Calvin's Games & HT construction thread [Text View] - Page 2

calv1n

01-20-07, 07:45 PM

Updated photos from Today's walk through:

Main floor Tiling.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_StepdownintoLivingRoom2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/StepdownintoLivingRoom2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Pantry3Jan20-07.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Pantry3Jan20-07.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_KitchenPanshotJan20-07.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/KitchenPanshotJan20-07.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Kitchen4Jan20-07.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Kitchen4Jan20-07.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Hallway1Jan20-07.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Hallway1Jan20-07.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_DiningRoom2Jan20-07.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/DiningRoom2Jan20-07.jpg)

Fireplace tiling in Living Room:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_LivingRoomHTandfireplace.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/LivingRoomHTandfireplace.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_LivingRoomFireplace2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/LivingRoomFireplace2.jpg)

Fireplace Tiling in Basement HT:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BasementHTFireplace2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BasementHTFireplace2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BasementHTFireplace1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BasementHTFireplace1.jpg)

Things are starting to come together now the tile made a big difference looking forward to seeing how the hardwood blends in now.

Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

01-23-07, 09:55 PM

IHaveAMullet

01-23-07, 11:59 PM

Calvin:

The basement fireplace looks great! Congrats on the house as well, it's beautiful.

calv1n

01-24-07, 07:06 PM

Calvin
Can you do me a big favor and measure the approximate distance from your eyes to the floor in the recline position. I am wanting to build a riser that will work in the entire range. Fully upright and fully reclined with the 45004's . Thanks Johnathan

PS you really have a beautiful house !

Johnathan,

I used my brother as a test subject he's 5' 8" tall and at full recline his eye level was 35" from the floor.

Let me know if you need anything further.
Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

01-24-07, 07:11 PM

Calvin:

The basement fireplace looks great! Congrats on the house as well, it's beautiful.

Thanks Justin,

I'm starting to think I may have gone to light with the lighter grey carpet in the basement. I'll have to see once they finish the install how it all ties in together. I should have some new photos up next saturday or sunday. I think it will just be showcasing the hardwood as I'm sure they won't be able to get to the carpet by then.
I did hit a small snag in the basement bathroom. They installed the wrong tile in the shower area (it is much darker then we picked but to help speed things up I made a compromise with the installers and just picked out some new tile for the basement floor to replace the lino installed so they don't have to redo the larger shower area). I'll be going in to pick out the new tiles soon and get a much darker selection for the basement HT washroom. The only down side is I'll have to install the tiles myself once I'm moved in but at least the tile and grout was supplied at no cost.
Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

01-24-07, 07:29 PM

Thanks Calvin
Tomorrow is the ship date for my seating. I will try to build my rear row riser in the next few day's . I am really looking forward to this seating ! Thanks for your help. The house is really coming along! Seems to have very nice features and I love the colors yall have picked ! Thanks again Johnathan

calv1n

01-25-07, 04:11 PM

No problem Johnathan. Let me know what you think of them once you get a chance to sit in them for a movie or two. I'm also interested in what you end up going with for final riser dimensions as I still have to build mine in a month or two once I get into the new home. Would be great if you could let me know what height you settle on and after you try it out if your happy with that height or would have liked to have gone higher or lower.
Thanks
Calvin

calv1n

01-29-07, 05:42 PM

Sorry guys not much to show this week. The hardwood was the only thing changed in the house and it wasn't even installed just sitting in the dining room "acclimatizing " before install (they leave it in the house for 5 to 7 days before installation they tell me).
I hope to have some updated photos and news soon.
Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

01-30-07, 10:25 PM

Calvin
I received my chairs yesterday ! I have one setup temporally on my uncarpeted riser. I love the 45004's so does my wife. They look very modern and I like the firm seating in the butt area.The back does give great support and fits my torso. The do take up some real estate depth wise.

I built my riser 13" high . I allows me to see over the couch in the front row very well. I will give you more info tomorrow as I am in a rush tonight. Thanks for your help ! Johnathan

calv1n

01-30-07, 11:12 PM

Great thanks for the update Johnathan. I'm also quite happy with my chairs they are a great HT seat. Would be great if you could post a picture of the chairs once you get the riser finished so I can see how the rows look in profile.
Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

02-01-07, 10:37 AM

You got it Calvin ! It will be a couple of weeks for that to happen. I am doing it on the weekends.The riser is 157 1/4" X 76 1/2" x13". There are two steps that are 10"deep X 30"wide and 6" tall. This allows a narrow path in front of the seat in the reclined position. My room is 13'3" wide X 16'4" long with 9' ceilings . I will be using my 119" diag. Dalite High Power screen with a new JVC RS1 when they arrive. This will place the first row viewers eyes 9' from the screen. And the second row at 14'6" from the screen.

With the RS1 being 1080P I am hope to take advantage of the smooth no screen door image. Johnathan

calv1n

02-01-07, 04:20 PM

Wow, sounds like an awesome set up your going to have ! I'm eager to see some pics of your set up and hear how the RS1 does at 9' (I'm thinking my 333 throwing a 140" some people will see SD at the first row).
Thanks for the dimensions and looking forward to seeing the photos.

Only thing new on my end is the radiant heating technician is installing the tubing and insulation in the garage today so they will be pouring it shortly. Next walk through is on Saturday again so I hope to have some new photos up.

Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

02-01-07, 11:22 PM

Sounds very nice even though I live in Texas it will be 21 F tomorrow morning. My garage is very cold ha ha . Johnathan

calv1n

02-03-07, 10:18 PM

Updated photos from today's walk through.

I'll start with the basement and work my way upstairs.

Basement progress. The carpet has been installed, doors and handles put in and some progress in the downstairs bathroom. (I will be getting a different tile put into the downstairs bathroom but that will not be until after possession).

All of the shots are actually brighter then they really are due to the camera flash. The trim is "Jet black" the paint is called deep onyx and it is about as deep a black as you can get. The walls and carpet are a dark grey.

The carpet: (the cord you see running across the floor if a gas line for the furnace heating the garage until they pour the floor in a few days).

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Carpetinstalledbasement4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Carpetinstalledbasement4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Carpetinstalledbasement1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Carpetinstalledbasement1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Basementcarpetscreenwall.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Basementcarpetscreenwall.jpg)

The spots are on the camera lens sorry for the quality of this shot. The white cord you see on the floor is for the power outlet going into the floor where the 1st row of chairs will sit.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BackofHTbasement.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BackofHTbasement.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_AVroom.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/AVroom.jpg)

All of the metal in the house from door handles, lights and fixtures are brushed steel - here are the handles used.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Handles2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Handles2.jpg)

The bathroom sink and faucet has been installed.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Bathroomsinkfaucetbasement.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Bathroomsinkfaucetbasement.jpg)

Next post I'll move upstairs to the main floor.

calv1n

02-03-07, 10:20 PM

Update from FEB 3 continued: (as always click on the photos to enlarge)

The main floor and garage.

Last week all I saw was this:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_IMG_1621.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/IMG_1621.jpg)

So I was happy to see this when I went in today:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Hardwoodinstalledlivingroomfeb2-07.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Hardwoodinstalledlivingroomfeb2-07.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Hardwoodbeeninstalled.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Hardwoodbeeninstalled.jpg)

You may notice that I'm not installing traditional hardwood as I had originally intended. I was unable to use traditional due to the radiant floor tubing throughout the home so I instead opted to go with "engineered hardwood" which is supposed to be superior to hardwood in all aspect except for cost (it of course costs more)

None of the cleaning has started yet and there are trades all working in the house as they only have 17 days till possession. Due to that a lot of the house was pretty dusty and grimy on the main and upper floor.
On final inspection it should look flawless.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Stairs2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Stairs2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Stairs1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Stairs1.jpg)

And just because Johnathan and I discussed it above here are some garage shots.

Radiant flooring in garage is ready for concrete pouring which will be happening very soon:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Garagereadyforpour1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Garagereadyforpour1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Garagereadyforpour2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Garagereadyforpour2.jpg)

Next post I'll move to the top floor and show what is new up there :)

calv1n

02-03-07, 10:22 PM

Final update from Feb 3-07

Bonus room HT area.

They were still working on the hardwood in some areas as shown.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BonusRoomHardwood3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BonusRoomHardwood3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BonusRoomHardwood2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BonusRoomHardwood2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BonusRoom2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BonusRoom2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Hardwoodstairslookingdown.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Hardwoodstairslookingdown.jpg)

Next week I will have my boiler installed all the zone thermostats hooked up and checked and the speakers will start going by the A/V installer beginning on the 15th. I have one or two more updates left till possession and then I'll be in building my screen, riser and other HT goodness. (I took work off till the end of March to move in and take my time enjoy myself rather then do a mad rush moving from one place to the other).

Let me know what you guys think.
Cheers

TigeraldoRivera

02-06-07, 11:10 AM

Johnathan,

I too would like to see pictures of your setup. I'm thinking about ordering (4) 45004's in a 2 loveseat configuration for my 13'4" wide theater. Any feedback on the comfort of the chairs is appreciated as well.

Calvin,

Your projects are very impressive.

calv1n

02-06-07, 08:43 PM

I'll post some photos of the chairs set up in different configurations once I have them out of storage. I bought 2 loveseats and 4 regular chairs for my theater. Comfort of the chairs (at least in the loveseat I have downstairs in my testing room) has been very good the 2 months or so I've tested (sat) in them.
Cheers
Calvin

jwakaruk

02-07-07, 06:58 PM

Hey Calvin,

Looks like everything is coming along nicely. You must be getting pretty excited now that the possession date is close enough to seem real. Make sure the cleaning job is thorough. When I moved into my place they hadn't cleaned any of the dust off the walls. My wife and I (well mostly the wife) had to vacuum all the walls and surfaces in the entire house. The builder said they would compensate us but are still stalling and hope I'll just give up :(

Anyway, drop me a PM if you have time to come by for the HT demo :)

calv1n

02-07-07, 07:17 PM

I been having lots of people telling me about the cleaning (watch for ducts and the grout in particular have been the tips I've jotted down so far). Thanks for the post I'll try and swing by some time this month (I'll send you a PM and we can work out a date before I move and get busy again).
Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

02-10-07, 08:21 PM

Some updated photos from today’s walk through. Only 10 days to go the finishing touches are starting now and I think my last walk through before possession should see almost everything complete in 7 days.

Here are some new shots:

The boiler was been installed when I went in today and I chatted with my installer Dan. Here is a shot of Dan and the boiler as he was building it today.
Dan is one of the few boiler makers/installers that does all his own work including the electrical and gas hook ups. He hopes to be all done by Monday and will come back next week to do some testing on the finished unit to see if the boiler meets or exceeds the 98% efficiency rating.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Boilerinstallinprogress2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Boilerinstallinprogress2.jpg)

Here are a few photos of the finished engineered hardwood install throughout the home.

There are some window screens on the living room floor that are not yet installed in the 1st two photos.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Livingroomfloorfinished2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Livingroomfloorfinished2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Livingroomfloorfinished1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Livingroomfloorfinished1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_LivingRoom.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/LivingRoom.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Hardwoodinstallupstairs3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Hardwoodinstallupstairs3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Hallwaytomasterbedroom.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Hallwaytomasterbedroom.jpg)

The garage floor is poured and now that the drain has been moved to provide proper slope. In the 1st photo you can see the insulation and drywall waiting to be installed in the garage once the floor sets a few more days.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_GaragePoured3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/GaragePoured3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_GaragePoured1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/GaragePoured1.jpg)

Finally a quick look at the basement where the painters where just doing some touch up painting and still have a day or two of work left doing the final coats.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_ScreenWallbasement.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/ScreenWallbasement.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BasementHTCeilingpainted.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BasementHTCeilingpainted.jpg)

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

02-12-07, 05:22 PM

Update:

Finally dropped off the in-wall speakers and subs today for the installers to get to work on them. I discovered that I had the wrong in-wall sub sent out to me and it won't work with the back box installed in the living room. :eek:
So a quick call with the credit card and I have the right sub flying out of Florida tomorrow priority international. I'll work on getting the other one returned later or find a use for it somewhere, someday (anyone need a kick arse 10" in-wall ?)
Should have some more info and pics soon I'm hoping.
Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

02-15-07, 08:34 PM

Well the in-wall speaker finally showed up a day after my installers left despite the fact I paid 1/2 price of the speaker to ship the damn thing. I paid UPS for their overnight guaranteed delivery. However it didn't show up and they didn't honor their $ back guarantee. They told me they can't predict bad weather and that was why it was late - citing weather delays and the fine print. I paid an installer all day to sit around waiting for it so I was pretty happy with UPS (still am :mad: ) I told UPS that perhaps they should take down their website from about September till March for Canada citing bad weather as we seem to get about 6 months + of this "bad weather" a year up here which should make their express overnight delivery on time impossible for the foreseeable future.

Here is the sub anyways it won't find it's way into the living room HT now until tuesday when the installers are back.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_Proficientsub.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/Proficientsub.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_10Proficientsub.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/10Proficientsub.jpg)

The other sub I'm still not sure what I'm going to do about but I'm leaning towards selling it if anyone is interested send me a PM.

Here is the sub I don't need.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_closeupofangstromsub.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/closeupofangstromsub.jpg)

Here it is compared to the proficient in-wall as you can see the Angstrom is quite a bit bigger but I have no idea of how they compare in use.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_2subscompared.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/2subscompared.jpg)

More to follow soon only 5 days till I move in and then the real fun begins.

I also ordered my AV Rack a couple of days ago from EEAV for those curious. Even with the S&H and customs it is far cheaper then anything I could find in Canada (as usual).

Here is what I ended up ordering (with some extras like tie straps and shipping not shown on these screens as they were on page 3)

Page #1

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_AVRack1.gif (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AVRack1.gif)

Page # 2

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_AVRack2.gif (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AVRack2.gif)

I did remove a couple of face plates and replace them with just standard trays as well for the HSB, xbox and XA1 as I'm not sure how long I'll be keeping the XA1 and HSB600 and I didn't like the look of the 360 with the face plate installed.

Cheers

jwatte

02-15-07, 11:58 PM

Nice wood floors you've got there! Is that caramelized bamboo?

I guess you might as well pay for the 3-day delivery, and count on it taking a week next time (and thus call the installer when it actually shows up). Live and learn :-(

calv1n

02-16-07, 12:38 AM

jwatte,

Yes live and learn I guess just gets me some what riled up when you read their website
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/shipping/time/service/express_plus.html?WT.svl=SubNav and then I pay a huge premium to get it "overnight guaranteed" and then it shows up two days later and I still have to pay for it....

The floors are the engineered hardwood below. Nothing quite as extravagant as caramelized bamboo ;)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Hardwood.gif (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Hardwood.gif)

That is the exact hardwood we installed and then they stained the railing to match. I really like it although it is quite dark and I think scuff marks might be a bearcat to hide and get out.

Cheers

typh92

02-16-07, 01:16 AM

Love the thread so far. Quick question: Overall, how do you like the lighted cup holders in the Berklines? Do you find them at all distracting during a movie?

-Todd

johnathan

02-16-07, 02:32 AM

calv1n

02-16-07, 10:11 PM

Love the thread so far. Quick question: Overall, how do you like the lighted cup holders in the Berklines? Do you find them at all distracting during a movie?

-Todd

Hi typh92,

Thanks for visiting. I like the cupholders alot and honestly I did find them a bit distracting at first (especially in scenes where it goes bright then dark a lot as that causes the lights to flicker on and off on the seats) but now I don't hardly notice them at all and it helps you find your seat in the dark as well. (So much so that I don't think I'm even going to bother with rope lighting anymore the 16 lights from the 8 chairs should be enough that I won't need them.)

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

02-16-07, 10:13 PM

Your home looks beautiful Calvin !
I have been steady at it with my new Den to HT conversion . I will post some pictures when done. As there are so many detailed build threads already I will just post a brief theater completed thread when I finish.

I wanted to tell you I have sat in my 45004 every day since I received it ! Can't Begin to say how pleased I am with the comfort and look of this style seat. I am hoping that by next week I will have the riser carpeted and all four of the seats installed . Thanks for posting the photo's and info on the chairs as that really helped in my final decision. Johnathan

Thanks for keeping up with my thread Johnathan I'm still eager to see how you work out your final dimensions and what your thoughts are. I have a carpenter lined up right now to come and build my riser from Feb 22 to 24th so as soon as you can share your thoughts let me know please :)

Cheers

johnathan

02-17-07, 09:06 AM

Calvin
With my room I used the couch I presently have for the front row so your numbers may be a little different. I used the riser calculator here http://www.cinegi.com/cgi-bin/riser.cgi . This does a perfect job for height !

The 45004's however more narrow take up alot of realestate depth wise. With my
riser 77" deep there is just 7 or 8 inches to slide in front of the foot rest and the back of the couch. Just enough to pass by with a person in full recline !

I built the riser the width of the room with a small gap for in my case for sound isolation. With you new construction your may build it as a permanent fixture ? With my conversion I will be able to remove the structure at a later date.
I still have to inclose the sides in the front before carpet install. These were necessary as to have access for buildup.

Here are a couple of photos for you. Johnathan

http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130177304-M.jpg
http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130177305-M.jpg
http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130180884-M.jpg
http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130180886-M.jpg

johnathan

02-17-07, 09:12 AM

Calvin
Using the calculator I measured the the seating in full recline and a person seated up right on the couch. That way you will be able to see over their heads. Seems I added an inch of height for good measure also. With your tall ceilings I would give your self a little room for insurance height wise.My celieng is a tray type with 9' over all height .The room is 16'6" deep and the riser is 77" deep.This places the viewers in the front row eyes to screen at 9'6". Just a little more than 1 times the screen width with a 119". Johnathan

xnaron

02-17-07, 10:22 AM

calv1n

02-17-07, 11:16 PM

calv1n

02-17-07, 11:27 PM

Here is my last update before I take possession. Mostly good news just a few hiccups here and there with the A/V it seems. The builder has 3 days to fix the last minute stuff.

Here is the basement HT area.
The ceiling is prepped and ready for the Infocus 333 and mount to be placed next week.
(the flash cancels out the light on the outlet showing the surge protection )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Surgeprotectedoutletonceiling.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Surgeprotectedoutletonceiling.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_CeilinginHTbasement1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/CeilinginHTbasement1.jpg)

Here is the final work on the floor plugs for the powered seating in the front row.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BasementPoweroutletinfloor.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BasementPoweroutletinfloor.jpg)

Here are the 7 x 8" inwall surrounds installed in the basement
(I still have to decide if I want to paint them the same grey as the wall or a black to match the trim :confused: )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Speakersinstalled.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Speakersinstalled.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_speakersinstalledscreenwall.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/speakersinstalledscreenwall.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BasementHTspeakersleftside.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BasementHTspeakersleftside.jpg)

Here is a quick look at the A/V closet area before I rip it all up and start prepping the shelving area for my AV rack coming next week. (I have a handy friend coming over to help me build the riser and AV rack framing )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_AVhookupsinAVcloset.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/AVhookupsinAVcloset.jpg)

The 10" Inwall Thor's are waiting till after possession to be installed as a power outlet has to be removed and that can't happen now till after it's mine.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Thorsreadyforinstall.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Thorsreadyforinstall.jpg)

The only blunder in the basement is they put in the wrong distribution panel. I paid for the upgraded GE Carma and they put in the smaller Honeywell seen here. I'll have them replace this when they are doing the other work next week ( I feel sorry for the guy that must have spent all day installing this thing but its got to go).

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMG_1766.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_1766.jpg)

The other panel you see is the security system (I have motion, Temperature, C02 and other detectors put all over the home).

More next post...

johnathan

02-17-07, 11:29 PM

Calvin the theater is coming along great! I love the gray color!
Wow I have never seen a boiler install in a home. Looks pretty complicated. Johnathan

calv1n

02-17-07, 11:47 PM

More in the basement...

Here are the new tiles put into the bathroom downstairs.

Here is a shot with the flash

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Bathroomtiled1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Bathroomtiled1.jpg)

and with out..

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Bathroomtiled4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Bathroomtiled4.jpg)

Here are a few shots of the completed boiler system. I'm interested to see the efficiency rating once its tested next week and I get a refresher course on how to run the thing from my installer on Thursday.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Boilersystemcompleted8.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Boilersystemcompleted8.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Boilersystemcompleted6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Boilersystemcompleted6.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Boilersystemcompleted2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Boilersystemcompleted2.jpg)

Moving upstairs to the living room HT.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LivingroomCenterchannelinstalled.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LivingroomCenterchannelinstalled.jpg)

The IR repeater hasn't been installed yet and I'll have to ask about that on Tuesday when they are open again (I hope it wasn't missed and if so I hope its not a pain to install at this point because I need that for my plans to work as intended)

Here are the speaker installs (8" in ceilings and the center channel seen above)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LivingRoomSpeakers1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LivingRoomSpeakers1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LivingRoomSpeakers5.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LivingRoomSpeakers5.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LivingRoomSpeakers3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LivingRoomSpeakers3.jpg)

I'm looking very seriously at getting the Sharp Aquos (Model #LC46D62U )for the display above the fireplace. I have till the 22nd to decide the other contenders are the Westinghouse (model #LVM-47W1) and the Samsung 46" LCD (model # LN544695).

Let me know what you guys think by Monday I have to have it in the house by Tuesday so They can mount it. Right now I'm thinking the Sharp even though it is a bit more $$ The westy is the cheapest and the Samsung is very close to the sharp in price all are 1080P and Westy is a 47" vs the other two at 46".

more in the next post.

calv1n

02-18-07, 12:00 AM

The bonus room has all the wall plates installed and its ready to go I don't any good photos right now so I'll wait till I get the TV and everything installed now and then do a final pic at that point for this upstairs HT.

As for the TV selection I was originally going to go for the JVC D-ILA 72" LCD projection TV but now....

I'm almost certain I'm going to go with this TV for the bonus room HT I've just got to decide if I'm buying it at Best buy or Visions as Costco only carries the 67" version and I want the 71"

http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/HLS7178WXXAA.asp

I've seen this baby in action on blu-ray and HD-DVD and its stunning.

(I know Sony also has some nice sets but I refuse to pay $1k + for their name on these sets. The Sammy is just as nice and far less IMO. I can't justify the added cost for the XBR)

more to come soon...

calv1n

02-18-07, 08:48 PM

Johnathan,

Strangely I received an e-mail update showing this

Calvin
Thought you might like to see the snackbar I finished today. It started life as a small wetbar. They were very popular in the mid 80's . I ripped it out and installed my new popcorn popper.
Johnathan

http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130309994-M.jpg
http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130309066-M.jpg
http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/130309061-M.jpg

but its not in the thread ? :confused: Did you delete the post?

Anyways the popcorn space looks terrific I may do something like that under that horrible ducting on the back left corner in the basement HT.
Cheers

johnathan

02-19-07, 10:22 AM

scaesare

02-19-07, 12:43 PM

Here are a few shots of the completed boiler system. I'm interested to see the efficiency rating once its tested next week and I get a refresher course on how to run the thing from my installer on Thursday.

...

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Boilersystemcompleted2.jpg

Wow... and it dispenses coffee too! Cool!

:D

calv1n

02-19-07, 03:10 PM

:o Calvin
I changed the post and put the pictures in another thread. Sorry but I didn't want to clutter your thread with off topic stuff.Here is the link to the new thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9808525#post9808525) .

But thanks for the compliments.We love the new popper !Still have to order a proper rack for the candy and more decorating. I am getting the riser carpeted this morning and will be setting up all of my seats !

Still waiting on my graphic eye controller for my lighting . Johnathan :)

No worries Johnathan I really liked that popper and the pics thanks for posting it (clutter up my thread by all means that was a great looking addition :D )

Let me know when you have the pictures up of the riser with carpet and the chairs installed. Are you building any kind of "ridge" in the front and back chairs to keep them from moving or tipping? (I'm seriously considering blocking in my back row for sure with a 1" or 2" ridge all around them).

Cheers

calv1n

02-19-07, 03:16 PM

Wow... and it dispenses coffee too! Cool!

:D

Steve,

I was just snapping that picture when my wife leaned in and pointed :)
Great caption for that pic :D
The funnier thing was my wife was pointing and telling the sales person that the expansion tank was the boiler just as I snapped that picture. The sales lady shook her head and was saying how "cool" that was before I pointed out to them that the "EVO" was the boiler and that was the expansion tank and then I spent 10 minutes explaining how it all worked (I used to be a plumber).

What I should have done is had my wife explain to me how she thought the system worked and what the "EVO" was that would have likely been a funnier story.. ;)

Cheers

johnathan

02-20-07, 12:40 PM

Calvin
Well I did it now. I finally started my Den to HT (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=808437) with pictures.
Now anyone wanting to see the riser or seating can have a look. Thanks for your interest as it spurred me on to star my own thread. Johnathan ;)

calv1n

02-21-07, 08:04 PM

Thanks Johnathan,

I ended up going with the 2 Samsungs for those interested in what I picked for display choices. I ordered and paid for them both today I've already picked up the LCD but I have to wait a week or two for the DLP to come in with the stand.
Pictures and thoughts to follow soon. I think my AV installer will be putting it up in the next 1-2 days as well so I can test it tonight and then its going to its home tomorrow likely.

Display choices

46" 1080P LCD flat panel

Model #
LNS4695D- Samsung for Living room HT.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_46LCDDisplay1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/46LCDDisplay1.jpg)

71" 1080P DLP Projection Display.

Model #
HLS7178- Samsung for Bonus Room HT

Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

02-23-07, 01:18 AM

Wow Calvin
That is truly impressive ! I have seen a 32" Samsung LCD and it was very nice. It seemed to have a higher contras ratio than it's competition. And It showed ! Johnathan

calv1n

02-24-07, 06:14 AM

Well I finally received the keys to the house at 7:00 PM on the 22nd. I've spent a few hours there during the night planning for today and noting all the things my builder still has to do (they still have a lot to do I can't believe they gave me the keys considering I still don't have the oven installed, 1/2 my vac pans are not working and a painter and drywaller still have a 1/2 days work in the house and I don't even want to get into the final clean that hasn't happened :eek: )
The builder takes Fridays off and they are open Friday and Saturday so I'm hoping they will be sending people to fix these issues sooner rather then later. I'll be calling them tomorrow to see when they plan on getting my house into turn over shape because it sure isn't there yet even though I have the keys.

Despite all the issues I went in today and started working on the stuff that will be my responsibility. Most of the stuff was planned to be done by myself after possession that I worked on which was Insulation and drywall of the garage, building of the riser and framing for the middle Atlantic AV rack. I did get a few items added to my list as my wife missed them when she did the kitchen and I started on those as well - Trim kit for the fridge and freezer and install of the OTR microwave.

I finished all the insulation of the garage tomorrow I'll finish up the drywall. The trim kit is 80% done I still need to get some shims but that should be installed tomorrow and the OTR microwave is about 50% I forgot to bring a mason bit to drill though the tile kitchen wall so that ended that project when I got to the backing plate.

In the basement I started on the riser and that is the only thing I have pictures of.
(As always click on the photos to enlarge)

Here is all the wood cut and ready to piece together. I made everything up on paper and did it so I could easily fit it all through the doors and just piece it together quickly once I got all the parts downstairs. The longest piece is 72"

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_TheRiser-cuttofit2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/TheRiser-cuttofit2.jpg)

Here is the 1st section of the base of the riser just framed out.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_RiserBase1framed.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/RiserBase1framed.jpg)

Adding poly before the insulation on the 1st part of the riser.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Polyonbase1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Polyonbase1.jpg)

Poly in progress on both sections

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Bases1and2polyonandinsulationinprog.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Bases1and2polyonandinsulationinprog.jpg)

1" Plywood going on after the insulation.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Base1plywoodattached.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Base1plywoodattached.jpg)

Finished and tacked together.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Basesputtogetherreadyforlevel2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Basesputtogetherreadyforlevel2.jpg)

Dry fitting some of the section #2 which will be tomorrow's agenda.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Loosefitlevel2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Loosefitlevel2.jpg)

More to follow in a day or two.

jmorris644

02-24-07, 09:03 AM

Sorry Calvin,

Been away for a while.

It is amazing how much you got done in just a couple days!! If your builder was half that fast you would have been in there months ago! :)

Joe

calv1n

02-25-07, 08:07 AM

Hey Joe thanks for the kind words and for stopping bye again for a visit :)

Today was a pretty long day. My friend and I spent about 16 hours working like dogs trying to get everything done before my wife gets back from Toronto Sunday afternoon.
We didn't finish everything as much as I would have liked but we made a good dent in my things to do list.

We insulated and dry walled most of the garage. I have a bit of one wall left and then 1/2 the ceiling to finish off.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Insulationanddrywallingarage.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Insulationanddrywallingarage.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_Insulationanddrywallingarage2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/Insulationanddrywallingarage2.jpg)

We finished putting in the trim kit on the fridge and freezer combo which was a frustrating lesson in why manufacturers should never use plastic for levelling legs. Its still not done to my satisfaction but its as good as its going to get for a few days until I get my nerve up to tackle it again and get it perfect (right now its just a bit off but it bothers me).
We also got the mason bit and finished off the above the range microwave.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_F-FTrimkitinstalled1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/F-FTrimkitinstalled1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_OTRMicrowaveinstalled.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/OTRMicrowaveinstalled.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_F-FTrimkitinstalled2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/F-FTrimkitinstalled2.jpg)

We also went to Budget and pulled the rest of the HT chairs out of storage and moved them to the new house. (They seemed heavier then before for some reason ;) )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Chairsingarageinsulationongoing.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Chairsingarageinsulationongoing.jpg)

next post I'll show some of the riser work.

calv1n

02-25-07, 08:21 AM

Riser part #2.

We spent a fair bit of time on the riser today I was actually hoping to get it finished but I couldn't find the carpet anywhere that was open today been the weekend. I will get some matching carpet from the contractor and company that did the original work on Monday or Tuesday and hopefully get everything all "kicked" in by Wed or Thurs.

We started off with a few loose fits on the framing.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risertoplevelframing.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risertoplevelframing.jpg)

A look at the lights used for the steps. I'll be trying to find a blue halogen less then 20W if possible for these but I bought the only lights they had at HD for testing purposes.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Lightsforsteps2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Lightsforsteps2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Framingandlightsrightside.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Framingandlightsrightside.jpg)

here is the light turned on.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Drillingandloosefitlights.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Drillingandloosefitlights.jpg)

The lights pop out for easy access if you need to change bulbs or work with the assembly which is nice.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Pullinglightsout2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Pullinglightsout2.jpg)

After getting the lights worked out we went after the subs next.

First we loose fit them then we drilled and ran the 4 strand wire to the box out locations.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Loosefitsub.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Loosefitsub.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Subwiresreadyforhookup.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Subwiresreadyforhookup.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Sub4wirestrandsmovedintoposition.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Sub4wirestrandsmovedintoposition.jpg)

more next post as I'm using lots of photos and AVS limits them per post ;)

calv1n

02-25-07, 08:27 AM

After that we did a test fit on the chairs to insure that they wouldn't be resting on sub and all pressure would be on the riser and the chair still had full range of motion.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_TestingChairson2ndrow.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/TestingChairson2ndrow.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Chairoversub1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Chairoversub1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Alookunderthechaironsub-1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Alookunderthechaironsub-1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Chairloosefitoversub.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Chairloosefitoversub.jpg)

Seeing that was working fine we moved on to insulation and final decking.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Riserinsulated3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Riserinsulated3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Riserinsulated1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Riserinsulated1.jpg)

After insulation we did a few cut out for the power cords for the lighting and then put on the decking and did a test fit with the row of 4.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Boxinginriser.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Boxinginriser.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Subonleftsideunderchair.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Subonleftsideunderchair.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Spacingtowallandspeakers.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Spacingtowallandspeakers.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Seeinghowitwillalllook.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Seeinghowitwillalllook.jpg)

I should be doing the final hook ups on the sub then I just have a quick patch on the drywall where I pulled the sub cables down and then the carpeting to finish off the big stuff on the riser. I still need to mess with the lighting on the stairs some I want to try and get a blue that matches the cupholders I have on the chairs so I'm looking for those online in the next few days as I couldn't find them locally.

Well that is it for me today the last 2 days have been frantic to say the least so I'm off to bed so I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed picking up my wife at the airport in a few hours.

Cheers

calv1n

02-25-07, 08:30 AM

I thought I'd mention I do have a lot more pictures and all the information and measurements etc if anyone wants to know more of how I built this. As far as I know this is the only build I've ever seen with Sub woofers in the riser in this manner (I searched google trying to find any info before I started this project and there was nothing anywhere including AVS).

I have no idea of how it sounds yet but I'll be sure to post my impressions in a week or two once I'm at that stage. Sadly my HT is going to be on hold for a few days now while I move all the furniture from the present home to the new one and I wait for my AV rack to show up so I actually start hooking everything up.

Cheers
Calvin

jmorris644

02-25-07, 10:59 AM

Calvin,

Do a search and you can find LED replacement bulbs for halogen bulbs. They are a LOT cooler and probably come in different colors. I replaced the halogyn bulb that ran my fiber optic ceiling with one of these LED bulbs.

Joe

johnathan

02-25-07, 11:33 AM

Calvin
The riser looks good ! I love the seating ha ha. That is a great idea for the sub ! I am building acoustic panels now. It is a balancing act for good sound and what looks good. Johnathan

calv1n

02-25-07, 04:19 PM

Thanks guys.

I missed this photo last night showing the plug feed through for the lighting.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_LightwiringthroughRiser1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/LightwiringthroughRiser1.jpg)

Joe or someone else ?

Maybe someone can help me out here with those lights. I'm looking for a model number # MR11 light that is 10W or 20W (prefer 10W) and is a blue LED (trying to match it to the chairs cup holders). I know they make them but I can't seem to find anyplace that has them in stock and will ship them to Canada ? (I spent a bit looking this morning after Joe's post but I couldn't find anyplace that had them in stock and that shipped to Canada)

If anyone knows of a place if you could give me the number or a link that would be a great help.

Thanks
Calvin

jmorris644

02-25-07, 05:16 PM

I guess I will have to teach you how to sleuth the internet ;)

Go to that big auction site and search for Mr11 Blue LED

a few stores have them for about 8 bucks and ship worldwide. Now, I am not sure if that would include Canada but I am guessing it just might. :D

Joe

calv1n

02-25-07, 09:17 PM

Thanks Joe ;) I actually avoid E-bay like the plague and I wouldn't use Paypal if it was the last way to buy stuff on the internet but I'm sure one of the vendors will do a CC over the phone so I'll see if I can get some lights coming my way.
Cheers

jwatte

02-26-07, 09:38 PM

I got a free checking account which I only use for PayPal, so they can't suck my regular checking account dry should something go wrong. That way, I've had pretty good experience with PayPal.

jmorris644

02-26-07, 10:09 PM

I got a free checking account which I only use for PayPal, so they can't suck my regular checking account dry should something go wrong. That way, I've had pretty good experience with PayPal.

Yeah, I just front it all with a credit card. That way I am secured by Paypal and the credit card company. I have saved thousands through E-bay and Paypal.

Joe

calv1n

02-27-07, 08:48 PM

good way to do that I'll have to set up a similiar dummy account for these hard to find items it seems.
I'll have more to post once things settle down but right now the move and everything has me hopping.

Cheers

calv1n

03-05-07, 12:30 AM

Just a quick update before I get back to the grind. I'm still waiting for my AV rack :( I have no idea what is taking so long or even when I'll see the damn thing at this point I'm hoping to get some information on it tomorrow sadly with out the rack my AV installer has put my house on hold and is working on other projects till they can come and do everything on mine all at once (thus no rack no work getting done in the living room and basement HT ).

Here is the current situation in the living room HT. The 46" LCD is waiting for install.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_TVwaitingtogetputinplace.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/TVwaitingtogetputinplace.jpg)

Here is the couch my wife picked up for the living room that I'll be using when watching the 46" LCD on day. Very comfy I like it.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_LivingRoomcouch.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/LivingRoomcouch.jpg)

Here is the almost complete upstairs bonus room HT. The 71" 1080P DLP is amazing for the 360 and HD-DVD making things bearable for me until i get the 333 hooked up in the basement HT.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_BonusRoomHT3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/BonusRoomHT3.jpg)

Lots of things still going on that are keeping me from concentrating on the HT work while I sort out other matters with the new house. We have quite a few concerns that we are working on with the builder. The plumbing has been the major foul up so far with paint and a few other things also waiting to get done (that should have been done before I got the keys but oh well :rolleyes: such is the way of housing in Edmonton at the moment).

More to follow when I can.

johnathan

03-05-07, 01:07 AM

Wow Calvin
What a beautiful home ! It really looks like you did a lot of work picking out colors.Man all of the new electronics. That is amazing. Your bonus room is better than most home theaters let alone the basement HT !

I have been steady at it. And am installing equipment. When the new JVC comes in I will just switch it out with my old Sony HS-10. Can't wait on the new projector so breaking in the new room with the old equipment. Johnathan

calv1n

03-05-07, 04:50 PM

Thanks for the kind words Johnathan. I'm quite happy with the bonus room HT the sound in that room is amazing even with the insulated walls and floors if I turn it up it fills the top and main floor with sound.

I'm very eager to get something happening with the remaining two but we've hit a couple of snags I'll get into when I have more time.

Your HT is shaping up as well looking forward to the new pics with the JVC.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-07-07, 11:33 PM

Some updates.

Ordered those Blue LED's via Pay pal and the big ole' auction house. Thanks for that Joe :)

My carpet is hopefully arriving on the 11th for the riser it is been held up at the border for what ever reason.

My Middle atlantic Rack deal has fallen through with EEAV and they've refunded my $ and now I'm trying to resource the same equipment through a local dealer which I hope to do this week.
Graybar West out of Calgary is hopefully going to give me a quotation in line with EEAV pricing and I can finalize the order and get the rack moving again (from my understanding all of the pieces are sitting in limbo in Vancouver at MA warehouse)

Now onto HT work related things.

I worked on the racking for the movies and games for the downstairs HT. I purchased some nice pieces of Birch and some wooden supports today and spent the better part of the day staining them to match the floors through out the house to tie in the same look and help the transition from upstairs to downstairs.

Here are a couple of photos after 2 coats I may need to apply a third tomorrow once I do a side by side comparision to see how close I ended up to the dark walnut flooring hardwood already in the home.

[flash is on for all the photos other then the screen shot so it really is much darker then it looks]

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_ShelvingforMoviesGames.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/ShelvingforMoviesGames.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Shelvingbrackets.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Shelvingbrackets.jpg)

I did some work on the mount and set up the PJ in the basement.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_PJmount2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/PJmount2.jpg)

Still have some work with getting a UPS mounted up around the PJ and some cable management as well as pulling the required cables through to the PJ location right now I only have component through the conduit.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_PJhungup2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/PJhungup2.jpg)

The screen dimensions are worked out and now I just have to get around to building the frame but I've done the best I could with the seating and room set up.
The final dimensions ended up

137.5" Diagonal 16:9

118" Across x 67.25" Down

I will be putting in a 1.75 to 2" Border and will have a 4" space on either side on the horizontal plane. My 12" Riser worked perfectly for the seating and this screen size and due to the ducting as predicted this is really as large as I can go with out redoing the entire room.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Screentesting.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Screentesting.jpg)

more to follow in a few days.

vili

03-08-07, 08:10 AM

Looks great Calvin, hopefully one day I can get something remotely close to all that.

jmorris644

03-08-07, 09:32 AM

Some updates.

Ordered those Blue LED's via Pay pal and the big ole' auction house. Thanks for that Joe :)

...

The screen dimensions are worked out and now I just have to get around to building the frame but I've done the best I could with the seating and room set up.
The final dimensions ended up

137.5" Diagonal 16:9

118" Across x 67.25" Down

...

I will be putting in a 1.75 to 2" Border and will have a 4" space on either side on the horizontal plane.

Ah, you made it past the fear factor!! Great. I also found out if you put a hyphen in the name E-bay we can talk about it ;)

My screen is 120" and it is really a good size. My front seat is 16 feet back.

For the trim check out fidelio velvet. It is the blackest material anyone has found to date and it really sucks up the light. There is info on Ruben's screen site which is http://www.smxscreen.com

Joe

AngelaC

03-08-07, 10:21 AM

calv1n

03-08-07, 03:00 PM

Looks great Calvin, hopefully one day I can get something remotely close to all that.

vili,

I hope one day you get there as well. For a HT enthusiast this really has been something I've wanted to do ever since I started going to movies. Once I have the downstairs completed I may never visit a cinema center again ;)
Good luck to you.
Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-08-07, 03:03 PM

Ah, you made it past the fear factor!! Great. I also found out if you put a hyphen in the name E-bay we can talk about it ;)

My screen is 120" and it is really a good size. My front seat is 16 feet back.

For the trim check out fidelio velvet. It is the blackest material anyone has found to date and it really sucks up the light. There is info on Ruben's screen site which is http://www.smxscreen.com

Joe

Thanks Joe. I've been a member of Ruben's site since he started it and I think I was on either his 1st or his 2nd group order of SMX he sent out when he first started up. I'm hoping I can stretch out any issues I have with wrinkles as my screen didn't arrive in the best condition but I should be working on that soon after I figure out how I'm going to do the framing. I've looked at the "cheaper" solutions posted at SMX and I'm thinking I may try that or I may just get one of my welder friends to come up with something in the shop.

The velvet is something that will be finding its way on the frame for sure.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-08-07, 03:08 PM

Hey Calvin!
I have been silently following your thread and I would like to tell you that you are doing a great job. I like the fact that you went with a larger size screen as well. I think many people build these large theaters and do not try to maximize screen size as you did.
Great job!!!! :)

AngelaC,

Hi, welcome to the thread glad you posted :). I really wanted to go even larger and that is why I bought the 333 as it can do a really large image and still have that "pop" however with the ducting issues that arose I've had to downscale it slightly. I'm thinking even with 137" diagonal all the seats in the room should have a good view I'm excited to actually get the screen up and see what a movie will look like now. Still aways to go though with the building of the frame, installation of the rack and components etc..
I'm hoping to have my 1st movie watched by the end of the month but that largely depends on a few things I don't have control over (darn shipping).
Thanks for the kind words.
Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

03-08-07, 03:35 PM

Looks phenomenal Calvin. I am going to order my screen here in a few days. Just waiting on if Ruben will be selling the frames as well. I may have to bug you to help me down the road when I get to the screen building time. Picked up my pot lights yesterday. Due to a cash register mistake I got 6 insulated pots (25$ eacH) for a grand total of 25$.

I just found 2 JMlab speakers that are identical to mine for my rear surrounds, from a member here that lives in new york, they are on the way. Slowly coming together

Ryan

calv1n

03-08-07, 04:06 PM

Sounds good Ryan. I've never done a screen build either but by the time you get yours ready I should have an idea from building mine :)
Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

03-08-07, 05:09 PM

Awesome. I am still thinking about your sub. Expenses are growing. Got my proj ordered. Panasonic 100U. From a friend at work here.
Ryan

jmorris644

03-08-07, 08:09 PM

Thanks Joe. I've been a member of Ruben's site since he started it and I think I was on either his 1st or his 2nd group order of SMX he sent out when he first started up. I'm hoping I can stretch out any issues I have with wrinkles as my screen didn't arrive in the best condition but I should be working on that soon after I figure out how I'm going to do the framing. I've looked at the "cheaper" solutions posted at SMX and I'm thinking I may try that or I may just get one of my welder friends to come up with something in the shop.

The velvet is something that will be finding its way on the frame for sure.

Cheers
Calvin

Did you check out my screen mounting thread on Ruben's forum?

BTW, I was his FIRST customer. na na nah nah na :rolleyes:

Joe

javry

03-08-07, 09:25 PM

So Calvin,
What's the ETA of watching your first movie in your new digs?

calv1n

03-09-07, 03:46 PM

Ryan,

Sounds good let me know when you have that Panny 1000 hooked up I'd like to swing by and see it I used to have a 900 and liked it a lot for the price it was an excellent machine.
I can hang on to the sub for awhile yet while you make up your mind. I have the information to send it back for a refund but I'd rather sell it and save the freight back to florida ( I actually wished I could have used it really as I've heard its better then the proficient that I have installed in the living room but at this point I don't want to rip up the living room to change them out).
Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-09-07, 03:52 PM

Did you check out my screen mounting thread on Ruben's forum?

BTW, I was his FIRST customer. na na nah nah na :rolleyes:

Joe

I did actually look at that framing solution you had Joe. It is excellent and very cost effective. I'm not sure I can wait to order all the parts from the links listed though so I'll be looking for something locally that can do the job. I still haven't ruled out going with a frame from one of the "retailers" yet either just going to spend a week or so going over my options and then start working on building one.
Cheers

calv1n

03-09-07, 03:55 PM

So Calvin,
What's the ETA of watching your first movie in your new digs?

Javry,

Thanks for stopping bye my thread :) I don't have an ETA yet but I'm hoping before the end of March. Unfortunately I have to go back to work on Monday my 3 month holiday is over now and I'm back to flying around all over 22 days a month again for the next 9 months while I finish up this next contract. I'm hoping the AV installers and my wife will continue working on things while I'm out of town and I can just work on the screen on my home days and have the 1st movie viewed before March is over.
Cheers

jmorris644

03-09-07, 03:56 PM

I did actually look at that framing solution you had Joe. It is excellent and very cost effective. I'm not sure I can wait to order all the parts from the links listed though so I'll be looking for something locally that can do the job. I still haven't ruled out going with a frame from one of the "retailers" yet either just going to spend a week or so going over my options and then start working on building one.
Cheers

Hmmm, you sure you look at the correct thread? It consists of 3 basic parts, painters tarp clamps, carpet tack strips, and bungee cord. I basically got all of these at Home Depot.

I am not trying to push my solution it is just that it was fairly easy to assemble and install and it is working perfectly for me.

Joe

calv1n

03-09-07, 03:59 PM

jmorris644

03-09-07, 05:11 PM

Joe,

Sorry about that your right my memory isn't as good as I thought. I was thinking of the one with the canvas framing solutions and the angle brackets etc.. that has all of the links. I'll have to take another look at yours and mabye try it out as it seems the fastest way if I can just swing by HD and pick up the materials.
Now that you've been using yours for awhile have you had any issues with losing tension with the bungees? I'm curious if I'll be able to put enough tension on my screen to get all those darn wrinkles out.
Thanks Joe.
Calvin

If they are the wrinkles that were caused by shipping then they probably will not come out completely. My wrinkles were on the far bottom left. They are fairly flat and I do not notice them at all even though I know they are there. No one else has ever noticed them.

I ended up using a standard rope on the top and then bungee on the other 3 sides. So far there have been no stretching issues and the screen is perfectly flat.

I also tilted my screen forward and using the bungees made that a little easier, I think.

Joe

calv1n

03-11-07, 06:24 PM

Not a whole lot going on HT wise at the moment. Hoping the carpet comes in tomorrow and I'm still waiting on the final numbers for the AV rack from the new company that will sell it to me.
The only HT related stuff was putting in the media racks this weekend> I have enough materials for 5 rows but just put up 3 for now.

The dark walnut stain matches the hard wood upstairs.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Shelvinggoingup.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Shelvinggoingup.jpg)

The patch you see off colored was a nail pop that I fixed and painted over after I took these photos (well it patched in these photos waiting to dry)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Shelvesinplace.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Shelvesinplace.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Moviesandgamessetup.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Moviesandgamessetup.jpg)

I'm heading back to work again on Monday so the updates will be a couple of weeks apart for awhile likely.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-11-07, 06:33 PM

If they are the wrinkles that were caused by shipping then they probably will not come out completely. My wrinkles were on the far bottom left. They are fairly flat and I do not notice them at all even though I know they are there. No one else has ever noticed them.

I ended up using a standard rope on the top and then bungee on the other 3 sides. So far there have been no stretching issues and the screen is perfectly flat.

I also tilted my screen forward and using the bungees made that a little easier, I think.

Joe

Joe,

I'm hoping to steam those out or use a combination of stretching and steaming to remove most of the creases and wrinkles I won't know how bad it is till I get it on a frame (the good news is I have enough for a 175" and I'm using a 138" so I do have lots to "play" with and might get lucky enough to discard some of the worst of it.)

I looked at your build a lot closer and its pretty good but I think I'm going to go about mine differently I may try the stretcher bars or a combination of wood and steel from some of my tradesmen friends.
I'll have more information and pictures in a couple of weeks when I get to that point sadly the next 10 days are set aside for work as the new company I just signed with wants me to start early then I expected (I was hoping to be off till the end of March but now I have to go in on the 12th).

Cheers
Calvin

jmorris644

03-11-07, 11:12 PM

Joe,

I'm hoping to steam those out or use a combination of stretching and steaming to remove most of the creases and wrinkles I won't know how bad it is till I get it on a frame (the good news is I have enough for a 175" and I'm using a 138" so I do have lots to "play" with and might get lucky enough to discard some of the worst of it.)

I looked at your build a lot closer and its pretty good but I think I'm going to go about mine differently I may try the stretcher bars or a combination of wood and steel from some of my tradesmen friends.
I'll have more information and pictures in a couple of weeks when I get to that point sadly the next 10 days are set aside for work as the new company I just signed with wants me to start early then I expected (I was hoping to be off till the end of March but now I have to go in on the 12th).

Cheers
Calvin

Don't forget to tilt the screen by about 15 degrees.

Joe

jwatte

03-11-07, 11:20 PM

Nice Xbox game collection :-)

NeoOiler

03-12-07, 12:27 PM

jmorris644

03-12-07, 12:40 PM

My DVD collection is my big thing I have to find room for. I hope it will all fit in my new closet I built for them. I am at about 700 or so probably.Thanks

Ryan

FYI, Sony makes a 400 disc DVD changer. It works very nicely and Cinemar has a plugin that manages the whole thing for you.

Joe

umdivx

03-12-07, 02:33 PM

Calv1n,
I absolutely love your home. I am truly Jealous. ;) anyways are you doing the work yourself on the theater? or just the finishing touches kind of thing?

- Josh

NeoOiler

03-12-07, 03:22 PM

Yeah I was thinking the 400 disc thing, but that doesnt solve the problem of the cases. I like to display them..hahah

Ryan

jmorris644

03-12-07, 03:38 PM

Yeah I was thinking the 400 disc thing, but that doesnt solve the problem of the cases. I like to display them..hahah

Ryan

Ok, and I know you were joking but if you want to display the cases then get one of those automated picture frame things and it can just roll through all of the movie cover graphics.

If you want to display the movie that is playing that is one of the things that DVDLobby does. It also displays the movie grafic as you scroll through your collection.

You could also use the cases as wallpaper. That might actually look pretty cool.

Joe

NeoOiler

03-12-07, 06:01 PM

I like to have them all on shelves like books. Its the only thing I really collect. I think the DVD lobby will defiantely be in my future though.

Ryan

jmorris644

03-12-07, 06:08 PM

Its the only thing I really collect.

Ryan

Hmm, by the pic on your sig it looks like you collect rug rats too :p

Joe

calv1n

03-14-07, 06:25 PM

Don't forget to tilt the screen by about 15 degrees.

Joe

Thanks Joe will do ;)

Sorry for the delays in posting guys I've been sent back to work (have to pay for all these darn toys :D ) It took a couple of days to settle in and get my PC up here at work and originally the company I worked for had AVS blocked :( I tried it again today and it worked so I'll try to respond to the new posts and hope that I can connect in the future as well and today wasn't a fluke.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-14-07, 06:28 PM

Nice Xbox game collection :-)

Thanks jwatte. I think I have around 50+ retail titles now and around 20+ of the arcade XBLA titles so I guess I could be considered a bit of a gamer (my xbox live gamer tag is CaLv1n1 if you want to check it out). If anyone sends me a friends request just make sure you send a message with who you are please so I don't disregard it as I get quite a few requests strangely from people I don't know.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-14-07, 06:30 PM

Hey Calvin, I will let you know when I get the thing. I have my friend from work here getting it for me and its on order. I kind of need it to see where placement can be. I dont know if putting it in my bulkjead will work or not due to the side bulkheads blocking the light. If not it has to be mounted below..uggh. More headroom gone.

Man you definately haev me beat on xbox 360 games. Wow. I will have to add to yout to the old friends list. Havent played at all lately, too busy on the room. I did pick up Motorstorm for the PS3 last week.

My DVD collection is my big thing I have to find room for. I hope it will all fit in my new closet I built for them. I am at about 700 or so probably.

Thanks for holding on to the sub, I found speakers to match my sytem and they are on the way from New york right now. But my existing sub may be too big to put under my screen so an in wall might be a great idea. Can i mount that behind the smx screen with my speakers??

Thanks

Ryan

Ryan,

You bet :) I'll have to come over and check it out and no worries holding the sub for you I'm in no hurry to return it. I don't think putting the SMX in front of the inwall subs should be a problem I'm putting about 60% or more of the THOR's Il have behind the SMX in my HT set up. I will show the pics once my AV company has the subs installed and the screen is up. I don't expect it to distract or take to much from the over all experience.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-14-07, 06:34 PM

Calv1n,
I absolutely love your home. I am truly Jealous. ;) anyways are you doing the work yourself on the theater? or just the finishing touches kind of thing?

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks for the kind words. Everything other then the in-wall and in-wall ceiling installs so far has been done by me (I even carried that 71" monster up the stairs and put together the factory stand with a friend ;) )

I have the AV installers coming in to install the 2 remaining Thor subs and then do the hook ups and calibrate the audio and video (for basement and the living room HT's) everything else will be done by me. I'm expecting the carpet on the 23rd (when I return from work out of town) and hoping most of the AV stuff will be completed that weekend as well.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-18-07, 09:08 AM

Just an update, I finally hashed out a deal with the Canadian Middle atlantic guys and a dealer in Calgary so I will be getting the AV rack shipped out of Calgary to my doorstep (hopefully when I'm home next weekend). I'm glad to finally get the damn thing going again but a bit miffed that I ended up spending another $500 to get it and with the price increase I still ended up not getting any "faceplates" for my equipment and just got shelves instead despite the cost increase (shelves are about $40 vs face plates at $120).
Carpet and rack are scheduled for install on the 23rd and 24th so hopefully everthing works out as planned.
Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

03-18-07, 12:29 PM

Glad to here it is coming together Calvin. It is a shame when you spend good money to have to put up with a load of crap ! I hate that . Sounds exciting that you are getting every thing professionally calibrated .

Can't wait to see the final pictures and here your excitement ha ha. Everyone loves the 45004's they sit perfectly ! And I love the feeling even more as they seem to have broken in some! Johnathan

calv1n

03-19-07, 09:07 AM

Johnathan,

The $ doesn't bother so much as the time delay and getting the "run around" trying to get the darn thing up here. I've ordered just about everything I own for my HT through the states and the AV rack is the only item that has really caused me grief and ended up like this (US store refunding $ and having to buy it in Canada). Just a heads up for anyone reading that was planning on doing the same (ordering in the US and saving some $).

I agree with the 45004's been alot more comfortable once they get broken in (that and the leather doesn't "squeal" everytime you use the power recline like when they are brand new).

I hope to have some new pics up soon I'll be home again in a few days as I'm flying back on Thursday to tackle house issues again.

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

03-20-07, 12:15 PM

Awesome Calvin. Too bad about the rack problems. My projector is in today, picking up at Lunch, also I am upgrading my receiver to a Pioneer Elite VSX81 today. Sold my 1016 to a member on here. I am not upgrading for sound reasons, just cable reasons, no point in spending a couple hundred on extra cables to run to my projector when the receiver can do it all in one HDMI.

I need to get back to work on the whole project, been pretty relaxed the past few days.

Ryan

calv1n

03-20-07, 06:30 PM

Ryan,

Sounds great looking forward to your review of the new PJ and reciever (with some pics?)
Did you buy the receiver locally here in the city? I'm looking for another reciever now as well so I'm curious how you made out, I'm shopping again to replace my Yamaha HT1000.

Cheers
Calvin

jiujitsu35

03-20-07, 10:46 PM

Calvin,I just wanted to tell you that your HT is looking nice and I look forward to seeing it done.I know what you are going through right now but in the end it will be well worth it.

calv1n

03-21-07, 11:41 AM

Calvin,I just wanted to tell you that your HT is looking nice and I look forward to seeing it done.I know what you are going through right now but in the end it will be well worth it.

jiujitsu35,

Thanks for the post I'm getting there but still aways to go. I'm looking forward to the day (hopefully soon) that I can sit down in my basement HT room and finally watch a movie ;) I plan on having many many years of enjoyment out of this room and I built this house to live in for the next 30 years not to sell so I put in a lot of planning to get what I want (I just hope the planning and execution of the plan lives up to my expectations).

cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

03-22-07, 12:38 PM

umdivx

03-22-07, 01:13 PM

....Ordered my screen today from SMX. I have no idea how to make the frame but I thought I might as well get that out of the way. So if you have any ideas on how to make them, let me know and we can buy doubles of everything and help each other out...hahah

Ryan

If you go to the SMX website, in their Forums, they've got examples of purchasing Picture/Canvas stretcher bars and using that as a frame.

That or I love the idea joe did here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=730306

Follow joe's thread he did a trampoline style setup, and from the looks of it, it works pretty well.

- Josh

calv1n

03-22-07, 11:07 PM

Yeah. I got the reciever from Double Diamond Electronics in the west end. A friend from work here used to be in the business, so he still gets great deals. I got an awesome deal on it. The guys name is John.

Its wicked. Projector looks awesome, too bad I had to put it back in the box until the room is ready..Darnit.

Ordered my screen today from SMX. I have no idea how to make the frame but I thought I might as well get that out of the way. So if you have any ideas on how to make them, let me know and we can buy doubles of everything and help each other out...hahah

Ryan

Ryan,

I'm taking a hard look at the screen frame this weekend (I won't be doing the bungee type thing that Joe did, I looked at it and its not what I want for my application so I'm leaning towards either a complete metal or metal and wood solid frame solution).

Never heard of that doubtle diamond store - I'll have to PM you on that to see just how good a $ you ended up with before I go shopping elsewhere.

Cheers

calv1n

03-22-07, 11:09 PM

If you go to the SMX website, in their Forums, they've got examples of purchasing Picture/Canvas stretcher bars and using that as a frame.

That or I love the idea joe did here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=730306

Follow joe's thread he did a trampoline style setup, and from the looks of it, it works pretty well.

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks for the post I've been over at SMX website since I ordered it following the framing more so then anything else. I've seen a lot of great ideas out there but I think I think I may just add to the list of ways to do it rather then just following some of the tried and true ways posted.

On a side note update I received my blue LED lights in the mail today from E-bay so I'll be trying them out tomorrow to see how well they match up with the lighted cupholders on the chairs.

Cheers

jmorris644

03-22-07, 11:22 PM

One note that might be of interest. the trampoline screen design cost about about $50 and took 2 hours to completely set up.

Joe

NeoOiler

03-22-07, 11:43 PM

calv1n

03-22-07, 11:49 PM

One note that might be of interest. the trampoline screen design cost about about $50 and took 2 hours to completely set up.

Joe

Joe,

I like your design and for ease of set up and price its pretty tough to beat but I'm looking at getting something custom built from a welder friend of mine that will be a bit more "heavy duty" . If my friend doesn't come through with something that works I may end up trying your way at some point ;)

Cheers

calv1n

03-22-07, 11:56 PM

YEAH, its not a big store. Its by yellowhead. I had never heard of it before either. Now I wont go anywhere else.

Calvin on a side note I am going to start some drywll this weekend, do I have to do anything to the studs before putting the drywall up? Caulking? anything like that?

I have started all my coax cable running. Just trying to make sure i have all basis covered before it all gets covered in. Electrical will have to wait till my buddy gets back from Phoenix, (hes an electrician). also tomorrow is my last day at my old job, i am so excited, it may make me speed up finishing the room. hahahah

Ryan

Ryan,

I'll have to check that store out.

For drywalling you can go as simple or all out depends on your timeframe and budget. There is a ton of info here on the forum about green goo and decoupling walls etc if you do a quick search. For myself I just did insulation and standard 1/2 drywall as outlined in the thread nothing special but as my house is very insulated throughout it should be enough (I hope).
Looking forward to seeing how your room shapes up :) now that you have some time off should it start coming together quickly.

Cheers

NeoOiler

03-23-07, 12:16 AM

Naw, start my new job on monday. But its about 45mins closer to home. More time in the evening to work..hahah. Yeah my house is from 1977 but everything in the house is double 3/8 drywall and sound upstairs is pretty guiet right now with no sound blocking,,so I am just doing the insulation and 1/2" as well. Since my room was getting more expensive by the minute i have to save a bit of cash somewhere. New proj..smx screen, new reciever (didnt plan on) . PM me and I will tell you what i paid for the receiver.

Ryan

johnathan

03-23-07, 08:43 AM

If I was starting from scratch I would have done the double dry wall with green glue as a minimum. That will allow you to enjoy movies late at night when the house is sleeping. Luckly my HT is far enough away when my wife sleeps it dosen't disturb her.I have three windows behind the second row "main" seating. I can here loud sounds aircraft,loud trucks from time to time from outside the house.

If you sound proof the room you will block all of that out as well ! Either way you go you are way ahead of most people just having a nice dedicated space for you and your family to have a theater in !

Calvin can't wait to see updated pictures of your home and theaters ! Very impressive that all will be free and clear in 5 years ! Johnathan

NeoOiler

03-23-07, 10:26 AM

Yeah I am ok with sound as well. The bedrooms are 2 floors up and all of the existing house is double drywalled so sound is really good throughout the house. I am insulating the ceiling of the theatre as well as walls. All walls connecting with other rooms are double walled so I am ok with that. I am not going for full on soundproofing and I dont really watch anything overly load at home anyways. Even after all this is built I am and always will be "going out to the movies" guy. Its not the same at home.

Thanks for all the info

Ryan

calv1n

03-23-07, 07:20 PM

Thanks for the posts as always guys :) I'll PM you (Ryan) about that receiver I'm always interested in a deal ;)
I'm not to worried about sound so far but I also haven't heard everything hooked up yet and I have some serious equipment downstairs so I might have not put enough into it (on the other hand I don't stay up all hours of the night anymore either and my wife and I usually are in bed around the same time so until I have kids and they become teenagers I may not have an issue)

Some updates from today.

The Blue LED's are installed but I forgot to take pics, The subs in the riser are installed and the carpet has been delivered. I'm hoping I can line up the carpet installers for this weekend and get that piece of the puzzle finished off. I hope to start work on the rack area tomorrow but I still don't have the damn AV rack which I really wanted before I go to crazy building forms downstairs to house the unit (no idea where it is but I hope to see it tomorrow or Monday)

Chris from Connect AV stopped by today and we finally set up the LCD which was good so that is one more thing checked off the list. He sadly didn't have the new distribution panel so no internet yet at home (still typing this from my old house across town).

Here are the pics from todays progress. One thing to note is that I actually made an error I didn't even think about until we set the TV and that was that I originally planned for a 42" and then bought the 46" this caused some problems and as such I'm going to have to have a welder friend of mine make an extension to the PDR mount so I have more then 2 bolts holding the TV in place. It should have 4 but I could only fit 2 due to the increase in size (unless I wanted to cover up 1/2 of my center channel which I didn't). I'm still confident in the strength of the PDR mount even with 2 though and I've decided to leave it as is until I get the new piece made and then I'll take it down and put it back up with extra 2 bolts in place giving it even more support ;) Right now I just don't swing it wildly around but pull it out gently as it's not as supported as I'd like but it is still safe.

Taking the stuff out of the boxes at last (you may notice the proficient Sub is installed now as well we did that before putting the LCD up ;) )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LCDmounting1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LCDmounting1.jpg)

Chris mounting bracket to studs and 1" plywood sheet.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LCDmounting4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LCDmounting4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LCDmounting6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LCDmounting6.jpg)

After Chris and I lifted the unit into place he checks to ensure there are no issues with the mount and measures out the cables needed.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LCDmounting10.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LCDmounting10.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LCDmounting9.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LCDmounting9.jpg)

My picture of the cable management didn't turn out so good sadly but the PDR mount actually is very slick how its set up it is a very clean install. I'll try to get a picture of that later this weekend.

A pic of the unit in action (pitch black via the XA1 downstairs 30' away through the conduit)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_LCDmounting13.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/LCDmounting13.jpg)

Hopefully more to follow soon as my weekend whirlwind "fix it up" session continues. (I had the spa jaccuzzi, toilet and water softener all fixed today as well as some cabinet issues so I'm doing just as much construction management at home as I do at work this weekend).

Cheers

johnathan

03-24-07, 07:44 AM

Wow
Calvin what a nice clean install on your TV ! Very nice. Johnathan

calv1n

03-25-07, 01:29 AM

Thanks Johnathan :) I'm pretty pleased with the results here are a few pictures with the cabling I didn't get around to posting last time.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_WiremanagementLCD4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/WiremanagementLCD4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_WiremanagementLCD2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/WiremanagementLCD2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_WiremanagementLCD1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/WiremanagementLCD1.jpg)

A couple of pictures of the unit pulled out with a movie playing.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_PitchBlack46LCD3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/PitchBlack46LCD3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_PitchBlack46LCD1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/PitchBlack46LCD1.jpg)

We ended up putting around a 5 or 10 degree angle on the LCD so that it tilts down and gives a better picture for the sectional seating in the living room.

I ended up taking the day off and went to the "home show" with the wife instead of working on the HT so I'm hoping to get some work done tomorrow.

Cheers

AngelaC

03-26-07, 09:14 AM

Very neat install. It's surely coming along. Great job!!! :)

calv1n

03-26-07, 02:12 PM

Thanks AngelaC I'm pretty happy with the work done so far.

I didn't end up getting my AV rack delivered or the carpet installed (but its in the basement waiting now :) )

The only thing I ended up doing yesterday was swapping out the center channel in the bonus room HT so I could fit it in the stand. The much larger and more expensive Nuance center is now living at my brothers house and I've gone to the slim line missions (the center matches my rear speakers not ideal but I can live with it).

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_MissionlowprofileCenterChannel2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/MissionlowprofileCenterChannel2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_MissionlowprofileCenterChannel1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/MissionlowprofileCenterChannel1.jpg)

Cheers

gilham1

03-27-07, 01:57 AM

calv1n is my new hero.....I am up for adoption;) if you dont mind a 30yr old son..lol.I cant wait to see the finished product.I have been through so many peoples HT in the last couple weeks that my brain is turning to mush..

calv1n

03-27-07, 09:14 AM

Thanks for the kind words gilham1 :) definitely lots to see here on AVS. There are some of the most amazing set ups in the world here, many of which gave me the motivation and ideas you see used in my set ups.

Cheers

(ps. I'll run the adoption thing past my wife but as she's only 27 herself she may balk at having a new son that is 3 yrs her senior ;) )

calv1n

03-27-07, 10:20 AM

I'd almost forgotten to post about my Blue LED's I had purchased for the basement HT.
I installed them this weekend to see how they would work out.

If you click on the picture to enlarge it you may just see the little blue light - this pic is from about 12' to 15' back so you can see the light is very dim.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_BlueLED3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/BlueLED3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_BlueLED2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/BlueLED2.jpg)

I wasn't overly impressed with them. They are too dim to use IMO I'll have to go back to the drawing board and find a brighter source. The blue does match the chair cupholders nicely but its just to dim :( You can barely see them and they do little if anything to light the stairs as I had hoped.

I had thought the entire LED range would light up but it appears that only the center "pin" does which I'm not sure is the way they are designed. I'm planning on calling the company I bought them from to see what my alternatives are.

Anyone have any ideas or thoughts for me ...?

Thanks
Calvin

jmorris644

03-27-07, 10:33 AM

That's really surprising. Both Ruben and I at first bought the cheaper non-LED blue lights and switched to the dimmable LED blue lights because the originals were not bright enough. The LED lights are definately bright. I actually keep them dimmed at about 70%.

I think I have some pcs of both sets of lights when they were up. I will try and upload them. But first I need to find that stupid cable that connects my camera to the PC. :(

Joe

calv1n

03-27-07, 02:58 PM

Joe,

Thanks for that I'd appreciate seeing what your using vs what I currently have as what I have isn't doing the job at all.

My LED's look just like this one but the only blue light that is emitted is from the center pin only.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/LED.jpg

I'm wondering if the lights I have are working correctly? In the photos on the website it appeared to me that all of the "pins" should be lighting up :confused:

Thanks for any help.
Cheers
Calvin

jwatte

03-27-07, 08:12 PM

If only the middle is lighting up, then something's wrong. Either it's broken, or it's set to "maximum dimness."

she may balk at having a new son that is 3 yrs her senior

Or maybe that's just what she craves... :-)

calv1n

03-28-07, 09:05 AM

Thanks Jwatte :) I thought they must be defective bulbs now I'm sure they are. I don't think they are set to any level as my set up currently only does "on" or "off" I haven't added a dimmer switch or level of any kind yet.

I'll have to call or e-mail the seller and see if he can send me 2 new bulbs.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-29-07, 12:18 PM

Update.

The wife just called and the AV rack has finally arrived. Its in my garage now waiting till I get home next weekend. I can finally get going on finishing up the basement HT :)

Now if I can get my screen frame ordered and built things will really start to come together down there.

Cheers

erandmckay

03-29-07, 01:01 PM

Calvin, great thread, lots of good ideas, thanks!

calv1n

03-29-07, 01:19 PM

Thanks erandmckay. I checked out your thread as well today its coming along nicely. In some ways I'm jealous as you get to do and pay attention to every detail but in other ways its kind of nice to just come home and see that the work is done and in most cases according to your plan. I'm getting ready to tackle the last 2 big hurdles, the building and installing of the AV rack and the screen once those are done I have a small carpet install on the riser and just a few touch ups (like painting the speaker grills) and my basement HT is all done and I can actually start enjoying the darn thing after 2 years of planning and building.

javry

03-29-07, 02:17 PM

............... I'm getting ready to tackle the last 2 big hurdles, the building and installing of the AV rack and the screen once those are done I have a small carpet install on the riser and just a few touch ups (like painting the speaker grills) and my basement HT is all done and I can actually start enjoying the darn thing after 2 years of planning and building.

Cal, I know you mentioned it before but what screen are you planning on using? Also, I think you said earlier that your tentative deadline was somtime in April. Looks like you just might make it :)

calv1n

03-29-07, 02:49 PM

Cal, I know you mentioned it before but what screen are you planning on using? Also, I think you said earlier that your tentative deadline was somtime in April. Looks like you just might make it :)

Javry,

Long time no post :) nice to see you back visiting the thread. I'm planning on using "Sandmans" SMX fabric for a 138" diagonal 16:9 acoustical transparent screen. I had originally contacted a welder friend to help me make the 118" x 67.25" frame but I just found out today that he will be to busy to help me make it. I'm looking at plan B right now which is the pro stretcher canvas bars with some corner braces which have been used pretty effectively by a few people on the smx forums. I'm getting a quote from a states side company in a day or two and will likely order it this week and then hopefully have it 7 to 10 business days after that. This unfortunately will be pushing things back to likely the April 21st weekend for me to finish up the basement HT and actually watch my 1st movie downstairs in the 99% complete HT.
Still not so far off if I get all the work done I need to when I'm back home in a week or so.

Cheers

javry

03-29-07, 03:07 PM

sounds exciting Cal! If it turns out that you have to take longer to get things sorted than planned, I'll offer my old soap-box saying..... "Better late and right than early and wrong".

calv1n

03-29-07, 05:43 PM

Thanks Javry. That is some good advice I aim to take ;)

NeoOiler

03-30-07, 11:26 AM

Calvin, let me know where you are getting those things, I may order some as well. My screen is being shipped out today.

Ryan

calv1n

03-30-07, 12:46 PM

Ryan,

I'm just waiting to hear back from them which I hope to either today or Monday (not sure if they work the weekends?). I'll let you know how much it works out to with shipping to Edmonton. The screen frame itself is not to bad I think the breakdown is around $160 for the frames, $20 (x2) for the 2 sets of steel corner braces, $20 for the set of 4 best key corner system pkg and around $20 for the mid grade canvas stretching pliers (they wanted $90 for the high grade but I'm doing 1 screen so I passed). All told your looking at around $240 US dollars + Shipping and an hour or so of your time for a 138" screen which is pretty good.
The shipping may be more then the screen though so not sure yet if I'm going to order from them yet or not. If the shipping is outrageous I may just source them locally through one of the 5 or so local art supply dealers in Edmonton and have them special order these items for me as I'm sure they will get them delivered for much less, but then charge a bit more for the materials.
I'll post the details once I get more info back from the supplier on the shipping and time frame from the factory to my door.
I'll still have to source some velvet trim and other odds and ends for the final touches but I'll have enough to at least get the video calibrated and the screen up.
Cheers
Calvin

eq_shadimar

03-30-07, 12:59 PM

Calvin -

Now I know where you came up with the idea you gave me about using an LCD mount for my speakers. Sneaky...very very sneaky :)

Installation looks great!

Laters,
Jeff

calv1n

03-30-07, 01:23 PM

Jeff,

I was thinking more along the lines of the traditional CRT type of stands that come down from the ceiling and have a base that your speakers could sit on as they are cabinet style. Concept is the same though. Thanks for the visit and the post I'm pretty happy with the job so far its starting to come together. I will have some big updates next weekend when I'm back at home I hope (with pics).

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

03-31-07, 11:17 AM

I spent some time on the phone with John at DD electronics today. Seems like a pretty decent fellow willing to deal (which I like ;) I'm a horse trader in a past life I think).
I pretty sure I'll be picking up a Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS and two Harmony 880 remotes when I get back into town from him. (I have the 890 for the basement and a 600 series for the living room I want to replace anyways so I may as well just grab a couple 880's as I like the harmony's and I'm familiar with their programming and set up).

I decided on the 82 as it has the upscaling which the 81 lacks and I want that for the 71" 1080P set in the bonus room HT.

Should be another good weekend for buying and setting up toys :D

The future wife has informed me the blinds are almost in (still missing 1) so I'm hoping to see how they work out in diminishing the glare with the LCD in the living room along with hopefully getting all the speakers systems in the livingroom and basement HT up and running. I'm pretty excited to finally hear the ceiling and in-wall speakers after all this time (sure hope they live up to my expectations).

Cheers
Calvin

W00lly

03-31-07, 07:16 PM

have you got the riser subs going would like some more info on this

sambow87

03-31-07, 11:16 PM

calv1n

04-01-07, 09:07 AM

have you got the riser subs going would like some more info on this

W00lly,

I don't have your answer yet but I should have it soon.

I hope to have the subs fired up this upcoming weekend (April 6th to 8th). I do have them hooked up and ready to go just waiting for the carpet to get installed on the riser which should be this weekend and then for the AV rack to get hooked up (which should also be hooked up this weekend now that it is finally in my garage waiting to go in).

Once the AV rack gets hooked up I'll plan on having the room calibrated and sound treatments installed but I can certainly throw in some music or a movie and see how the subs "feel". My understanding is the earthquake thor's are pretty powerful subs so I think I will "feel" and "hear" the bass when on the back riser even in the middle loveseat.

I have 2 separate amps feeding each pair of subs and they are both rack mounted units so I haven't had a chance to play around with them yet sadly.

I'll be sure to update the thread as soon as I get some impressions from the working room and then again after I do the calibrations and sound treatments.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-01-07, 09:11 AM

Calvin, you are my hero. You can adopt me too :)

I'm just beginning to start with HT (i'm still in college and i'm an EE major) and this thread and you have sparked some inspiration!

Hope your theaters continue to go well and can't wait to see some final pics of the main theater!

Sam

Thanks Sam. I appreciate the kind words :)

If you have any questions about anything let me know and I wish you luck in your studies and your future HT project. I'll be sure to keep the pictures coming till I'm done with the basement HT.

Cheers
Calvin

jwatte

04-03-07, 11:54 PM

I have 2 separate amps feeding each pair of subs and they are both rack mounted units

You sure you have enough bass there? :-)
Are you planning to go with a parametric eq on them?

jwatte

04-04-07, 12:05 AM

I decided on the 82 as it has the upscaling which the 81 lacks and I want that for the 71" 1080P set in the bonus room HT.

The Pioneer Elites only upscale to 1080i, though, right? I think the Sony 5200 is the only one in that price class that does 1080p.

calv1n

04-04-07, 03:17 PM

jwatte,

I'll have the behringer back feed destroyers set up for each amp for the subs (so far that's all I've planned). When they do the audio calibration if they tell me I should be looking at something more I'll likely follow the advice.

I looked at the Sony 5200 but other then the 1080P advantage from what I've read online it seems to be inferior to the PE 82 (hopefully don't ruffle some feathers ;) )
I may have to take a harder look into what other receivers can upscale to 1080P or I may want to just get the PE 81 and then buy and external scaler (decisions, decisions :confused: ) I have not committed to buying the elite for sure yet but I'm definitely interested in picking it up at the price point it was offered (they offered a pretty decent deal )

Thanks for the posts jwatte as usual you've given me something to think about ;)

Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

04-04-07, 08:19 PM

jwatte

04-04-07, 08:23 PM

so far that's all I've planned

That's all you need, IMO. Behringers don't have the best build, and sometimes are noisy, but for an install where it's set-and-forget, and for a subwoofer (not much tweeter power there), I can't imagine there will be a problem.

Myself, I'm trying to decide between the Elite 84 or the Sony 5200, and haven't made up my mind yet, although I'm leaning towards the Sony. What specific things made you decide on the Elite over the Sony?
1080i isn't that bad, anyway, and a 1080p source will be passed through untouched by the Elites AFAICT.

calv1n

04-05-07, 09:31 AM

That's all you need, IMO. Behringers don't have the best build, and sometimes are noisy, but for an install where it's set-and-forget, and for a subwoofer (not much tweeter power there), I can't imagine there will be a problem.

Myself, I'm trying to decide between the Elite 84 or the Sony 5200, and haven't made up my mind yet, although I'm leaning towards the Sony. What specific things made you decide on the Elite over the Sony?
1080i isn't that bad, anyway, and a 1080p source will be passed through untouched by the Elites AFAICT.

jwatte,

The main reason the reviews I've read seem to give the edge to PE over the Sony is due to the clunky interface with the Sony. Almost all the reviewers I've seen have been pretty impressed with the ease of use with the PE and frustrated with the Sony (for some tech people this may not be an issue but for others looking through a 100 page manual isn't so much fun).

There are a few professional and user based reviews up on CNET and other major webpages I've read through. That been said I still haven't made up my mind I'm almost leaning towards getting the 81 and an external scaler now (I really have to stop reading this forum :D )

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-05-07, 10:43 AM

How much do external scalers cost? What do they do??

I really dont have a clue about this stuff??
RYan

calv1n

04-05-07, 11:04 AM

Calvin
The upscaling in the HD-XA2 is reportedly second to none.Including the Crystallo2 ! That is quite a statement but smarter guy's than me are almost sure of it ! thread here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=782887I ) I would have to see the receiver up conversion quality for myself before buying.

You have such a nice display you really need to drive it at it's full potential ! I have always been suspect of receivers as video switchers or up converters as that is an after thought for them. But that is just my humble opinion . I think seeing along with some of the realy heavy hitters advice can go along way in saving disappointment and money. Good luck Johnathan ;)

Johnathan,

I'm still looking into getting a XA2 but I might be looking into getting a PS3 first so I can have a blu-ray player and for a game or two I might want that isn't' on the 360. I think the XA2 will be sitting in my house by the end of 2007 but right now I'm saving some pesos for some rings for the future wife (her diamond fell out of the engagment ring and now we are looking at getting it changed from a tiffany setting to something else and tying in her wedding and anniversary band as well, all very exciting for her but very costly for me... diamonds are not a mans best friend).

Still I'll be keeping an eye out for any deals on the XA2 both in the states and Canada so if anyone sees something let me know please ;)

Cheers
Calvin

jmorris644

04-05-07, 11:07 AM

How much do external scalers cost? What do they do??

I really dont have a clue about this stuff??
RYan

I can only share my experience.

I have an Optoma HD81 that comes with an external scaler. This is a first generation 1080p product and it comes with some serious isssues that some folks have experienced. I am one of the lucky ones that seems to have no or little issues.

Itis very nice to have only 2 cables going to the projector itself. A hdmy cable and a serial cable both from the scaler which is in my equipment box.

The scaler has 3 hdmi, 2 component, s-video, composite, and 2 sets of BNC connectors on it. It does an amazing job of scaling all video to 1080p. It has to do this because the projector itself only projects 1080p.

Having experienced a two-piece system like this I would be very hard pressed to go back to a single projector model.

Joe

calv1n

04-05-07, 11:12 AM

How much do external scalers cost? What do they do??

I really dont have a clue about this stuff??
RYan

Ryan,

So many choices and price points in scalers really could spend all day talking about them (and many do here in the AVS forums if you check out the scalers / processors sub forum).

I was looking at the Lumagen that Jason sells here at AVS. I can't talk exact pricing as you know but you can call him for the numbers its around $2k depending on the model but they are really good value compared to the higher end units that perform similar but cost a lot more (they usually look better IMO though - I really like the look of the crystalio brand I prefer the Lumagen due to the price /performance).

With out getting to technical (they have the forums for that ;) ) here is what a scaler is:

A video scaler is a processing device for converting video signals between arbitrary resolutions. They are usually used for converting low resolution interlaced signals (such as composite video or S-video) to higher resolution non-interlaced like HDTV, although they can also work in the reverse. It performs a similar job to a Line doubler however with extra signal processing and optimizing.

These devices are available for both digital and analogue inputs and outputs or, more commonly, both combined and are usually combined with other video hardware. A prime example are devices for converting an analogue VGA signal from a computer into DVI (digital) signal for display on a monitor; in this case the resolution outputted by the computer may be lower than that required by the monitor creating a distorted image. A scaler can be used to increase the resolution to the correct level.[1]

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-05-07, 12:20 PM

calv1n

04-05-07, 12:42 PM

Ahhh. Clear as mud..just kidding.I kind of get it..haha. I dont think I will really have a need for anything like that. My receiver changes everything to HDMI which is good enough for me I think. For now anyways. Did you do anything like bass traps in the corners, or are you planning to? This forum is so not a good thing for me...i think i have stuff figured out, and then i come along something else..and say "I can do that too". Did you see on SMX he has the frames ready to go. I emailed him asking pricing.

Ryan

Ryan,

Yep this forum makes my wallet cry as well (probably pushed my early retirement out by about 5 years already ;) )
I PM'd Ruben as well regarding the new screens frames :) I'm very interested but the only drawback is the larger size of the framing 3.5" vs the 2" I was going to use- will shrink the overall viewable space of my planned screen somewhat or I will have to alter the area where the screen is going to accommodate the new frame.

Regarding the acoustic panels and bass traps I'm having Connect provide that as required when they do the audio calibrations and the system is nearly complete (right now we still need to hook up the audio and video in the basement then we can get down to fine tuning it ;) - It will be done at some point though and I'm going to pay the larger $$ to have them do it vs building and installing them myself which is about 5 to 10x the cost I'm sure but I'm getting to the point where I really do have more $ then time and I'd rather spend time enjoying the room then working with it now :)

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-05-07, 01:34 PM

Namnuta

04-05-07, 02:55 PM

calv1n

04-05-07, 09:24 PM

I wish I had more money then time...hahha. The problem with all the material is its hard to find here in Edmonton, which blows me away.

Like what is that 703 everyone talks about? Ill have to see what they do to your room and steal some ideas..hahah

Did Ruben get back to you with a cost?
Ryan

No cost yet but I'll pm you when he does. Hopefully getting the carpet and the AV rack in this weekend :D

Should have some updates and pics in a couple of days.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-05-07, 09:26 PM

Nice work Calvin, looks like is turning out wonderful. I noticed you were a fellow calgarian, and i was forced to register, just to say good job. I will be tacking a simlar project once i move into my new house in 2 weeks. I might need to bounce some question off ya, when the time comes.

Namnuta,

Thanks I'm actually from Edmonton but I spend a lot of time in Calgary and usually the companies I work for have their HQ's there (oil & gas).
Any time you have questions fire away I'll do my best to answer or steer you somewhere you can find them.
Good luck with the move.

Cheers
Calvin

jwatte

04-06-07, 12:05 AM

Like what is that 703 everyone talks about?

An Owens Corning product (http://www.owenscorning.com/comminsul/documents/Fiberglas700Series.pdf#xml=http://ocsearch01.oc.iscgnet.com/texis/search/pdfhi.txt?query=703&pr=www.owenscorning.com&prox=page&rorder=500&rprox=500&rdfreq=500&rwfreq=500&rlead=500&sufs=0&order=r&cq=&id=45e3341ea)

Note that if you call O.C. (1-800-GET-PINK) there is only one (1) place that sells it in all of California (CWCI down in L.A.), so it's not exactly something you'll get at your local Home Depot. It's a product originally designed to silence air ducts and bulky machinery, which has found another use as sound absorbtion. The nice thing about it is that it's a rigid board, so it won't sag the way a fiberglass insulation batt will. It comes in boxes of 12 2'x4' sheets.

There is also something for theaters called SelectSound Black Acoustic Board (http://www.owenscorning.com/around/sound/commercial_acoustics/black-acouboard.asp) which is more expensive per square foot, but it comes in 4'x8' sheets, and is black (for reducing video glare). Again, only sold in one place in California, so no idea where it's sold in Canada.

ATS Acoustics (http://www.atsacoustics.com) sells these boards mail order, btw. There are also places on eBay that do.

johnathan

04-06-07, 11:33 AM

If you have a hard time finding the OC 703 try Johns Manville 814 it is the same thing but made by Johns Manville.Try their website for a retailer in your area. Johnathan

NeoOiler

04-07-07, 01:42 PM

Thanks a lot for all the help. Can anyone answer me. I am building my riser right now and Wondering if I should just use deck screws to put evrything together, or should I glue it as well??

Thanks

Ryan

calv1n

04-07-07, 01:44 PM

Ryan,

I just used deck screws and some poly with silicone but glue would work as well (wether or not its needed I'm not sure but its certainly common to use )

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-07-07, 01:47 PM

Just an update on my end.

The rack didnt come in sadly I ripped up the whole AV closet ready to put it in then went in the garage and went through all the boxes I have everything but the rack itself :mad: I have all the accessories, shelving and even the door but no damn rack !!
Unfortunately everyone is closed for the weekend and yesterday so hopefully I can get this sorted out Monday.

On a positive note I did finish off the riser, get the blinds in and I'll have some picture up in a day or two of all that good stuff.

More when I can (have guests coming over soon)

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-07-07, 01:49 PM

Where did you use the silicon, etc?

johnathan

04-07-07, 10:25 PM

Neo
In my build I used it between the layers of wood decking.It will help dampen any vibrations or squeaks and make it seem a little more solid.

calvin
Sorry to hear the rack was missing.But at least you are ready for it. We are really enjoying our theater. Looking forward to any updates ! Johnathan

calv1n

04-07-07, 11:37 PM

Ryan,

Like Johnathan suggested ;)

Some pics.

The rack area gutted ready for framing and install

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_AVcloset2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/AVcloset2.jpg)

After digging through the pieces I realized I don't have the main cage

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_MiddleatlanticRack2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/MiddleatlanticRack2.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_MiddleatlanticRack3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/MiddleatlanticRack3.jpg)

Some of the items sent.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_AVcloset5.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/AVcloset5.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_AVcloset4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/AVcloset4.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_AVcloset3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/AVcloset3.jpg)

The carpet ready for install.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Carpetwaitingforinstall.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Carpetwaitingforinstall.jpg)

A look at the new blinds used down stairs.

Media area

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BlindsMediastorageroom.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BlindsMediastorageroom.jpg)

Office & PC room.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BlindsOffice.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BlindsOffice.jpg)

Next post the riser.

calv1n

04-07-07, 11:42 PM

Riser photos.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet5.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet5.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet6.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet17.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet17.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet18.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet18.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet13.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet13.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet9.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet9.jpg)

calv1n

04-07-07, 11:46 PM

Riser with chairs.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet23.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet23.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet29.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet29.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet28.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet28.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet27.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet27.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Risercarpet24.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Risercarpet24.jpg)

The blinds in the living room HT.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/th_LivingRoomblinds.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/House%20Pictures/LivingRoomblinds.jpg)

That will be about it till my next days off now likely as I have to wait till monday to find out where my AV rack is and then get it shipped to the house (god only knows how long that is going to take this time :( )

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-07-07, 11:55 PM

Looks awesome, did you carpet the room fully first then do the riser??
how about the stage??

Thans

Ryan

calv1n

04-08-07, 12:15 AM

Looks awesome, did you carpet the room fully first then do the riser??
how about the stage??

Thans

Ryan

Thanks Ryan I did the room fully 1st as I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the riser until just a month or two ago. The riser was done last month and the carpet was just finished up yesterday. I didn't do a stage as it would be in the way of the AV room door just doesn't work for my set up so I didn't bother with one.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-08-07, 12:18 AM

Just finished responding to Ruben's PM on the SMX frame I think I'm going to go with his solution. Its a bit more then the DIY I was looking at but it will sure make my life easier and knowing Ruben its going to be worth it :D
I'll have some pics once it arrives I'm hoping to get it ordered up on Monday before I fly back out to work again.
Cheers
Calvin

johnathan

04-08-07, 10:23 AM

Calvin
Wow looking great. I love the chairs and bought mine on your description and pictures.It really helped me cement the deal ! Johnathan

Digital Man

04-08-07, 11:43 AM

Thanks Ryan I did the room fully 1st as I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the riser until just a month or two ago. The riser was done last month and the carpet was just finished up yesterday. I didn't do a stage as it would be in the way of the AV room door just doesn't work for my set up so I didn't bother with one.

Cheers
Calvin

Did you put anything like hockey pucks or carpet spikes or anything on the bottom of the riser so that it doesn't leave a permanent indentation in the carpet? I want to do it like you did, carpet the whole room first, but people are telling me the risers are so heavy they will ruin the carpet underneath. I'm looking for ideas to avoid that.

Guy

NeoOiler

04-08-07, 01:15 PM

Yeah I have a stage as well so I am wondering the same thing.

Ryan

gilham1

04-08-07, 08:15 PM

calv1n

04-09-07, 02:46 PM

Did you put anything like hockey pucks or carpet spikes or anything on the bottom of the riser so that it doesn't leave a permanent indentation in the carpet? I want to do it like you did, carpet the whole room first, but people are telling me the risers are so heavy they will ruin the carpet underneath. I'm looking for ideas to avoid that.

Guy

Guy,

I didn't put anything down but I know I won't be using the room for anything else and was comfortable with the permenant indentation. My plan is to keep the room as is for as long as I own the home and even many years down the road when I finally do sell the home who ever buys it will certainly be a HT enthusiast as well and will likely keep it as is.
I honestly don't know how you could build something that heavy and not leave indentations of some kind ;)

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-09-07, 02:59 PM

The blinds you went with are they the 2"? And are the the real wood or pvc?
I ask because i worked for a company that made blinds and the lok between the wood and pvc blinds wasnt that big and the price was..
The door in the one pic is it to equipment(the clear black)?

gilham,

I went with 2" Wood for the basement and the laundry room but everthing else is cloth / fibre (none of them were cheap).

The black plexi -glass unit beside the book shelf is the vented rack door - just waiting to find out where the rack is to attach it to at this point ;)

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-09-07, 03:05 PM

Some new toys I picked up today:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Newremotes3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Newremotes3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Newremotes1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Newremotes1.jpg)

The new PE 82

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_PE82.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/PE82.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_PEinaction2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/PEinaction2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_PEinaction1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/PEinaction1.jpg)

Well flying back to work again in an hour or so - more when I can.

Cheers
Calvin

erandmckay

04-09-07, 09:23 PM

Keep the pics coming Calvin. I've got to have something to look at for inspiration while I'm trying to wrap up mine!

calv1n

04-10-07, 11:04 AM

erandmckay,

You bet I will :) I'm enjoying watching yours finish up as well. I don't have much to work on this 10 day shift while I'm at work but I have a few things on the blinds (for gilham1) and I have a couple of questions I'm hoping I can get answered on the LED's but I'll go more in depth tomorrow when I have more time (today is a bit crazy as it usually is 1st day back).

Cheers
Calvin

jwatte

04-11-07, 01:24 AM

Oooo! A Harmony 1000. I bet it'll look good on the coffee table :-)

calv1n

04-11-07, 09:00 AM

jwatte,

I was originally going to use the 890 in the basement now I've decided I'll use the 1000 in the basement, the 890 in the living room (should remove the need for a IR repeater which was scheduled to be installed by the center channel) and the 880 in the bonus room HT as I have line of sight there and don't need RF.
Now I just have to get Telus to install my internet and program those 3 remotes which I'm thinking is going be a good couple of hours :)

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-11-07, 10:48 AM

calv1n

04-11-07, 11:52 AM

How much was the 890? I got a 1000 from suzook on here but when it got here it was dead. Not his fault the tech support guys said the first batch had this as a common problem. I sent it back to suzook and he said he will refund my money. I will pick up another one down the road probably

Ryan

I sure hope the 890 works for me I've had it in the box sitting waiting to get opened for over a year I think. I paid around $420 cdn from vendor in Vancover many months ago you could probably find it for less now that the 1000 is out.

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-11-07, 01:49 PM

Where did you get the 1000? Double Diamond?

calv1n

04-11-07, 04:25 PM

Where did you get the 1000? Double Diamond?

Yes :) I bought all the goodies pictured above at DD. I ended up saving around $600 -$700 compared to buying them at FS or BB so I'm pretty happy with John @ DD and I'll definitely be shopping there in the future.

I've already asked him to call me when he gets the Toshiba HD-XA2 in stock as I'll be picking one up.

On a side note I just got off the phone with Gray bar they've found my AV rack now I just have to arrange to get it delivered to my home in a time slot that works for the wife (not as easy as I'd hope she has a hectic schedule).

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-11-07, 04:35 PM

calv1n

04-11-07, 05:07 PM

Well I am glad I could save you some cash. I always appreciate when people do the same for me..hahha

Goin HD not bluray huh?? I was thinking of picking up the 360 HD DVD add on as well. I already have the PS3 which is pretty much only for bluray right now since the games suckass.

Ryan

I'll give you a good deal on the wall plates my friend :) I'm planning on going blu-ray just waiting for the PS 3 to drop in price or come out with a game I want to play before jumping over to that side. I have the XA1, the xbox HD-DVD drive and I used to have but sold another A1 to a friend a few months ago. I plan on picking up the XA2 in the very near future so you could say I'm a bit of a HD-DVD supporter at the moment :)

another side note ;) I'm having an issue with my MR-11 LED's I purchased for my riser. I thought perhaps they were defective as they didn't light up fully but when I had my wife plug them in where I could see them directly I noticed that indeed they do light up fully for a second then go down to only 1 pin alight again. The light cans themselves never had a dimmer or any control attached other then an on / off button.

Any ideas on what I can do to fix this and get them come on and stay on at full brightness? I've talked to a couple of electricians and they didn't have any suggestions (but to their defence they are industrial types and don't deal with this type of thing).

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-11-07, 05:28 PM

I wasnt saying that to get a good deal from you on the plates...it definately reads that way though..oops

For the LED type of thing I havent the foggiest. You could give this guy Lance a call at Wow lighting. I dealt with him when I was at my last company and he may be able to help you out. His email address is lance@wowlighting.com. You can tell him I told you to call him (Ryan formerly of BGME).

He may be able to help ya out.

Ry

calv1n

04-11-07, 06:38 PM

Thanks Ryan,

I likely won't be able to get a hold of Lance till later this week so hopefully someone on the forums can steer me in the right direction. Ideally I would like at least enough info so that I can discuss the problem with a better chance of explaining what it is doing and why.

Cheers

calv1n

04-12-07, 11:10 AM

Just a quick update.

I ordered my SMX screen frame from Ruben last night after playing telephone tag with him for a couple of days. I'm looking forward to getting the new frame and setting it up it looks to be an exceptional product. Ruben was great to talk to as well really knows his stuff and he gave me some ideas on the LED problem I posted about I'll have to try out on my next days off.

Cheers

NeoOiler

04-12-07, 03:03 PM

Yeah I really wanted to get that too..but I couldnt afford it. DAMN. Still too many things i have to get to finish this thing off HAHHA

Ryan

calv1n

04-12-07, 05:04 PM

Yeah I really wanted to get that too..but I couldnt afford it. DAMN. Still too many things i have to get to finish this thing off HAHHA

Ryan

Ryan,

For what I'm getting I think the price was excellent and it will save me a ton of messing around with a DIY type of frame which will be nice as that was what I was originally planning. Ruben was also kind enough to send me a new batch of fabric with the screen frame as mine was pretty damaged when it was originally sent out and I've been unable to fix it completely despite trying several times and methods to remove the kinks and wrinkles.
I'm really looking forward to getting both the new frame and fabric set up and have a complete SMX package in my basement HT.

Cheers

jmorris644

04-12-07, 05:10 PM

Ruben is a great guy. I don't think anyone has to worry about him standing behind his products.

Joe

calv1n

04-12-07, 05:32 PM

Ruben is a great guy. I don't think anyone has to worry about him standing behind his products.

Joe

No question Joe. Ruben is one of the best :) I'm very happy he decided to post on this forum and watch him go through the discovery and share his find on the SMX :cool: its has saved me thousands and I'm going to have a much better HT experience due to it. Can't say enough good things about a guy like that.

Cheers
Calvin

jmorris644

04-12-07, 05:45 PM

BTW, I got SmX screen #1. Now I'm trying to see if I can get Pro-Frame #1 too.

I want a matching set! :)

Joe

NeoOiler

04-12-07, 06:29 PM

Got my screen in the mail yesterday. Got to get this theatre done now.

Ryan

calv1n

04-12-07, 07:07 PM

BTW, I got SmX screen #1. Now I'm trying to see if I can get Pro-Frame #1 too.

I want a matching set! :)

Joe

I'm with you Joe :) I'll have my matching SMX set as well I did get in pretty early on the fabric but I think I was in the 2nd or 3rd shipment as I will likely be in with the frames (still in early enough to get a better price though and that is the main thing :) )

Cheers

calv1n

04-12-07, 07:08 PM

Got my screen in the mail yesterday. Got to get this theatre done now.

Ryan

Looking forward to seeing the new pics :) I thought you were making a steel frame from what was discussed on your thread? Did you order it from somewhere or just have it made locally and then dropped off?

Cheers

NeoOiler

04-12-07, 09:45 PM

I got the material, I am still trynig to figure uout what to do with the actual frame.

Ryan

calv1n

04-14-07, 02:43 PM

I got the material, I am still trynig to figure uout what to do with the actual frame.

Ryan

Ryan,

Your not going with the velcro on the frame like you discussed on the SMX forums? I thought that was your plan forward?
I'll watch your thread to see how you end up doing it. (I took the easy way out ;) I don't think I could match Ruben's attention to detail anyways so if its good enough for him :) I'll take it )

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-15-07, 04:15 AM

Yeah. I will know about my steel frame on monday.. I am still going steel, just trying to decide size. The struct engineer i work with thinks we should go with HSS 2X1 it will only weigh like 60lbs then. Ill let you know what I do

Thanks
Ryan

umdivx

04-15-07, 09:41 AM

have you setup the harmony 1k yet? Just wondering how you like it.

- Josh

calv1n

04-15-07, 10:11 AM

calv1n

04-15-07, 10:14 AM

have you setup the harmony 1k yet? Just wondering how you like it.

- Josh

Hi Josh :)

I haven't set up the 1000 yet as my rack isn't installed and the components in the basement still need to be set up. I also have a little problem with my ISP Telus they haven't set up my internet yet and I just found out yesterday they are waiting for a line to become available as my "new" area is full :( .
I'm going to phone Shaw tomorrow and get them in to set up internet through cable as I had in the old house I guess and then I can get to programming those 3 remotes.
I'm looking forward to using the 1000 it looks pretty slick :)
I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers
Calvin

umdivx

04-15-07, 10:48 AM

Hi Josh :)

I haven't set up the 1000 yet as my rack isn't installed and the components in the basement still need to be set up. I also have a little problem with my ISP Telus they haven't set up my internet yet and I just found out yesterday they are waiting for a line to become available as my "new" area is full :( .
I'm going to phone Shaw tomorrow and get them in to set up internet through cable as I had in the old house I guess and then I can get to programming those 3 remotes.
I'm looking forward to using the 1000 it looks pretty slick :)
I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers
Calvin

Great, I am looking to go all RF with my setup so I am either thinking 890 or 1k. Don't know just yet. I love the "coolness" factor the 1k give though.

- Josh

calv1n

04-15-07, 07:11 PM

Josh,

From what I've read the big difference seems to be just that "the coolness factor" of the 1000 over the 890 I think functionally they will be very similar. (I'll let you know though I'm eager to try them both out).

Cheers

calv1n

04-19-07, 09:55 AM

The shift is finally finishing up :) I'll be flying home in a few hours and starting on the AV rack at last. I hope to have some pics up soon and god willing some thoughts on how the basement audio is performing especially the riser subs which I hope live up to expectations.
Cheers

NeoOiler

04-19-07, 02:23 PM

Yeah definately let me know about the subs. I may have to give that a try.

RYan

erandmckay

04-20-07, 12:38 AM

Looking forward to the pictures. Hoping to get some work done this weekend myself.

calv1n

04-21-07, 10:59 PM

Updated photos

The long lost rack in the garage at last :)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Therackarrives.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Therackarrives.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_RackinGarage.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/RackinGarage.jpg)

Are these things supposed to be red ? ;)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_ohohitsred.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/ohohitsred.jpg)

No worries a little tipping can't hurt an empty metal box I've found

A look at the unit out of the shipping materials to ensure its ok.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Strippingthepackaging.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Strippingthepackaging.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SideofRack.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SideofRack.jpg)

A closer look at the back door.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Backdoor.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Backdoor.jpg)

More to follow

calv1n

04-21-07, 11:03 PM

More:

Rack set in place

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Setinplace.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Setinplace.jpg)

Bracing

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SideBracing4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SideBracing4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SideBracing3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SideBracing3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SideBracing2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SideBracing2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SideBracing1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SideBracing1.jpg)

more next post

calv1n

04-21-07, 11:04 PM

Drywall:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_drywallinginplace6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/drywallinginplace6.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMdrywallinginplace7.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMdrywallinginplace7.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_drywallinginplace8.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/drywallinginplace8.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_drywallinginplace4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/drywallinginplace4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_drywallinginplace1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/drywallinginplace1.jpg)

Next to set in some components :) (tomorrow I think its late now)

gilham1

04-21-07, 11:55 PM

Man that is looking really nice!I really like the rack and to see it in place makes for a very nice vision on how the end result will look...

johnathan

04-22-07, 10:28 AM

Congratulations on your rack Calvin. Getting closer to using the new room ! It looks very nice! Johnathan

calv1n

04-22-07, 02:59 PM

Thanks Guys :)

I'm scratching my head over all the stuff they sent with this rack but I'm working through it (at the end of the day I think I'm going to have a lot of extra stuff I didn't really need but I guess better this way then to need something I don't have ;))
hope to get some components in and a few shots up before I fly back on Monday.

Quick question for anyone with a MA rack that has set one up before. I didn't get much in the way of instructions and the websites are not very informative surprisingly :confused:

Do these cable management bars go on the inside or outside of the rack or does it matter ?

(the ones in front of the chair in the photo below - there are 2 types one for zip ties and another one I haven't quite figured out yet)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMG_2158.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_2158.jpg)

Thanks,
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-22-07, 08:35 PM

calv1n

04-22-07, 09:04 PM

Ryan,

I think honestly most people will be focused on the movie in front of them the question is can you live with it off to the side. I know for most of us on this forum we are our harshest critics so really it boils down to how much the small stuff will bother you. If you don't care I'm 99% sure no one else will either (or likely even notice).
Give me a shout later if you want to swing by and look at that sub or wall plates I'll be home for the rest of the night now (PM for my cell if I haven't already given it to you .... I don't remember)
Good luck.

NeoOiler

04-23-07, 12:49 AM

yeah. i am picky but i think this gives the most airflow and still looks the nicest. the pj is like 11 1/2" deep exhausting out the front with intakes at the left and back. My spot is about 19" deeo with about 6" on the left right and 4" on the top so I think I am ok. I am also going to put a 4X10 grate below it to suck some air from below so I think that will be cool enogh

=Thanks
ryan

jmorris644

04-23-07, 08:16 AM

Lookin good calvin. Glad to see the rack showed up. I am working away.
Im tryin to figure out my back soffit to make sure the proj has enough room. Because the lens is off the right kinda screws up centering it in the back. Do you think it would look stupid if the opening was off to the side??

Ryan

If you don't put it off to the side won't you have a skewed image?

I think it is more important to get the lens centered on the screen. Plus it's actually another cool factor when people ask "Why is the projector not centered?" They will make a sound like Homer Simpson when they hear the answer.

Joe

NeoOiler

04-23-07, 11:31 AM

Yeah thats my thinking. I was just gonna make the opening a lot bigger to make it symetrical, but i resolved to leave the lens in the center and the opening a little off.

Thanks
Ryan

erandmckay

04-23-07, 12:03 PM

Looks great Calvin. Wish my homemade rack was coming together as well as yours seems to be.

calv1n

04-23-07, 03:42 PM

New update.

Fixed that minor issue with the support on the LCD. I had a welder do up a brace to support the new larger LCD which worked out excellent.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_ExtrabracingforLCD4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/ExtrabracingforLCD4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_ExtrabracingforLCD2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/ExtrabracingforLCD2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_ExtrabracingforLCD1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/ExtrabracingforLCD1.jpg)

A new toy showed up today as well (well I did have to go out and buy it ;) )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_HD-XA2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HD-XA2.jpg)

I'll be putting that up with the 71" 1080P so I can use it to its full potential.

Next post some rack shots

calv1n

04-23-07, 03:50 PM

Some rack photos. Everything is pretty much installed just need to get it all hooked up which is looking to be a couple fridays from now.

Starting it off.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Startingtherack.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Startingtherack.jpg)

A look at the back.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Lookingattheback.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Lookingattheback.jpg)

Some shots nearly filled.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Racksettingup11.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Racksettingup11.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Racksettingup10lookingdown.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Racksettingup10lookingdown.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Racksettingup8.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Racksettingup8.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Racksettingup6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Racksettingup6.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Noflash.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Noflash.jpg)

With the door on.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Dooron2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Dooron2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Dooron1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Dooron1.jpg)

Well sadly its back to work again... I'll be on and off during the shift but won't likely have any photo updates till my next days back now.

(I'm hoping to get the screen in this shift and set it up along with the audio next break to finally finish off 95% of the room just leaving sound treatments and aesthetics).

Cheers

johnathan

04-23-07, 05:55 PM

xnaron

04-23-07, 08:26 PM

Rack looks good...are you able to get in behind it?

calv1n

04-24-07, 09:53 AM

Rack looks good...are you able to get in behind it?

xnaron,

I have excellent access to the back of the rack. In the picture below on the left hand side you can see the door. I'll get a few more photos up when i'm back at home of the backside of the rack and the A/V closet where everything is housed. Connect AV should be in on my next days off to do the final wiring of the rack and I'll have a few new photos then :) (once I order up the missing wires I need as they've supplied me a grocery list of everything I should get to allow them to finish up)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_drywallinginplace8.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/drywallinginplace8.jpg)

Cheers

calv1n

04-24-07, 09:57 AM

Calvin
The new rack looks awesome ! The door does give it the stealth look. But you know everyone that sees it will have to have a look inside ha ha. Glad it is almost done you will be enjoying it no time ! Johnathan ;)

Thanks Johnathan. I'm pretty happy with the overall look once the drywall and paint gets finished up it should look really good. I still have a bit of work to do but sadly I'm back at work again so it has to wait till I get back home in a week or so.
I'll be trying out that new toy (the XA2) once I get back as well I just had time to hook it up and see that it works before leaving but didn't get to spend any real time with it yet. I may have to hook up the XA1 and XA2 side by side to see what the differences are if I can get up the energy at some point.
I hope to have the SMX screen and frame for the next days off as well so hopefully everything falls into place and I can actually get something happening in the basement HT the 1st weekend in May.

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-24-07, 10:04 AM

Looks great Calvin. Wish my homemade rack was coming together as well as yours seems to be.

Thanks erandmckay. I'm happy with the end result but it was pricey I can see why many don't go with the MA racks as the cost is pretty high but for me the look and quality of the unit justifies the cost the workmanship on them really is incredible.
You can tell they have spent a lot of time on the little things and it shows :D

Cheers
Calvin

NeoOiler

04-24-07, 10:48 AM

Looks awesome Calvin.

calv1n

04-24-07, 11:08 AM

Thanks Ryan. We'll have to get together on my next days off for an hour or two when I'm back in town. I put the wall plates and sub together for you to look at I just didn't get enough time again this weekend. I'm hoping to have the SMX screen and frame for the next days off so I'll be hopefully working on that while Connect finishes up the connections in the rack.
Cheers

NeoOiler

04-24-07, 02:43 PM

calv1n

04-24-07, 02:48 PM

You betcha. I dont know if I can get the sub now after getting the smx screen but I will definately have to take a look...you never know..haha.

Yeah im a little ways down on the list so it may be a few weeks before I get sent my frame. How much was shipping for you on the frame??

Ryan

I still haven't got the e-mail with shipping costs but I just told Ruben to charge my CC for it regardless of cost it has to come up anyways no need for me to slow down the process anymore. I'm hoping to receive word of it shipping this week and have it in my hot little hands for the 1st weekend in May so I can mount it.

Here is another shot of the back of the rack after I put in the R-965 and the flying mole cascade. Just wanted to kind of illustrate how much room I have to work in the back and side of the rack in that AV room. There is room for me back there to mess around in and some access from both sides and the rear of the AV rack.

As always click to enlarge my photos ;)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_backoftheR-965.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/backoftheR-965.jpg)

Cheers

calv1n

04-26-07, 10:36 AM

Just a minor update.

I'm at work so I've just been ordering some things for my next days off.
I had a grocery list from the AV installers for cables and then I decided to pick up a few other items for the rack as well.

Needed some cabling for the 4 wire subs and a few other goodies.
2 RCA -> 3 pin Male XLR (2)
3 Pin XLR female to "Y" 3 Pin Males XLR (2)
3 Pin XLR female to 3 Pin Male XLR (4)
Neutrick Speakon NL4FC connectors (4)

I also ordered for the MA rack
2 more fan guards,
a TFP2 fan panel
1 unit vented panel VTB-1
2 unit vented panel VTB-2
a panel kit for the HSB-600 which was missed on the 1st order
RSH4A2S SHERWOOD HSB600
that should tie in nicely with the R-771 and R-965 I have currently mounted.

I also ended up picking up a couple of these
(adobe pdf file linked to manual)
http://www.alesis.com/downloads/manuals/PowerTrip8_QSManual.pdf

pic
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/powertrip8_3.jpg

I was originally going to go with a APC S10 or S15 but I decided to give these a try instead as I didn't really need the UPS.

Looking forward to the next days off when I finally get everything put together and wired in so I can actually hear the systems in the basement and living room :D
Cheers

NeoOiler

04-26-07, 10:40 AM

How much does one of those power thingys (nice term huh) cost??

Ryan

calv1n

04-26-07, 01:43 PM

Ryan,

I bought mine at Axe music locally - check there website to see the cost they were cheap considering some of the competitions pricing on similar items (hopefully the cost doesn't dictate the quality in this case).

Cheers
Calvin

Kingcaffeine

04-26-07, 03:58 PM

Call me inquisitive...what're the feedback destroyers for? Do you run mics for gaming or something?

calv1n

04-26-07, 04:50 PM

Call me inquisitive...what're the feedback destroyers for? Do you run mics for gaming or something?

The Feed back destroyer does just like it name suggests ;)
It basically locates feedback frequencies immediately and sets extremely narrow notch filters to “destroy” them, leaving the remainder of the signal virtually untouched. I'm using one with each of my amps which both power 2 earthquake thors to give me a better bass with out "feedback".
Hope that explains it.
If you really want indepth on the hows and whys here is an excellent site to read up on them.

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

Cheers
Calvin

calv1n

04-27-07, 11:40 AM

Update:

Received my E-mail from Ruben yesterday stating he will be shipping my screen and frame out next week. No prices or exact dates for shipping yet but it is getting closer :D

Cheers

NeoOiler

04-27-07, 12:14 PM

I got the email as well...yip yip yippee..man i better get busy on the room. Get er done!!

Ryan

calv1n

04-27-07, 12:38 PM

Ryan,

You need to focus my man ;). I just got off the phone with Graybar regarding my MA stuff sadly I won't get the 1st shipment till likely 2nd week in May and the 2nd shipment (the HSB-600 faceplate & Shelf) till 3rd or 4th week in May.
Starting to look more and more like my 1st movie will be watched either the May 17th weekend or the June 2nd weekend. On a plus note at least the end is in site.

I also talked to the wife and the painter and drywallers want $350 to finish off that little bit around the rack so I'm mulling over whether I want to pay them the big bucks or dust off my drywalling & painting cap and waste a day or two :confused:
It is a small bit of work area wise but it will likely need about 4 coats of mudding to build it up to look like one "perfect" wall. Decisions... decisions....

Cheers

NeoOiler

04-28-07, 02:11 AM

Yeah, I just had a guy come over to do my room...800$. Thats just mud and tape. Forget it I will try and do it myself.
HAHAH

Ryan

calv1n

04-28-07, 09:34 AM

Ryan,

I ended up working out a deal with him. I'm paying him $400 to do all the mudding and taping + Paint (4 or 5 coats over 4 days) in the inside and outside of the AV closet. He is also going to do another coat in the washroom downstairs and touch up the outlets in the basement so I'm ok with $400 since it saves me spending 2 days down there messing with stuff on my next weekend off and allows me to spend time on setting up the rack and other more exciting things I would rather be doing. Basically the fellow has to make 4 trips so really its only $100 a trip which is pretty decent for any trades in Edmonton right now.

Still a good chunk of change but worth it to come home to a finished room next weekend for me so I can just worry about the audio portion.
I just hope its all done by Thursday by the time I get home :)

I just received another raise today at work and there will likely be another one to follow in August so I'm feeling generous :D (another 12% on an already decent daily rate is a good thing )

Thursday I'll be swinging by AXE music and picking up my new cables and power units as well. I should also be getting my order in from Monoprice with some odds and ends for cabling that I ordered for the rack set up sometime this week.
I'll have some pics up when its all done.
Cheers

NeoOiler

04-29-07, 02:22 PM

calv1n

04-29-07, 03:07 PM

Man, what do you do for a living...hahah. I need your job.

feelin generous huh....hahah. Man I need a good sub!! HAHAHAH

Well I finished first coat o mud last night. I will post pics in my thread today

Ryan

Ryan,

I'm a engineering technologist supervisor for the big guys (if they are big and in Oil & gas - I've worked for them). I own my own company and contract out so it pays well. I'm very lucky in my profession not many get to my level but the down side is I often have to spend time away from home and all the travel.

I'm looking forward to viewing your pics on the thread later :)
You'll have to give me a shout next weekend when I'm back in town and we can get together and take a look at each others HT set ups. Would be good to see that HT of yours in person and see how it compares to the pics.

Cheers
Calvin