll (47 IN wide).
AngryHT:
I'd sure like to know what happens. I would like to order some as well, or the alternative suggested by DKAPS
Chinaclipper

PS I have two cases of Miracle SCS-100 in my basement as we speak!
Thanks! ;)

Also, I think I found an Omaha source for Linacoustic RC (JM). I ordered some last week but I have not heard back from them. I will let you know as soon as I confirm it. The cost was $160.00 per 100 FT roll (47 IN wide).

I need some Linacoustic as well. Please keep us in the loop if this works out for you or not.

Thanks, Brian

I'm interested in the source for Lincoustic also. We're going full force on the whole basement, including the theater room, so it has been a long process. Hope to be done by mid August - just in time for football season!!

PS - put me down for the grand O theater tour. I would love to see everyone's work.

Ed

We went to the Street of Dreams on Sunday. 6 houses priced from 600k and up, most expensive one was 1.2 million.

They were located in a surprisingly wooded area at 236th and Q. I hadn't been on Q past 168th or so, and it was interesting to see that after 200th, Q seems to turn and head south.

The development is on top of a wooded hill and has a very nice view out over a valley area. They also did a nice job of integrating the trees with the landscaping.

The houses themselves were a bit of a disappointment, every year they go up in price and it seems like you get less and less for your money.

The biggest letdown was ZERO home theaters or media rooms to be seen in any of the homes, even the 1.2 million one! It seems like Omaha is regressing, back in the late 90's early 2000 Street of Dreams, almost every home had a theater or media room, and those were 300k houses.

I guess Omaha millionaires are content with a direct view plasma tv bolted above their fire place, with tons of ambient lighting shining directly on the screen.

Thanks for the heads up. I had planned on going with the Wife on Thursday. I think we'll skip it now.

Dan

I went last Saturday, and yes, only one house had a PJ and screen setup. I was amazed at the comments I heard from people as I stood there...

#1 - The screen doesn't seem too bright...
#2 - You can only watch movies on that thing...
#3 - You have to be rich to get one of those things...
etc...etc...

1st off, it was way too bright in there, necessary for the throngs of people visiting. But it still gives some people the impression that projected images are somehow the same as when they were in school watching films on bomb shelters and how to duck under their desks in case of a nuclear attack... another example is when my wife had metioned to a co-worker we had built a theater in our house, he smirked and with his "all knowing" attitude proclaimed in front of all it was money wasted on a fuzzy picture...

Secondly, the builders and Realtors should've included Cox in the mix to demo the HD options.

Lastly, I put mine in and I'm not rich. I'm guessing these are the same folks who think nothing of plunking down 6K on a huge plasma TV/monitor.

Overall, if your going to the SOD to see latest and greatest, this years was crap... But to tell you the truth, I go solely to see what the trends are... did you notice more dark colors this year? olives, mustards, browns...

My favorite part? Home #3's upper and lower garage/shop...
the lower shop was perfect for hotrods and motorcycles...
It even sported a 220v outlet for that arc welder!

I go riding on that road a lot, it does head South a bit but it turns North and comes out at Hwy 92 (W Center)... perfect tight esses for blasting your bike through...

Greg

There was one house with the projector (panny ae900 I believe) but the house did not have a home theater or media room.

This projector was temporarily attached in the family room, there is no way whoever buys that house will have a projector stay in that room. Across from the projector was a bank of floor to ceiling glass windows.

The display was one of the poorest I have ever seen, and that is saying a lot.

I used to install cable for Douglas County Cablevision in the early 90's. I remember one house in SW Omaha that I entered, and the man was watching tv, projected from a CRT projector onto a full movie theater sized screen, must have been 10 feet high and 19 feet long! And he was watching this dim, 450 lines of resolution picture in full daylight!

nebrunner...

I thought it odd that the PJ looked like it was thrown up on the ceiling last minute...
Although I did like the supersized window! good view of the patio and outdoor kitchen.

Greg

Well, I'm back to the thread. I have been pretty heads down working on the theater in my basement. My intentions were to get everything framed up and drywalled this summer so I could work on it in the winter, but once things got rolling, I didn't slow up. I am 99% done - Just need to hang the rest of the GOM and I am wating for my aluminum screen frame to be fabricated. Managed to cut my thumb pretty good on my table saw which has slowed me, but if I didn't loose a little blood on each DIY project, then it wouldn't be a real project anyway.

I am looking for a couple of peices of 2'x4' 1" OC703. I have run out and I want to treat my entry door. Does anyone here in Omaha have a couple extra peices?

I have to apologize to everyone on this forum for not posting pictures along the way. I have taken a few with my digital camera, but never spent the time to sit down and post them. Most of my free time was spent working, not near the computer. Having learned a lot from this forum over the last several years, I should have posted and will try to organize some photos once it is done.

If anyone is interested in taking a look, PM me. I will be ready for people to see it in a couple of weeks when I return from vacation.

Thanks
Matt

Hey AngryHT:

Any word on that Linacoustic stuff? I think DAKAPS had an alternative- How about it Dan?

Chinaclipper

China,

I ended up going with Certainteed Toughgard R instead of Linacoustic. Their specs are very close. Midwest Insulation (346-6301). They are a JM supplier so you may be able to get Linacoustic from them as well. I was actually told they had a roll and when I got there it was the Certainteed product. At first, I was pissed. I asked for data sheets on the two different products so I could compare them. They were close enough that I accepted the Certainteed product. FYI...I had to pay cash.

Dan

Greetings - I came across this forum this morning (while I should have been working). I'm excited to learn that there are so many others here in town that are already doing what I'm setting out to do.

I have a blank canvas downstairs; an unfinished basement with a 9' ceiling in a brand new house. There is a 24' x 13.5' area designated for the theater.

The info in this forum will really help plan it out. I may as well resign myself to not getting any work done today!

~Marty~

Welcome Marty!
Welcome to the obsession. Plan on getting NO work done at the job anymore. You will be too busy looking at Home Decor websites, jotting down ideas, hitting the Wal-Mart 2 for $11 DVD bin...

Now, we're going to need to see progress pics!
So, get that camera going.

Also, a few of us have batted around an idea about visiting each others.
If you'd like to take a peeky at mine sometime, PM me...

Greg

Hey Marty, I am just finishing up a room right now that is almost the exact same size. I made a couple of mistakes in my room design because I planned it all out, began construction, then decided to hire someone to design the room's acoustics. The mistakes weren't catastrophic, but I could have garnered a flatter response if my room dimensions were just a little refined. Call me or PM me and I can give you the story or can even show you the room if you like. I did most myself, but hired out the heavy stuff like drywalling. Anyway good luck.

China: I'll be out of town until Tuesday night. I will find out on Wednesday and I will let you know right away. Sorry for the delay.

Dan, if you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the Certainteed, and how many sq. ft. are in each roll? Did things work out (ie. did installation go smoothly, how does it compare to the alternatives)?

Ed

China,

I ended up going with Certainteed Toughgard R instead of Linacoustic. Their specs are very close. Midwest Insulation (346-6301). They are a JM supplier so you may be able to get Linacoustic from them as well. I was actually told they had a roll and when I got there it was the Certainteed product. At first, I was pissed. I asked for data sheets on the two different products so I could compare them. They were close enough that I accepted the Certainteed product. FYI...I had to pay cash.

Dan

Hey Ed,

I paid $165 for the full 100' x 49" roll. Yes, it worked out just fine. The installation is pretty straight forward and identical to the way Linacoustic is used. The two are also very close spec-wise. The certainteed product can be seen here:

http://www.certainteed.com/NR/rdonlyres/69B37069-7025-4F03-98F1-D0766A07A0C5/0/3033011.pdf

You can find Linacoustic and many other comparable products in Bob's compilation here:

http://www.bobgolds.com/AbsorptionCoefficients.htm

Hope that helps.

Dan

Yo Marty:
Welcome! Wow would I wouldn't give for a 9' ceiling! Mine is 7' on a good day...

Well, like it was said, get ready to make new friends at the lumber stores; Menards and HD know me and my wife by our first names, and I hear Lowes has already sent out a recruiter from Omaha to get me to try them!

Dan: Thanks for the info, I will call them in about three-four weeks when I will be getting ready for the acoustics treatment.
Thanks all
China

I finally picked up the roll of Linacoustic RC today. I purchased it at:

Mid-Plains Insulation
14614 Grover Street
Omaha, NE 68144

Phone #: 402-778-9973

Contact: Gary Beresh (Very nice guy)

I bought a roll 47" x 100 FT. They ordered it for me and it cost $171.20 (including 7 percent tax). It took about 1 week to get it in from Johns Manville. I may have more than I need.

They also sell OC703 and they usually keep it in stock (That's Owens Corning 703 for those who don't know - see acoustic treatments sticky at the top of this forum). They have 2" thick 2 FT x 4 FT panels. He quoted me $1.54 per square foot. Bass trapping time!!

-Greg

That's excellent news, Greg. Thanks for the heads up.

Dan

Nice job, thanks for posting the information. I called them a couple times when I was trying to locate this stuff and never received a call back. Great to know it is available in Omaha after all.

Matt

I'm two steps closer to getting it done, but there's still a long journey ahead. Had a plumber over yesterday to move the hot water heater about 4 feet, out of the theater space. Today UPS brought the cordless power nailer I bought from Amazon yesterday.

Now the lumber...

Thanks too for me Greg! I will give him a call Monday.
PS:
Lyman Stoner: good luck on the framing. I just finished mine last night.
China

Dan (DKaps),

Thanks again for the extra Certainteed batting and a tour of your theater. It really is first class and looks great.

Man I hope I am completely done by the end of this week!! The last 1% is excruciatingly hard to get done.

Matt

My pleasure, Matt. I can't wait to see your room when you're ready to show it off.

Dan

hi guys, found this Omaha thread. I just wanted to let you guys know I got a Velodyne DD 18 THX ultra 2 certified subwoofer for sale. I am located in Omaha. Even though I love this sub but neighbours are complaining a lot even if I have this sub on a little bit so I have to let it go. I had it for 2 months, bought it through authorized retailer. I want $2880 for it. I have original box/packaging, microphone. Pick up only! PM me please.

No one has posted here in a while. What's up Omaha theater people??

Just saw this thread for the first time. I'm in Omaha. Here's some photos of our home theater.

http://www.kathiejohnson.com/HomeTheater.html

Love to see what others have done with theirs. Mine's been pretty much unchanged for the past 5 years, except to upgrade to a Panasonic AE900U projector which is fantastic compared to my old Telex.

Hey guys

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9814067#post9814067

So did the meeting ever transpire?

I am in Omaha as well and I am looking into doing a home theater remodel of my current basement. Nothing to immaculate, but I wouldn't mind getting some ideas.

Steve

Hi Steve...

As far as I know there hasn't been one, but I would be interested in attending an informal gathering. It sounds as though there is some different styles here represented.
Did you have an idea already about a direction?

I chose to follow a retro look myself, lots of curtains and such... kept it simple so far... some here have gone other directions.

Plenty of ideas here...

Greg

I have an idea of what I want to do with it, I don't think I am going to have much of a theme per say. I want to build an equipment rack into the back wall that opens into a sub basement on the back side. There are a some existing doors that were made out of painted plywood that I would really like to update with some decent woodwork. That and some painting and a few strategically placed curtains to hide the little basement window. As far as the decorating though, I really don't know what I am going to do yet. Trying to figure out what I am going to do with my ceiling tiles. Drop ceiling is nice for wiring, but it doesn't look that great.

Hello guys

no one ever PM'ed me but I would like to hook up with some of the omaha HTer's. I'm about to start wiring mine this week. :)

Hey guys/gals. Long time lurker here on AVS forums and I am posting for the first time. I figure if I leach off all this great information long enough I better start doing my part and adding to it. Albeit, I'm not sure how much I will be able to contribute. It is my aim to help others in their projects and be helped back ten-fold in mine. :)

Hope you O-town guys don't mind a Lincolnite hopping into your thread. It was looking like Nebraska had a low turn out so I wanted to jump in.

I just moved into a new home with an empty basement waiting for me to finish. Of course, a wife and a 10 month old to keep me from doing it. Haha. But plans are going on paper as we speak and the collective minds of this site are making their impression on my HT. I will probably start my own construction thread but I would like to stay in touch with the nebraska crowd.....so ill check back here as frequently as I can. Chow

welcome schnizzzle

I thought I'd give this thread a bump to let those in Omaha, and close by, know about a scheduled meet. See the end of my thread for details.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10883927#post10883927

Dan

Dan, thanks for having us over on Sat!

I know some of the others, I think Anders for one, had a few questions about riser height and screen height.
I have a couple of links on my site if anyone is interested. It may answer some of your questions...

dasenbrock.net

Go to the "Theater Page" and down below I listed the calculator links there...

Greg

Sounds like the meet went well. I hope to make the next one.

I am wondering if any of you have used the free video calibration software HCFR: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=737550

I have been using HCFR and a pantone eye-one colorimeter (~$120.00) and have gotten some pretty incredible results for my projector.

Just curious if anyone else in Omaha has had any experience with it.

Glad to see the guys in Omaha are getting active again. I finished my HT at the end of last year but have a couple loose ends that I want to improve.

First, I have an MX3000 remote that I need to get programmed correctly. I had initial programming done but as I have used the theater, I have learned that the logic programmed into the macros wasn't really practical. I was also waiting for the preset feature on my Iscan VP30 to be updated by software. Now I need to lock myself in my office and plan to spend some time trying to figure out this programming. If anyone has programmed one out there, please let me know.

Also, I have been in the process of building new subwoofers to replace my M&K MX5000s to extend my bass response down deeper and stronger. I was in the process of setting them up right before the 4th and bottomed out both woofers so now I am waiting for new top assemblies from TC Sounds. I am hoping to get the new subs in place by next weekend.

I am looking to do a final equalizer set-up when all is said and done. If any of you have experience with parametric equalizers, I want to dial in my front three speakers and my subwoofer when I get everything back together. I have asked at a couple of the high end shops here in town and they aren't too excited about setting up a theater they didn't build.

How is everyone else doing?

I am looking to do a final equalizer set-up when all is said and done. If any of you have experience with parametric equalizers, I want to dial in my front three speakers and my subwoofer when I get everything back together. I have asked at a couple of the high end shops here in town and they aren't too excited about setting up a theater they didn't build.

Video,

Have you seen this software? It's free: Room Eq Wizard (REW) http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/ and the BFD: http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfdguide/

It is a less expensive alternative than some others. I have used REW and it was pretty cool. I have not yet gotten a BFD.

Just my $0.02

How is everyone else doing?

I am trying to build bass traps (super chunk style) by cutting triangular pieces of Linacoustic RC (10" and 12") and putting them in every corner I can. I have completely covered the front wall with and all other walls to just above ear height with 1" Linacoustic RC (also the underside of my soffit). So now I am looking for what color of GOM fabric to put up over it (oh yeah and the money in the family budget to pay for it).

Angryht,

I guess I should have been a little more clear with my explanation.

I have a Velodyne SMS-1 to EQ my sub section. I may end up selling it to go to a Rane PE17 for a bit more control and to get a little more out of my new subs. Problem is, it is not automated like the SMS-1 so it will take manual setting of frequencies and levels. REW should help.

I have three Rane PE16s for my front three channels. I set them up when the theater was first finished, but they will need to be re-set once the sub is brought into the picture.

I also have the REW software that you mentioned.

I am looking for someone that has had experience with actaully setting Parametric Equalizers to get the most out of them. Or if anyone knows of a white paper or detailed explanation showing how to set them properly I would love to see it.

I made similar bass traps in my front two corners and my back wall is 2" thick OC703. Here is a picture of my front corner bass traps. They sit behind the side columns - you can see the yellow OC703 stacked floor to ceiling. Sorry the picture is kind of blurry, there is dust on the camera.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/Mattk11/Frontwall.jpg

You probably already know this, (or else I am completely getting it wrong) but to set the EQ I think you need an RTA with a mic set at the normal listening position, then you set the EQ for the flattest response you can get.

I think the old school method for folks who didn't have any sub equalization was to set the sub at the listening position, then move the mic all over the room until you found the spot with the flattest response, then that became the ideal location for the subwoofer.

nebrunner, yes I know what you are saying. I understand the basics, I am just looking for someone that has expertise in this area, specific to Parametric EQ. My readings with REW show that my room is pretty flat, there are just a couple of dips that could be smoothed out. My goal here is final tweaking.

Again, also looking for someone with Universal Remote Control RX3000 programming experience as well. I have some tweaking to do with my remote as well.

Thanks

Video, you may find this site helpful. Go to the forum on BFD/REW. You'll get a lot of help from some real experts.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/

Hello fellow Omahans,
I am moving into my first house and looking for someone that does a good job of running wire for speakers and an HDMI from a closet to the back of my tv. Any ideas?

new house or a older house. How handy are you :confused: give us a little more info on what you are planning

Old thread, I know... However, it's got the attention of people in my area. Are there any local DYI'ers that have finished their own basement? I'm looking to do that, but it looks like I may be doing most of it myself.

I've received one quote to frame out the basement (all I'm looking for right now) and waiting for two others to get back to me. A few of us thought the quote I got was high, but I'll wait to hear back from the others. If anyone knows anyone that can do good work at a decent price, I'd be interested to hear.

I'm in the process of finishing my basement and have done all but the electrical.

There should be a ton of framing guys that are really hurting for something to do right now :( I would think you should be able to find one thats hungry enough to give you a good deal so shop around if you really dont have the time to do it yourself

Scott, where abouts do you live in NE? I was looking at your build and would love to sit down and chat with you about it.

I am in Omaha you could stop by and view a movie :) I will change your mind on that 100" screen

If you're offering, I'm taking! YGPM

I just picked up some IIG Mineral Wool Insulation - Minwool 1260 panels from Allied Insulation for less than $50 (12 each 1x24x48 and 6 each 2x24x48). They also stock OC703 and mineral wool rolls.

EdL