Today when i get home from work...promise

Ryan

Today when i get home from work...promise

Ryan

Thanks Ryan I'll take a look later :)

The painter showed up last night my wife tells me so the 1st coat of mudding and taping is done on the AV closet. No pics yet (I'm actually hoping that its all done by the time I get home so I just have "finished" pictures to show :D

Cheers
Calvin

Oh shoot...forgot to take pics again last night.. My dad had to go to the hospital so It slipped the mind. Ill take some tonight. Its really starting to take shape.

Ryan

Sounds good, hope your father is all right :)
Looking forward to the new pics when you get a chance to post em'
Cheers

Yeah..they dont think its anything bad..hopefully. He passed out and cracked his ankle. So has a roboboot on..hah too funny..well not funny..

Pics are posted in my thread.

Glad to hear your pa is ok. I was hoping to post some pics of the drywall progress but for some reason my work e-mail is not allowing my wife to forward them to me (damn big brother these days :()
I'll try to get some up tomorrow when I'm back at home. The drywall has been ongoing for a couple of days so hopefully tomorrow he can paint and that area will be all done.
Cheers
Calvin

Awwww!! This sucks! I've been following this thread for quite a while and now my work is blocking photobucket.com. All I get for pictures now are the pretty red "X". :(

I guess they're actually trying to coerce me to work.

Sorry to hear that coastalb55 :( My work also blocks some photo sites which drives me up the wall as well. I have to wait till I get home to view a few threads I have subscriptions on but at least I can get the photo updates every week or so :)
Hopefully you can still follow the thread from another location I should be getting to the final pics soon (4 weeks or less I'm hoping)
Cheers
Calvin

Update:

The basement walls got another coat of paint last week. Hard to see in the pics but it looks alot better where I had some discoloration earlier.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_basementwallbehindchairs.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/basementwallbehindchairs.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BasementwallApril27.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BasementwallApril27.jpg)

The $400 mud/tape and paint job is not quite living up to my expectations I'll have to talk to the guy when he gets back in town on Monday I'm not sure if I'm going to let him continue after reviewing his work to date (its much worse then my own which isn't a good thing for $100 a trip which lasts 20 to 30 min).

Here are a few pics as he left it before heading out of town on Thursday. (still needs at least 1 or 2 layers of fill and then some painting but looking pretty rough for a "pro" IMO.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Muddingwhereshelveswere3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Muddingwhereshelveswere3.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Muddingwhereshelveswere2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Muddingwhereshelveswere2.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_muddingunderway.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/muddingunderway.jpg)

(the equipment wrapping was done by my wife not the painter) :( Not sure what kind of work ethic guys got when he not even doing basic tape off and putting something on the floor to catch droppings.

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

More in next post

On top of the disappointment with the mudder/ tape and painting guy today was a bust with the AV installer he didn't show and I called in to the head office and found out he quit :mad: They are supposed to be sending someone else out to review the install on Monday AM but now it won't likely be done till middle of the month despite that I have all the goodies ready to go now.

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

Here is a better look at the rear door to the AV rack in the AV room.

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

Here is a closer look at the vent in the door for the rack (still hard to see but there is a 1/2" or so space between the metal and the plexi-glass for air to move in.

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

After the disappointing morning I decided to go out and buy some toys (usually makes me feel better)
I ended up picking up a PS3 a few games and blu-ray movies + some other odds and ends to play with on this rainy weekend (going to be inside anyways and I don't feel like fixing the drywall mess by the rack at the moment)

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


I'll get some new pics up of the PS 3 in the upstairs HT later this weekend.
(I did program the harmony 880 for that HT and its working well :) )

Cheers

must be rough to go out and say "hay I'm bummed so hey I'll go buy a PS3" ;)

lookin good btw... Do you have any pics of the room facing forward towards teh screen? I'd like to see how that fire place works into the mix of the room layout.

- Josh

Some new pics of the new toy in action.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_PS3picsBonusroomHT2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/PS3picsBonusroomHT2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_PS3picsBonusroomHT1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/PS3picsBonusroomHT1.jpg)

Just missing my Nintendo Wii in the beside the PS 3 now and that is on the way soon :)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/th_PS3picsBonusroomHT4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Home%20theater%20Bonus%20room/PS3picsBonusroomHT4.jpg)

These are the new blinds btw in the bonus HT they look similar to the other blinds but they are actually a 0 light pull down these 2 windows are the only 2 in the house like that (they do let in a little light though ;) damn false advertising)

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

must be rough to go out and say "hay I'm bummed so hey I'll go buy a PS3" ;)

lookin good btw... Do you have any pics of the room facing forward towards teh screen? I'd like to see how that fire place works into the mix of the room layout.

- Josh


Josh,

I've been waiting for a reason to get a PS 3 for awhile and right now EB games has trade 10 old games in and get it for $399cdn so I took advantage of the deal $400 for a decent blu-ray player and the odd game isn't so bad. I've been playing God of War II more then anything really but one day they'll have a game or two I'll want ;)

Here are a couple of pics of the fireplace with screen area in view. It is a mess in the photos but it is still very much a construction zone down here :D
The front row will be pushed back 12" to 18" in the final set up I've moved them ahead while I had the painter in and I mess with lights in the riser.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_fireplaceview2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/fireplaceview2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_fireplaceview1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/fireplaceview1.jpg)

Cheers
Calvin

Looking great Calvin
Your upstairs setup looks good also. I love the screen shots ! I am still finishing up loose ends with my set up. Johnathan

thanks for the pics, I like it. Makes it a more homey/cozey feel. I love true "dedicated" theaters, but I love the all around/general purpose theaters more, and you've kinda got both going on there.

I love my room, I just wish it was a tad bigger, but hell I live in a town home so I've got to work with what I've got. I just need new furnature, I go the semi "ok" to look at berks or something along those lines. I just wish my wife was as understanding and gun-ho like yours is ;)

- Josh

Looking great Calvin
Your upstairs setup looks good also. I love the screen shots ! I am still finishing up loose ends with my set up. Johnathan

Thanks Johnathan. I'm pretty pleased with the upstairs now its pretty much complete once they do the final audio and video calibrations (will be done at the same time as the basement).
I'll hopefully be where you are with the loose ends soon ;)

Cheers
Calvin

thanks for the pics, I like it. Makes it a more homey/cozey feel. I love true "dedicated" theaters, but I love the all around/general purpose theaters more, and you've kinda got both going on there.

I love my room, I just wish it was a tad bigger, but hell I live in a town home so I've got to work with what I've got. I just need new furnature, I go the semi "ok" to look at berks or something along those lines. I just wish my wife was as understanding and gun-ho like yours is ;)

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks. I wanted to do something to offset that corner so I figured a fireplace would be different and it works so far I'm interested to see if it is distracting to have the fire going while watching a movie or if just adds to the experience. Hopefully I'll get to find out soon.
Cheers
Calvin

Looks awesome calvin. Finished sealing my drywall last night. Just posted some pics in my thread.

Ryan

I hooked up the xbox in the rack downstairs and tried it out on the living room HT and it works well (just as I hoped through the floor with the RF controllers :))

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/th_XboxLivingRoomHT2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20living%20room/XboxLivingRoomHT2.jpg)

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

Didn't have the internet hooked up yet though for those ports as the distribution panel is not been replaced and I only have 3 working net ports at the moment for the office and the upstairs HT until they get it replaced and fixed up.

I also moved a few things around on the rack and replaced the crossovers (Connect said they are not needed with my current components as the receiver R-965 will do more and do it better ) I did mount the new alesis power conditioners and line regulators but didn't get around to plugging them in and testing out the lights (which I pulled out for the one pic')

Lights out -

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Rackalter3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Rackalter3.jpg)

Lights in-

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Rackalter2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Rackalter2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Rackalter4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Rackalter4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Rackalter1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Rackalter1.jpg)

My screen & frame shipped out on the 5th so I should be getting it soon I hope and next days off should be getting it mounted and hopefully get the audio hooked up so I can get the basement up and running :)

Cheers

what audio/video distribution are you doing? Matrix switcher and then component distribution around the house?

- Josh

Josh,

I have a GE Carma distribution panel that allows me to pretty much put anything into any room with a few quick cable switches (phone, internet, TV etc...). I had the house wired so that I would have at least one (and in most cases 2) wall plugs (Cat5e) throughout the home to allow hook ups of nearly everything with the ability to change quickly as well. As far as video display/s and audio I just left it at the 3 HT's in the home one per floor and I have 2 x 5.1 systems and the 7.4 in the basement which should handle any audio nicely.

Cheers
Calvin

What equipment did you go with for the video side? are you just doing component distribution or dvi as well? I am either looking at the audio authority or the standard component blauns that plug into cat5.

Mainly trying to figure out how i can distribute all my HD video into the bedroom from my basement where I've got everything setup.

- Josh

Josh,

I just did component and left conduit for the living room so I can run HDMI and other cables as required for that display in the future (well in the case of HDMI that will be in the next couple of weeks as the cable is purchased just not run through the conduit yet).
I would use the standard component blauns that plug into cat5 in my set up but currently I just have everything terminating into a standard Cat5 plug except where the 3 HT are in place.

This photo shows an example. The large square is the cover for the conduit, the component and audio are beside the power outlet beneath it.

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

Cheers

My SMX frame has shipped on the 5th according to my recent e-mail from Ruben so now I'm ready to plan the mounting of the screen and frame :D
I'm just not 100% sure how the best way to do this is though from looking at the frame pictures how would be the best way to mount this to the wall ?

I originally wanted to put about 2" of space between my in-wall speakers and the screen so I was thinking of putting 4 pieces of 2 x 4" in the corners and mounting the frame to these pieces for the final install.

Here is the screen wall (click to enlarge photo)

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)

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)

Any thoughts on how best to mount it to a flush wall like mine?

Cheers
Calvin

Update:

Ruben has mentioned that a mounting bracket comes with the screen frame so my plan is to mount a 2" x 4" along the wall at the top and bottom of the frame and attach the mounting frame to the wood.
This should give me a the 2" space for the speakers and work out fine :D

Now I just need to get back from work and get working on that.

On a side note the future wife and I are getting married next month we are off to the Mediterranean for awhile visiting far distant lands and will come back legally hitched :D

I sure hope I get my HT downstairs finished up before the big family & friend’s reception upon our return...
I'm under the gun now for sure lol :eek: have to stay focused my next couple sets of days off and stay the heck away from my bonus HT where I spent to much time last days off with the XA2, 360 and PS3 (huge time sink now - tough to get out of that room I find :D)

Cheers
Calvin

No wonder why your getting away with all of this, your not even married yet.

- Josh

Josh,

he-he even if I was I would still be doing it ;) That is why I am marrying her :D
We've been together 5 years now so the paper won't change much (it better not anyways ;) )

Cheers

Well congrats...

- Josh

Well congrats...

- Josh


Thanks Josh, :)

Should be quite the trip this is the plan so far :D

Fly to and board the boat Barcelona, Spain

Leave Barcelona, Spain on the boat and travel ->

Ville franche (Nice), France

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Mykonos, Greece

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Santorini, Greece

Naples, Capri, Italy

Barcelona, Spain

Fly back home (married)

Looking forward to the trip.
Cheers
Calvin

Awesome man, congrats. I have been married almost nine years now. We never got to go on as nice a trip as that but we have been to Mexico twice. Highly recommend the Bahia Principe Tulum. We got the question about things changing when you get married, and at least for us it hasnt. If it does change, then someone wasnt being themselves to begin with. HAHA

Ryan

Thanks Josh, :)

Should be quite the trip this is the plan so far :D

Fly to and board the boat Barcelona, Spain

Leave Barcelona, Spain on the boat and travel ->

Ville franche (Nice), France

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Mykonos, Greece

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Santorini, Greece

Naples, Capri, Italy

Barcelona, Spain

Fly back home (married)

Looking forward to the trip.
Cheers
Calvin


:eek:

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to the wedding and trip just as much as finishing up the basement HT and that is a lot ;).
I hope to have some news regarding the screen and a few other goodies arriving soon just waiting for the wife to call and let me know when they've arrived - should be soon (I have a nintendo Wii out there in "post office" land coming from Maine as well that should be appearing any day now).

Cheers
Calvin

Well Calvin, if you need help setting up your screen, let me know. Give me some practice for mine.

Ryan

Ryan,

PM me your number and I'll give you call when I have the screen & Frame and I'm back in town next weekend. I can use a hand the darn thing is almost 12' wide so I can use another set of hands :)

Cheers

Congratulations Calvin
Cruising is defiantly the best vacation I have had ! Well I have been married 21 years and wouldn't trade a day of it ! I am a very lucky man to have the wife I do . Be careful on your trip. Johnathan

Thanks Johnathan, I'll try not to fall off the boat :)
Congratz yourself on the 21 years not many make that milestone these days.
I might throw up the odd pic of the trip when I return if any are interested.

Cheers
Calvin

damn calvin im jealous, i remember reading in an earlier post that you worked long hours, i know how you feel im in the motion pichture business and the hours there are known for being insane, right now im in between season on the show i work on so i have a little bit of down time, but hopefully i can advance my career and get a set up half as nice as that

Calvin
Looking forward to the trip updates ! Thanks the 21 years were much easier as I matured . She just happens to be my best friend and I love to make her laugh. Life is very good ! Johnathan

damn calvin im jealous, i remember reading in an earlier post that you worked long hours, i know how you feel im in the motion pichture business and the hours there are known for being insane, right now im in between season on the show i work on so i have a little bit of down time, but hopefully i can advance my career and get a set up half as nice as that

generalpride66,

Thanks for visiting the thread and posting. Good luck in the future with the job and the HT. If there is one thing I've learned its that if you do the work you will get the reward. ;) If it was easy everyone would do it but it takes some drive and ambition (and some luck) to make it to the top but nearly anyone can do it. I had a 32" TV and a single person army cot to my name just 9 years ago and today I have much to be thankful for and very few concerns in the world and none about $. Best advise I can give is always pay cash if you can (short of my home I pay $ for everything even vehicles) and spend more time working then spending and you have to get ahead eventually.
Your line of work sounds interesting hope you can reach the level of success your striving for I know the film business is one of the tougher ones out there (that is why I just enjoy the films on the consumer end much easier ;) )

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin
Looking forward to the trip updates ! Thanks the 21 years were much easier as I matured . She just happens to be my best friend and I love to make her laugh. Life is very good ! Johnathan

Johnathan,

Your a wise man indeed they say lucky in love is lucky in life and I believe that :) Sounds like you got it right I hope I'm going to follow in your footsteps in that regard.

Right now its looking like we will likely do the ceremony here (have to pay for an interpreter I guess as they do the vows in Italian).

http://www.naples-city.info/napoli/angioinoeng.htm

Never been to a castle before sounds like it will be memorable :D

We are still working out the details and Rachel is also looking at a couple of small villas by the sea for locations as well.

The Irini Chapel in Santorini is also been considered.

http://www.gtp.gr/LocPhotoAlbum.asp?id_loc=11843&cmd=showd&cmda=1

Cheers
Calvin

darn it Cal! I go away for a couple of months only to re approach your site to find out that instead of finishing up your theater like a good av-phile, you're trapsin off to parts unknown to get married? What in the el's goin on over there!! Well, since you two are hopelessly in love, there's probably no talking you out of it so I'll just say.....CONGRADULATIONS! HAVE A GREAT TIME! and send us a few pics while you're away if you get a chance :)

darn it Cal! I go away for a couple of months only to re approach your site to find out that instead of finishing up your theater like a good av-phile, you're trapsin off to parts unknown to get married? What in the el's goin on over there!! Well, since you two are hopelessly in love, there's probably no talking you out of it so I'll just say.....CONGRADULATIONS! HAVE A GREAT TIME! and send us a few pics while you're away if you get a chance :)


:D Thanks Javry :D

I promise I'll give it my best to get at least one movie watched in that basement HT :p before I fly off to the great unknown.

I've got a good feeling about next weekend been a good one if I can actually get the AV installers to show up and finish off the sounds system and the delivery company makes good and drops off the SMX frame and screen. I'm going to go way out on a limb here and say that I may even have a pic or two up by Sunday the 20th showing something amazing ;) (if the stars align for me that is :D )

Thanks for the well wishes.

Cheers
Calvin

Update:

Just got off the phone with Ruben my SMX screen and frame are in Edmonton right now :D sadly I'm at work till next Thursday so its going to be a long week waiting to go home. Very exciting, I'm hoping I can arrange to have my future wife be home one day this week so they can offload it in the house so its ready to go when I get back.

Now if I can just get the AV installers to install and hook up the final audio in the basement I may actually get a movie on downstairs this weekend.
I've even got the 1st movie picked out for viewing if I can make it happen. Pan's Labyrinth will be the movie (sadly only SD for now) I missed this one in the theater when it came out but I really want to see it :) now with the screen arriving and the movie coming out this shift I think its a sign ;)

Cheers

Update.

I called the transport company today to arrange to get the screen and frame dropped off on Friday. I was surprised to hear that it was trapped in customs :eek: I have to find a broker and pay even more $$ now to get it out of customs and cleared so they can pick it up from the international airport (where like jail it is been held - no freedom for my SMX goodies in sight).
Once I get customs to release it I can hopefully get the transport company to pick it up and drop it off on Friday as planned as I don't have enough room for a 12'+ box in my 4 door Titan and I'm loathe to transport it in the short box especially after paying a princely sum to have it delivered to my door.

My question is does anyone know of a good customs broker in the Edmonton region I can use to get this out customs? I don't have a lot of time and want to get this dealt with soon if possible.

Thanks
Calvin

Hey Calvin, I think the guys above my office are customs brokers but I could be wrong. I will check tomorrow. How did he send it?

Ryan,

It was sent via truck line. They dropped it off at the international airport where it is been held by customs. I need the customs broker to get it out of the hold so the truck line can go pick it up and then deliver it to my house.
I'm in meetings most of the day but if you can PM the brokers name and number that would be great I hope to get this dealt with so the frame and screen are dropped at my house when I arrive home.

On a side note - The Wii has finally arrived :D going to add that to the upstairs bonus room HT this weekend. I've been waiting to buy & try one of these since X-mas so I'm pleased the unit I purchased from down south has made it intact to my home today :D

Thanks

I checked upstairs, they are not customs brokers, but shipping brokers. They figure out trucking, etc. Sorry. Why didnt it get shipped like Fed EX or somehting?
Here are the ones in Edmonton
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/customs2.jpg

Ryan

Ryan,

Thanks for the clipping ;) I'll try a couple of those today when I get time.
SMX can't ship via Fed ex unless you order a small screen as they are over the size limits (not sure where the line is drawn but I know mine was over).
Had to go via trucking that is why the shipping was fairly pricey (and getting a lot more expensive as I have to mess with Customs now :( - damn customs was hoping to avoid this fiasco).
Cheers

It has me scared a little now. I couldnt afford the screen to begin with. HAHAH
I wonder what the limit is. I mean If its only a few inches ill change my order down a tad.
How big was yours? Mine is 110" across the top. But also no screen so mines a lot lighter I am guessing.
Let me know how everything goes, since most likely i will be going through it as well..o love NAFTA...what a joke


Ryan

It has me scared a little now. I couldnt afford the screen to begin with. HAHAH
I wonder what the limit is. I mean If its only a few inches ill change my order down a tad.
How big was yours? Mine is 110" across the top. But also no screen so mines a lot lighter I am guessing.
Let me know how everything goes, since most likely i will be going through it as well..o love NAFTA...what a joke


Ryan

NAFTA my *** ;) I have paid customs and more on everything shipped to me out of the states (and that was nearly everything I purchased for my new house electronics wise). I usually have it just handled by the carrier though and then just pay a bill sent out (or sometimes called in) this screen and my PJ were the only 2 items to date that have been held "ransom" by customs :(

My screen was 118" across the top I'm not sure where the break is but Ruben will know or maybe has it posted on the SMX forum? I don't believe weight is the issue though it is the dimensions specifically the length that is the issue with shipping ;)

I'm off to a meeting again otherwise I'd see if I could find it for you.
Cheers

NAFTA my *** ;) I have paid customs and more on everything shipped to me out of the states (and that was nearly everything I purchased for my new house electronics wise). I usually have it just handled by the carrier though and then just pay a bill sent out (or sometimes called in) this screen and my PJ were the only 2 items to date that have been held "ransom" by customs :(

My screen was 118" across the top I'm not sure where the break is but Ruben will know or maybe has it posted on the SMX forum? I don't believe weight is the issue though it is the dimensions specifically the length that is the issue with shipping ;)

I'm off to a meeting again otherwise I'd see if I could find it for you.
Cheers

Hi Calvin,

Sorry to learn about your customs issues, glad you worked it all out.

The 118" frame is one piece, it is not split in half. I couldn't live with giving you a frame with a seam in the middle. All the frames ship in 4 pieces not 6. Maybe this will change in the future for the entry level frames or special requests, but for now this is the best way.

Ruben

Hi Ruben,

I sent you a PM on your smxscreen forum.

Thanks
Ryan

Hi Calvin,

Sorry to learn about your customs issues, glad you worked it all out.

The 118" frame is one piece, it is not split in half. I couldn't live with giving you a frame with a seam in the middle. All the frames ship in 4 pieces not 6. Maybe this will change in the future for the entry level frames or special requests, but for now this is the best way.

Ruben


Hi Ruben,

Thanks for visiting the thread :cool: I think my above post didn't come out as intended :o I meant that I wasn't sure where the break was in that I don't know where you "break" sizes for shipping. I know you said mine was to large for Fed Ex or UPS so it had to go via the trucking line but my understanding is that some frames can still go through them if they are short enough. The break I was referring to was on what length it has to be to go on a truck versus a regular international carrier like Fed Ex ;)
I'm glad and support the decision 100% not to split the screens overall lengths the way you are shipping now is perfect (just not so great in my case as the customs baddies got their clutches on my order - but I'll have it soon :) Just as soon as they release the paperwork so I can get my future wife to pay customs and have them continue the shipping to my door.

I hope to have some pics up here soon of the new screen and frame this weekend.

Cheers
Calvin

Update:

Connect was here working on the wiring, they unfortunately are telling me that they can't finish in one day it will take another couple of trips.

The SMX screen and frame is on route should be here in an hour or so :D
Should have some pics and more news soon.

Some updated pics- unfortunately they didn't finish hooking everything up I'll be holding off on that 1st movie a bit longer it appear. They are going to be setting up another 2 or 3 trips it seems and with my work schedule and upcoming trip I can safely say I won't be watching any movies till likely August in the basement now :(
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Racklitup4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Racklitup4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Racklitup3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Racklitup3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Racklitup2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Racklitup2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Racklitup1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Racklitup1.jpg)

The GE Karma distribution panel has finally arrived but it won't be hooked up for a few weeks it like the 2 subs in the screen wall are waiting for another day to get installed.

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

On a plus note the Wii has arrived and now my Upstairs HT is finally complete that was the last piece of the puzzle for that room and its 100% other then some cleaning up of the cables which I'll get to another day ;)

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


Cheers
Calvin

On a side note I have my preliminary sound treatment suggestions in.

They are suggesting I go with 4" thick panels and the ones in the rear along the back row will be mounted between the ceiling and wall at a 45 degree angle as well as the single panel above the screen. The 3 in front of the PJ will be flush mounted on the ceiling but I may have to only go with 2 of them as the 3rd one is on the ducting run (far left) and will likely conflict with the screen (light path from PJ)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_room-01.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/room-01.jpg)

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions ?

Cheers

Ruben,

If I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck it seems:(
The package arrived today but it was not in good shape it appears Customs doesn't understand that Fragile means "no bending or smashing" :mad:

I'm not sure if I can still work with this frame or not - its tough to see in the pictures but it is both bent on the horizontal and vertical plane. Do you think the stiffening plates will work this out the frames do seem to be somewhat flexible ?

Here are a couple of pics. I would hate to have to send this back and try a third time for a undamaged one but let me know what you think.

How it arrived - the QuickX guy said it was in Mint condition before they dropped it at customs and they picked it up today a few days later looking like it had been run over by a fork lift.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Screen1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Screen1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Screen3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Screen3.jpg)

The pics below don't really show it very well so I tried to illustrate the horizontal by showing the straight lines beside the frames - there is also bending on the other plane as well (up and down in the shots - a hump like bend in the middle of the length beams)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Screen10.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Screen10.jpg)

Lines added to pic above to show the bend.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Screen6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Screen6.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Screen8.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Screen8.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Screen4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Screen4.jpg)

Hopefully this is salvageable :confused:

(posted this on SMX as well hopefully you catch one of the two posts)

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin,

I am so sorry to see this happen to you. These boxes are incredibly strong, they are double wall 350 lb test with wood blocks at the ends stapled with 1" roofing staples. What happened to your package is just plain neglect by the Canadian customs. It looks like they drove a dirty fork lift over the box 10 times.

We went thought the extreme of creating indestructible packaging and it looks like the customs put it to the test.

The frame is absolutely unusable and I will be contacting the freight company first thing Monday morning. I will also expedite getting you a replacement screen next week. I'm not sure if it's the freight companies fault.

This is unbelievable.

Ruben

(Posted this on SmX as well)

The cost may be a little more but have you though of making a wooden crate to ship it in.Any time you ship something in a box I dont care if it is the strongest box on the market the trruck lines and in this case customs will find a way to destroy it,i have worked in the shipping industry for about 12 yrs so nothing suprises me when you ship anything.Sandmanx with your skill im sure you could make a wooden crate cheap and effective for the screen.Just a thought.

Calvin,

I am so sorry to see this happen to you. These boxes are incredibly strong, they are double wall 350 lb test with wood blocks at the ends stapled with 1" roofing staples. What happened to your package is just plain neglect by the Canadian customs. It looks like they drove a dirty fork lift over the box 10 times.

We went thought the extreme of creating indestructible packaging and it looks like the customs put it to the test.

The frame is absolutely unusable and I will be contacting the freight company first thing Monday morning. I will also expedite getting you a replacement screen next week. I'm not sure if it's the freight companies fault.

This is unbelievable.

Ruben

(Posted this on SmX as well)

Thanks Ruben, I think I'll try to get a customs broker in advance this time so it doesn't have to go into the holding area of customs where it got wrecked (at least I hope a broker can by pass this and have it shipped direct this time).
Pretty frustrating I've had some bad luck with shipping over the last year or two with many items.
On a plus note the fabric is 100% ok it appears the frame took the brunt of it.
Thanks again for all your help. :) I'll be in touch early next week to see what we can do about getting the replacement down in one piece.

Cheers
Calvin

The cost may be a little more but have you though of making a wooden crate to ship it in.Any time you ship something in a box I dont care if it is the strongest box on the market the trruck lines and in this case customs will find a way to destroy it,i have worked in the shipping industry for about 12 yrs so nothing suprises me when you ship anything.Sandmanx with your skill im sure you could make a wooden crate cheap and effective for the screen.Just a thought.

Yes, we can make wood crates. But making wood crates takes too long especially when you have to ship many orders out everyday. Plus it will cost the customer more.

As it stands now, this packing method takes too long and we are still looking for a quicker way. Every order that we shipped in the US so far has arrived in perfect condition. So that tells me the packing method is fine.

It looks like customs opened the box and took the items out to inspect them. Then they didn't put them back properly and didn't seal the box properly (notice tape on box). Doing this weakened the box strength and made it vulnerable for destruction.

Ruben

Thanks Ruben, I think I'll try to get a customs broker in advance this time so it doesn't have to go into the holding area of customs where it got wrecked (at least I hope a broker can by pass this and have it shipped direct this time).
Pretty frustrating I've had some bad luck with shipping over the last year or two with many items.
On a plus note the fabric is 100% ok it appears the frame took the brunt of it.
Thanks again for all your help. :) I'll be in touch early next week to see what we can do about getting the replacement down in one piece.

Cheers
CalvinCalvin, I know some Customs Brokers who might be able to help you out. PM me if you want more info.

Room is looking great btw. I see you went with the Berk 45004's? That's what I think we're going to end up with as well.

Craig.

Calvin, let me know what you do as I will probably be in the same situation.
Well Ruben said mine should be ready next week hopefully, maybe shipping them together would help. If you get a broker we could do it all in one ship. Of course split the shipping, brokrage fees, etc. Calvin and Ruben, what do you think?
If mine is ready of course.
Ryan

I took a closer look at the pieces with a friend of mine that works with aluminum to see if was fixable

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Longpieces3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Longpieces3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/th_Longpieces2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Screen/Longpieces2.jpg)

He said it would be more $ to fix then to replace in his mind. The short pieces (verticals) made it out ok but these long ones look like they were run into a brick wall or used to push something really heavy around in their warehouse :(

I do have my own customs number and brokerage account through my company I just don't like using it as its a royal pain for my accountant. I think I'll be using it anyways for the next set Ruben sends though I can't trust Customs to handle it that is for sure. I'll be registering a complaint with the Customs dept ASAP (likely Tuesday due to the holiday) see if they will do anything (unlikely)

Ryan,

Sounds good to me if it works for Ruben. I'll let you know on the customs end what the deal is once I dig up the paperwork on my firm handling the transaction (if I can find it in my recently moved office space - its a bit of a paperwork disaster atm)
Cheers
Calvin

Well, when you figure it out let me know and if you are talking to Ruben find out what he thinks. He said I was 10 away from being shipped. If Ruben is good with it then shipping them together may help on the cost of everything, and the fact that i cant see anyone destroying 2 packages at the same time hAHHAHA.

And I havent a clue how to use brokers, etc. so if you could do that, it would be awesome.

Thanks again
Ryan

Well, lets look at the bright side of things, now you have a curved screen :D

I am making the calls right now.

Ruben

Let me know which way you go Calvin.

Thanks
Ryan

Well, lets look at the bright side of things, now you have a curved screen :D

I am making the calls right now.

Ruben

Thanks Ruben. Let me know what you find out ( I tried calling Customs yesterday but they were closed for the holiday... I'll try them again today and see what if anything I can do from this end).


This is the 2nd damaged shipment but the 1st frame (my screen fabric was sent out 1st and was damaged by Fed Ex, now the frame by who ever this time)

The darn curve is sadly the wrong way :p can't even work that angle.

I'll send you a PM later today after talking to customs.

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin, I know some Customs Brokers who might be able to help you out. PM me if you want more info.

Room is looking great btw. I see you went with the Berk 45004's? That's what I think we're going to end up with as well.

Craig.

Thanks Craig. I'm enjoying the Berk's 45004 (well I was when I was using them ;) they are not getting much use atm).

Thanks for the offer with the broker I'm going to see if I can use my own customs account (if I can get my future wife to find the paperwork in my office - which is a disaster after the move :o I have to get in there and organize that area soon - I've been putting it off till I've done the more important things like my HT's ).

In the event I can't locate my docs I'll PM you and take you up on the offer.

Thanks
Calvin

Let me know which way you go Calvin.

Thanks
Ryan


Ryan,

After I chat with Customs and Ruben I'll let you know what the path forward is :)

Cheers
Calvin

Awesome, I am approaching the finish line and I really dont want the screen to be the hold up, its kinda the most important thing..HAHHAHA.

Cool, and thanks for all the help

Ryan

Update:

Just got off the phone with Ruben. He has gone out of his way to make this work for me can't thank him enough :D
Due to Ruben working his magic I'll be getting my new frame sent out tomorrow and hopefully have it arrive (undamaged this time ;) ) for my next days off.

Ryan, Yours is going out today my friend so we won't be able to send them together. By the time I talked to Ruben your package was already cued up for shipping today and mine even been fast tracked as much as possible still won't make it till tomorrow.

I'll be working with shipper this time around once I have the info from Ruben to bypass Customs and get it shipped direct.
BTW I spent all morning on the phone with Customs and they didn't even have custody of the frame according to their records and they didn't open it which means the damage must have occurred at QuickX transport. They told me that the "held at" customs was really "held for" customs and it wasn't ever physically in their warehouse at the international airport just the paperwork was. I talked to several people at other customs firms and they assured me if Customs had taken the box and opened it or even stored it they would have marked the shipping box and the shipping bill as such and there were no markings which implies they are telling the truth and it never saw the inside of their warehouse. They also only charged me the GST and no customs or brokerage charges which further substantiates their story.

This time around I'm hoping to bypass the middle man and get it delivered directly from SMX to my door (if possible) the more they move it around and it jumps carriers the more likely it is to be damaged.
Ruben has also said he would add some extra protection to my next order to fight off my bad luck ;) Some extra planking or wood of some kind to give it some additional protection should hopefully do the trick.

Looking forward to getting the new screen safe and sound :)

Cheers

Cool. thanks for trying anyway. Hopefully mine shows up in better condition then yours did. Im guessing he sent it with the same carrier etc. He sent it collect as well which is cool. I have never done anything with freight before what do I do when it gets here?? HOw much did yours end up costing?

Ryan

Cool. thanks for trying anyway. Hopefully mine shows up in better condition then yours did. Im guessing he sent it with the same carrier etc. He sent it collect as well which is cool. I have never done anything with freight before what do I do when it gets here?? HOw much did yours end up costing?

Ryan

Ryan,

If they do their business correctly they will want you to clear the tab before they drop the item off (they didn't do this with mine but that is likely due to them dropping off a destroyed box - the driver didn't expect payment and just took off and sent the bill back to Ruben :confused: ) You can usually just pay them over the phone via CC or give a cheque to the driver (although most places don't take cheques anymore).
My charge was around $250 us for the freight and another $60 or so for the GST (which is payable to customs - you may want to get the shipping company to fax you a copy of the shipping bill which has the invoice price on it so you can pay them (Canadian Customs) upfront and hopefully avoid the delays and potential damages which I fell victim to).

I'm hoping mine makes it out today as well :D I'll give Ruben a call later and see how he made out with shipping - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one makes the journey unscathed.

Good luck
Calvin

Did they drop it off at your house or did you have to go pick it up?

Side note, I built my riser last night and the night before and I am second guessing myself.
I added a 1 3/8" lip around the top but kept the stairs flush because I liked the look of it. Does it look right to you?? Will they have problems carpeting it that way??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/riser.jpg


Ry

Did they drop it off at your house or did you have to go pick it up?
Side note, I built my riser last night and the night before and I am second guessing myself.
I added a 1 3/8" lip around the top but kept the stairs flush because I liked the look of it. Does it look right to you?? Will they have problems carpeting it that way??

Ryan,

They dropped it off at the house (which is a good thing I don't think it would fit or travel very well in the titan at highway speeds)

The lip around the riser shouldn't be an issue for your carpet layers. Did you line someone up for that already ? (If you need someone let me know I can get you the name and number of the guys I used for mine - they weren't cheap but they showed up on time and did a good job which in my book is worth a little more in Edmonton these days)

Cheers

Nope, havent lined up anyone yet. Was thinking just going to Sears, but sure Ill get the number, how much we talking?? HAHHAH Id definately be interested.

Ryan

Ryan,

I'll PM you his number later this week (have to get it from the wife later). They were around $300 or $400 I believe (2 guys came and it took a few hours - 3 I think) That was a cash price with no receipt as well ;) (also known as the weekend contractor special I believe :p )

On a side note my replacement screen has shipped :D I just got off the phone with Ruben and its been picked up today. I'll be contacting customs tomorrow and try to ensure this one goes straight to my house and doesn't get way laid anywhere where it can be damaged. Ruben was also kind enough to put it on a large pallet to help avoid any fork lift disasters this time around.

Thanks again Ruben for all your help and the speedy turn around on the new frame :) Your the man !! :cool:

Cheers
Calvin

Let me know who to talk to at customs so I can do the same thing. Prepay and everything.
Got my email from Ruben, my screen is now on QuikX, cross your fingers!!

Thanks Ryan

Ryan,

I spent an hour or so on the phone today working with customs there is no way short of getting a broker to fast track this unfortunately. I didn't get around to finding my paperwork to do it through my company as well so your options are to pay for a broker (an additional $250 to $400 cdn on top of delivery) or just wait till QuickX drops it off at the Customs holding warehouse (which has to happen if you do it yourself there is no work around - this also costs around $130 cdn which you have to pay to get your materials released back to QuickX so they can finish delivery) Once it heads to the customs delivery warehouse you have to go in person with the paperwork (and ID) to the customs office at the international airport and pay the GST and the above mentioned holding fee to get the materials released to the carrier.
The best you can do is call QuickX and have them fax you the paperwork as soon as it hits the customs warehouse so you can expedite paying customs and getting them to reload and finish shipping ASAP. I'll forward you the contact info in a PM so you can do that if you don't go with a broker.

Good luck - I'm confident my next one is going to make it here just fine after the ruckus I raised today with the carriers and customs (and their warehouse).

Cheers
Calvin

Holy crap , thats quite the hassle. Do I call them now or wait till it gets there?

So 130$ more on top of the 250$US?? and then the GST?? Dear god!!

Well hopefully your ruckus that helps mine getting takin care of as well..hahah.

Holy crap , thats quite the hassle. Do I call them now or wait till it gets there?

So 130$ more on top of the 250$US?? and then the GST?? Dear god!!

Well hopefully your ruckus that helps mine getting takin care of as well..hahah.

Ryan,

Yep some times its a hassle. You have to wait till QuickX drops it off at the customs warehouse before you can clear it from customs.
As far as the $$ well this hobby was never cheap (well for 99% of us anyways) :D
I sure hope my ruckus helps out not just us but anyone else getting a screen shipped up to Canada from SMX.

Good luck.
Calvin

Coolio. So is yours getitng shipped the same way as last time (Quckx)?

Ryan

Yes I'm going via QuickX same as you. I think we'll both be ok this time around (I've got both my fingers and toes crossed ;) )
Let me know how yours arrives as you should be getting yours a day or two before me ( I think I'm waiting for a June 1st delivery unless I can get the wife to stay home in the morning for a couple of extra hours to get it dropped off).
Cheers
Calvin

Well ive got all mine crossed as well...hahhah. Are you gonna run out to the airport as well???

Ryan

Ryan,

I'll likely get my future bride to run out again and clear the customs (pay the gst & holding fee). I'm at work making the pesos to pay for all this till the end of the month ;)

On a side note I picked up another HSB-600 for the living room HT (now I'll have one for both set ups and both SN receivers). The new HSB-600 should be arriving next friday just in time for Connect to hook everything up (I sure hope they hook everything up this time around anyways).

I'm just trying to figure out if I want to order my sound treatments from ready acoustics this week or if I want to wait and see what Connect can offer in that regard. :confused: I'm not sure if I need to have them installed before they do the acoustic calibrations but I think I do ?

Cheers

I'm not sure if I need to have them installed before they do the acoustic calibrations but I think I do ?

Absolutely! Your poles/zeros will shift (and, ideally, diminish) when you install the treatment. In a sense, that's what it's for.

Thanks Jwatte. I was going to hold off and buy the sound treatments until I found something a little more aethestically pleasing but I see that would just cost me a lot more as I would have to get the room calibrated again (which is common sense I guess I just didn't have it in this case ;))

I'll try to get some of the traps ordered today so I have them when I need them. What did you think of the locations I had picked out for the 8 or 9 I was looking at?

Cheers

Hey Calvin,

Checking quikx's website, my frame is now in Edmonton..yippee. Do they call me? Painted first coat on my room last night. Did a sandwash texture from Behr, looks absolutley amazing. Went to see Pirates 3 on Friday and made sure to notice the colors used at Edmonton North, and to me, colorblind and all, looks very similar.

I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Ryan

Ryan,

Congrats. I would call QuickX and have them fax or e-mail you a copy of the shipping bill so you can clear the frame at customs and then get it delivered ASAP (every day they hang on to it is one more day it can be damaged).
You didn't go to south common or the WE Silver city to watch it? Is the north end different then the south for colors etc...? (never been myself I thought they were carbon copies and the south is closer to me)
I'm hoping to go see AWE next weekend when I'm back in town if times allows (pretty busy with the HT and marriage & trip coming up)

Cheers
Calvin

Cool, I will call them today. No South Commons or Scotia Cinemas (new name)..North Ed is where its at!! HAHAH. Yeah North Edmonton is almost an identical clone to South Ed Common.

AWE was very good. A little long winded, but effects alone were worth the price of admission.

Ryan

calv1n,

I looked through the last few pages, but I didn't see an obvious link to where you wanted to place them? From my experience, corners and back of room are ideal, though, so if you're anywhere near that, you'll probably do fine :-) There's also a reasonable argument that more is better, and the placement is in some regards secondary. That's more for those who like a bone dry room, though; if you want ambience, you've got to adjust.

Btw: I just got my speakers and AVR delivered, and had one evening to hook it up and test it out, before the floorers come in and monopolize the room for a week. Can't wait until next week-end :-) The AVR calibration requires a TV out, though, and mine doesn't come in another week. And the one remaining TV is monopolized/fought over by the wife and kids, so no go for me.

Btw: what do you actually do, being off for so long at a time? The industry's gotta be lumber or oil or something (shows my prejudice against Canadians :-), but what's the job?

calv1n,

I looked through the last few pages, but I didn't see an obvious link to where you wanted to place them? From my experience, corners and back of room are ideal, though, so if you're anywhere near that, you'll probably do fine :-) There's also a reasonable argument that more is better, and the placement is in some regards secondary. That's more for those who like a bone dry room, though; if you want ambience, you've got to adjust.

Btw: I just got my speakers and AVR delivered, and had one evening to hook it up and test it out, before the floorers come in and monopolize the room for a week. Can't wait until next week-end :-) The AVR calibration requires a TV out, though, and mine doesn't come in another week. And the one remaining TV is monopolized/fought over by the wife and kids, so no go for me.

Btw: what do you actually do, being off for so long at a time? The industry's gotta be lumber or oil or something (shows my prejudice against Canadians :-), but what's the job?

Jwatte,

It was post #555

Here is a quick review of that post (as always click on the pics to enlarge ;) )

They are suggesting I go with 4" thick panels and the ones in the rear along the back row will be mounted between the ceiling and wall at a 45 degree angle as well as the single panel above the screen. The 3 in front of the PJ will be flush mounted on the ceiling but I may have to only go with 2 of them as the 3rd one is on the ducting run (far left) and will likely conflict with the screen (light path from PJ)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_room-01.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/room-01.jpg)

I was thinking of going with all of the ones shown but one which would be on the ducting on the left hand side of the diagram. I'll likely order them later today in an all black configuration.

Sounds like your going to have some fun with your room tweaking the AVR :)

My profession is working in Oil & Gas as part of management teams. I own my company and contract out to the big guys :) Currently I'm hired as an Engineering Technologist Supervisor and I'm building yet another SAGD plant up here in Northern Alberta (6th year in a row up here building these things - on a brighter note my wage has almost tripled in that time). The nice part about owning my own company is that I just give myself a moderate salary which I pay myself whether I work or not this allows me to take months off at a time and have no change to my finances :D

Cheers
Calvin

Update:

I ordered 8 of these panels - Black on black for the Basement HT. (doing AVS powerbuy at the moment)

http://www.readyacoustics.com/index.php?go=products.configure-chameleon-bass-traps

Would have liked to customize it a bit more but to much going on at the moment so I'll use these till I get more ambition and time to rework the room with something unique (aesthetically that is for sound panels). The panels I'm hoping arrive on Monday and in good condition (I'm daring the gods of transport again - I can't help myself )

My screen frame is passing through Toronto should be in town this Thursday and I hope to take delivery of it on Friday with out any damages this time ;)


Should have some new pics up in a few days I hope.

Well if you ever get to wanting to sell them let me know.

I just got back from the airport paying the wonderful duty and GST on my frame so hopefully tomorrow or thursday.

Man Im retiring from this hobby when my room is done!! HAHAH

Ryan

Ryan,

You shouldn't have had to pay duty? Just pay the GST and then the customs holding fee (around $120 or so?) but no customs. What did they tell you the fees were for? Customs and brokerage?
One thing about HT is it usually isn't to cheap as far as hobbies go ;) Just wait a few months (or hopefully years) till you get the dreaded "upgradatitis" this HT disease can cost a bundle :D

Hopefully you get your screen in mint condition tomorrow.

Cheers

Hmm...she charged my Duty becuase she couldnt find projection screen in the book. So she put it in as a metal frame. Then she charged me the GST. So 135$ total. But she didnt charge me anything else. She said she was going to fax it over to them right away.

God I hope thats right. She seemed to know what she was doing. and I really dont feel like driving out to the airport again. HHAHAHAH

Ryan

Ryan,

Not sure that doesn't sound right to me. I just paid GST (still have receipt from airport customs and all it says is GST and holding /storage fee ) total was around $180 together but they did have it for a couple of days at the holding facility and it may be on a day rate which bumped up my overall price. Either way I hope you get your screen and everything is fine.
Let me know how it goes I'm hoping to be making that drive out to the airport Thursday. I plan on visiting customs as soon as my plane lands at the muni and I can drive over to the international.
Cheers

I called Wendy and she said that the 125$ holding fee will be charged when they deliver it to my house as well as the delivery charge. So the 65$ duty is the difference I paid...bastards.

Ryan,

That sounds about right - should be around $250 for the delivery and $130 for the holding plus the $70 for the GST making it a tidy little sum of around $450 ;)
Good thing we don't have to buy these darn things to often.
Let me know how your order arrives if it comes in today - I'm hoping I stirred up enough people at the carriers on my shipment that they do a better job on the future orders...

Cheers

Wendy told me my shipping was 330$ right now + The holding fee. So maybe 250$ US? But hey, im not worring about it anymore. Whats done is done. The screen will be awesome and worth every penny. HAHAHHA If you think about it, most people would have no problem spending 4000$ on a 62" TV,, this is 120" TV hahah.

Ryan

Ryan,

For what your getting its a steal - there are only about 2 or 3 places in Edmonton that deal with AT screens and they are all 2 to 3 times the price your getting the SMX for :D

I wonder how $250 us works out to $330 cdn ? Isn't the CDN $ at 93 cents to the US now for the 1st time in 30+ years - that works out closer to around $270 cdn ?
interesting.....

I'll be asking those questions when I get my shipping bill.

I just got off the pphone with Wendy, so its a little better. She was wrong yesterday, the 334$ Canadian included the handling charge. So all totalled it is 460 because they charged me duty of 70$ and Gst of around70$.

Oh and I know the screen is definately worth it. I ljust like when I dont see the prices separate like that..hahah.

Ryan

Frame is sitting at home in my foyer. Went home to be there when the delivery came and it is.....wait for it...wait for it....in perfect condition. When the guy opened the truck I was like phew its here in one piece. He said "did u have another one beat up" i said it was someone else here in the city and he said he had heard about it!. So Calvin, I am guessing you raising a ruckus might have helped mine get here in perfect condition. Thanks for all your help and now I really need to get this theatre done.

Ryan

Ryan,

Glad to hear it. I did raise some Sh*t that is for sure. When the driver dropped off that bent and battered box I felt like a 6 year old that just found out there was no santa claus.
Give me a shout later (tomorrow night I'm back in town) if you need a hand setting up - if it works out for us both maybe we can do yours Thursday night and mine Friday night (if it arrives Friday with no issues).

I think you have my # already but if not PM for it I should be available after 7 or 8 PM tomorrow.

Cheers
Calvin

Jwatte,

It was post #555

Here is a quick review of that post (as always click on the pics to enlarge ;) )


Seems like you've gotten good advice. I'd consider something (perhaps 2") on the walls at the reflection points; mainly on the left hand wall closer to the TV (right in the drawing), and on the right between the openings (left in the drawing).

Seems like you've gotten good advice. I'd consider something (perhaps 2") on the walls at the reflection points; mainly on the left hand wall closer to the TV (right in the drawing), and on the right between the openings (left in the drawing).


Thanks Jwatte. I'll discuss those locations with the acoustical engineer and see what he thinks.
Cheers
Calvin

Updates:

Some painting was done - still needs another coat or two.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_1stcoatofpaintrackarea3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/1stcoatofpaintrackarea3.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_1stcoatofpaintrackarea2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/1stcoatofpaintrackarea2.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_1stcoatofpaintrackarea1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/1stcoatofpaintrackarea1.jpg)

I received a few more MA rack items - these are the new vent panels and a few shots comparing them to the older vent panels.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_NewMApartsforrack1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/NewMApartsforrack1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_1and2spacepanels.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/1and2spacepanels.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Ventpanelcomparisonshots4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Ventpanelcomparisonshots4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Ventpanelcomparisonshots3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Ventpanelcomparisonshots3.jpg)

More soon

Put together the fan panel for intake.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Fanpanel3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Fanpanel3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Fanpanel2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Fanpanel2.jpg)

Fan panel installed:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Fanpanelinrack1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Fanpanelinrack1.jpg)

The new HSB-600 face plate showed up and strangely it was black and not silver - I decided to put it in anyways and see how it looked.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_HSB-600faceplate4.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/HSB-600faceplate4.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_HSB-600faceplate2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/HSB-600faceplate2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_HSB-600faceplate1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/HSB-600faceplate1.jpg)

I've paid customs for my screen frame today as well so I'm hoping that it will show up later today or this weekend.(While I was out paying for that my order from UPS came in and was taken back to the depot of course - my 2nd HSB-600 and a few other items are on that order :( - hopefully I get those dropped off before Monday again.

more soon

more:

The panel is still been worked on I should have some finished pics soon

There were a lot of pieces in this box :eek:

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

The work in progress.

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

Preliminary hooks ups for the AV rack (just enough to be dangerous in this case - I have sound and picture but its not fully up and running yet (no subs :( and no screen)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_preliminaryhookups3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/preliminaryhookups3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_preliminaryhookups1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/preliminaryhookups1.jpg)

Here is a teaser shot of the 333 on my dark grey wall. (gone in 60 seconds in SD)

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

More in a day or two. ;)

Update.

Working into the wee hours getting most of the kinks worked out (still a few brain busters to work out but I'm getting there).

On to the photos.

Some photos of the Karma distribution panel.

The mess that is "smart wiring" Still some odds and ends to get worked out but for the most part the house is wired up :)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma3.jpg)

This is with the inner panel closed covering most of the wiring and the internet modem

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma2.jpg)

Here is the unit all locked up.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma1.jpg)

A couple more shots of the AV rack wiring on the right side (power bar side)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Powerforrack2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Powerforrack2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Powerforrack1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Powerforrack1.jpg)

The SMX showed up in one piece :)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen1.jpg)

More to follow

SMX screen been built and going up. (as always click to enlarge photos)

Laying it out and after the 1st trim.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen5.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen5.jpg)

1st pieces put in place.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen6.jpg)

Almost ready for mounting.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen8.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen8.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen7.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen7.jpg)

A few screen shots (I still haven't figured out how to take really good screen shots ...yet.)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_V6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/V6.jpg)

Close to the SMX - color is uniform even at extreme angles

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Upclose333.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Upclose333.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_138inchSMX.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/138inchSMX.jpg)

Here I am for some perspective of size. The 333 even with over 1000 hours on it is so bright you can hardly stand in front of it (like I'm trying to do ;) )

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

Calvin

What a fantastic thread, I've been following along since the beginning and you've done a great job with photo's and descriptions of everything.

I may have missed it in your thread, but what model Middle Atlantic rack are you using?

Thanks

Hey Calvin, how was the mounting? is it difficult? I think I may tackle that today. I have my ceiling grid up, now I just need to wait for my tiles. 2 or 3 days.

Awesome that it showed up in once piece.

Ryan

This is a very very good thread Cal, you really went all out on the whole thing. First off your home is a beauty even when unfinished. I can only hope one day that I could have the means to build a theater the likes of which you were so devoted to create. Hope you and yours enjoy the hell out of the thing lol.

Hey Calvin...Everything is looking great! I finally got around to posting my HT/Games room pics... you can see them here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=856206&page=1&pp=30

Brendin

Calvin

What a fantastic thread, I've been following along since the beginning and you've done a great job with photo's and descriptions of everything.

I may have missed it in your thread, but what model Middle Atlantic rack are you using?

Thanks

Thanks becks :) I went with the MA model WRK-44-27 with the vented plexi door. The complete order by part number (well the initial order anyways I've added a few items later) can be found on Post #275.

Thanks for following the thread.

Cheers
Calvin

Hey Calvin, how was the mounting? is it difficult? I think I may tackle that today. I have my ceiling grid up, now I just need to wait for my tiles. 2 or 3 days.

Awesome that it showed up in once piece.

Ryan

Ryan,

It was pretty easy the detailed instructions Ruben has up make it dead simple if you follow them exactly (which I did :) )
The only part I really needed help with was hanging the thing as a 138" screen is a bit cumbersome for 1 guy but I had a friend swing by and we hung it in a few minutes. I'd say from the time I unwrapped to the time I had it up was maybe 2 hours.

Cheers
Calvin

This is a very very good thread Cal, you really went all out on the whole thing. First off your home is a beauty even when unfinished. I can only hope one day that I could have the means to build a theater the likes of which you were so devoted to create. Hope you and yours enjoy the hell out of the thing lol.


Thanks kicks. I've still got a few things to do but this was a milestone for sure getting the screen up and watching the 1st movie / playing the 1st game. I've still got to work out some sound issues, get the 2 subs installed in the front, work out a better cooling solution for the AV closet , install the sound treatments and get the room professional calibrated. (whew now that I've typed that all I feel I need to get back to work I think I'm only 1/2 done :o )

Cheers
Calvin

Hey Calvin...Everything is looking great! I finally got around to posting my HT/Games room pics... you can see them here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=856206&page=1&pp=30

Brendin

Thanks Brendin. Your build is coming along nicely I stopped by and posted on your thread :). Thanks for the kind words and good luck with your HT build.

Cheers
Calvin

This is a very very good thread Cal, you really went all out on the whole thing. First off your home is a beauty even when unfinished. I can only hope one day that I could have the means to build a theater the likes of which you were so devoted to create. Hope you and yours enjoy the hell out of the thing lol.

No kidding...his home is beautiful. All the choices and upgrades they made are top notch. I wish I would have had this thread for inspiration when our house was being built!

Brendin

Some more photos.

Here is the switch I went with for getting the house hardwired. Currently I have 13 of the 16 ports used which are hardwired through out the home.I also have 2 more through the linksys wireless router and of course the wireless network up in the home as well which allows for 15 hardwired machines and as many wireless as my 10 Mb/s net connection can handle :)

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

Here is the screen (nothing shown on it)which I forgot to post before the screen shots with games and movies. I couldn't have gone much larger.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_ScreenShot2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/ScreenShot2.jpg)

Here is the screen showing how the subs will be mounted in the future. I'll be laying them on their sides so the bass doesn't effect the screen when I'm using it. I'm hoping the installers will be in to do this work soon I'd like to get the kinks with the audio worked out soon in the system and get everything running 100%.

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

Cheers
Calvin

Some more photos.

Here is the switch I went with for getting the house hardwired. Currently I have 13 of the 16 ports used which are hardwired through out the home.I also have 2 more through the linksys wireless router and of course the wireless network up in the home as well which allows for 15 hardwired machines and as many wireless as my 10 Mb/s net connection can handle :)
Cheers
Calvin

I've got a 24port 10/100 baystack managed switch in my server room. I saw a 24 port 10/100/1000 switch on Dell's website for about $300. It has 2 modes managed and unmanaged. Managed is through a web interface. I am thinking about making the jump to 1000Mbps network. Not sure what you paid for the 16 port linksys but the dell might be something to think about. My 100Mbps network is starting to get annoying when moving large files around.

I know you probably already posted this but I'll ask anyways cause I'm lazy...how many diagonal inches is your screen?

Brendin

Brendin,

Thanks for the info on the dell. Might look into it if it can fit into the GE Panel the 16 just makes it that is one of the reasons I went with it :)

The screen is 138" 16:9 diagonal inches.

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin
The screen looks great. Can't wait to see the acoustic treatments installed. Johnathan

Thanks Johnathan :) I'll have more pics when the rest of the work resumes. I'm just sitting back enjoying the matrix in HD after this weekends efforts.
Cheers
Calvin

Update.

I have all the chairs in and running for the most part. I actually need 2 more power adapters then what was sent sadly so I only have the cup holders set up in the back row till I pick up 2 more later this week.
A couple pics of some blue lights in the pitch black - lol my eyes see this alot better then the camera - it surprizes me that you can hardly make out the chairs in the photo but in person it is quite easy.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Backrow2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Backrow2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Backrow1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Backrow1.jpg)

Connect is back today doing more set up on the audio for a couple hours. I figure another 3 or 4 trips and we will have it made :)

Cheers
Calvin

Lookin good Calvin, my thread has been updated with pics as per your request. My screen is done as well, that was quite easy, my thumbs are numb from pushing that T thing in.

Ryan

Riser Sub updates.

I have hooked up the rear subs and watched 2 movies and played an hour or two on the xbox 360 (for testing of course).

I have the subs under about 1/2 of the chair and I'm using a Crown 2000 to power the two 10" Thors. I've pushed the signal from the Sherwood Newcastle R-965 to +15 for the subwoofers in passive mode and have the gain at about 70% on the Crown amp. (LFE setting @ 60 Htz)

This pic outlines the basic set up of the chairs on the riser level over the subs.

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)

The results are pretty good. You don't just hear the bass in the room you feel it. The entire back riser is like a living thing during gaming and movies. I can't wait to combine them with the 2 subs in the front which should push more bass "sound" to combine with bass "feel" coming from the riser. I don't currently have the Feed back destroyers hooked up either so I'm expecting the over all experience to improve once its "tweaked". :D

I don't have any charts of graphs but I'm hoping to get some once the acoustical engineer does the room so I can show the room curve, hopefully I'll have that in July sometime.

Right now I'm very pleased with the overall results and the system isn't even treated or tweaked :D I can't wait to experience it once it is all done. I had a few friends over and they sat in the back row and played the new Xbox 360 Dirt demo and they told me it was like been in a real dirt buggy - the rumble and vibration in the seats in that game made it feel like they were in a real car. Very cool :cool: When involved in a big crash the whole riser felt like it "shifted" - tough to describe but it is very immersive :) even more so then some butt kickers that I tried out.

Cheers
Calvin

Some of the odds and ends I'm working on.

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

The belkin UPS is going to be mounted along the ceiling for the PJ, the flush mount powerbar for the lighted cupholders in the front wall for the floor plugs, the Y splitters to take the analog 5.1 on the XA1 and put it to 7.1 (not a true 7.1 of course but a 5.1 utilizing my 7.4 system) and finally these :)

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

I'll be using the wireless receivers for the lighting in the riser steps. Once I have the lighting problem worked out with the LED's not working at 100% I'll have the Harmony 1000 learn and control the step lighting in conjunction with activities (like watch movie or play 360).

Here is a better shot of the chairs from the front. The front row still needs a couple of AC adapters to get all of the lighted cup holders working. Kyle from Carolina Furniture where I bought them is kindly helping me out by sending a couple to me soon.

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

I've also taken off the screens on the speakers and will be painting the grills and the white exteriors the same black as the trim used in the basement.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Speakers1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Speakers1.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Speakers2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Speakers2.jpg)

A couple of light mistings with a black spray paint should do the job nicely. (I have a can of compressed air ready to blast any paint in case it fills any of the speaker grill opening).

Finally another screen shot from the movies I enjoyed over the weekend :)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Matrix2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Matrix2.jpg)

UPS should be dropping the new HSB-600 and a few other goodies today finally (I missed the delivery twice already - I swear the guys wait till they see me drive away and then rush in and put the sticker on my door). The Bass Traps from ready acoustics should be arriving any day now as well.

Cheers
Calvin

Small Update:

The electronics have arrived safely and survived the outdoors (yesterday there were tornado warnings in Edmonton and there was a bit of a rain storm I understand - not so good considering I had everything left outside at the door until the wife got back from work to move it inside).

My better half told me everything was dry and in good shape :)
The sound treatments from Ready Acoustics also arrived and were with the electronics order so I'm looking forward to getting those installed after my upcoming honeymoon vacation :)

Cheers
Calvin

Yeah it was quite the storm here yesterday. I havent seen it like that in years..hail the whole bit. My boss got sent pics from Calgary yesterday which were taken a few hours after he left and everything was flooded. The parkade he was in had about 3 feet of water.

Small Update:

The electronics have arrived safely and survived the outdoors (yesterday there were tornado warnings in Edmonton and there was a bit of a rain storm I understand - not so good considering I had everything left outside at the door until the wife got back from work to move it inside).

My better half told me everything was dry and in good shape :)
The sound treatments from Ready Acoustics also arrived and were with the electronics order so I'm looking forward to getting those installed after my upcoming honeymoon vacation :)

Cheers
Calvin

Yup that weather is heading my way later today/tonight. I'm just south east of you.

- Josh

Hi Calvin,

Great thread, it's been really enjoyable reading it so far. I was really surprised to see the pics you posted of the destroyed SMX box. We recently recieved our SMX screen and that box is really well built. They had to of driven a fork lift over it at Customs to destroy it the way it was. I'm glad Ruben took care of you. Now that you've had the SMX up for a little bit, how do you like it?

Yeah it was quite the storm here yesterday. I havent seen it like that in years..hail the whole bit. My boss got sent pics from Calgary yesterday which were taken a few hours after he left and everything was flooded. The parkade he was in had about 3 feet of water.

Ryan,

Can you post a pic here in my thread? I would like to see - I just heard stories from the Calgary office but no pics :(

Cheers
Calvin

Yup that weather is heading my way later today/tonight. I'm just south east of you.

- Josh

Josh,

Get your kayak out my friend I heard it was a doozy !

Cheers
Calvin

Hi Calvin,

Great thread, it's been really enjoyable reading it so far. I was really surprised to see the pics you posted of the destroyed SMX box. We recently recieved our SMX screen and that box is really well built. They had to of driven a fork lift over it at Customs to destroy it the way it was. I'm glad Ruben took care of you. Now that you've had the SMX up for a little bit, how do you like it?


Yosho,

I seem to have bad luck despite been irish :p I was pretty surprized when the box showed up as well :( they are extremely well put together - that must have been one angry fork lift operator :eek:

I wish I was at home enjoying my SMX and not at work, I was loving life for the last couple of days enjoying the screen a ton until I was shipped back to the grind.

here are a couple more pics of the beauty in action :D

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_SMXScreen10.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/SMXScreen10.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Matrix2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Matrix2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_V5.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/V5.jpg)

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin
Wow the 3 chip DLP really throws a nice bright picture ! The screen shots look great . I love the one with you standing beside the screen for size reference ! In the others the size is misleading. But with you standing there you can really see how big 138" is . Perfect for your room.

In the past I have seen people do beautiful theater builds only to place a smallish screen in them . Almost causing the theater to look like it has a big screen TV installed in it. I really like the ratio of the screen wall to be almost filled with screen like yours or to a lesser extent mine . It really gives the feeling of an actual theater ! Johnathan

Calvin Here are some PIcs from Calgary

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/DSCN4167.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/DSCN4176.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/DSCN4165.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/DSCN4164.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/173272.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/173273.jpg

Calvin
Wow the 3 chip DLP really throws a nice bright picture ! The screen shots look great . I love the one with you standing beside the screen for size reference ! In the others the size is misleading. But with you standing there you can really see how big 133" is . Perfect for your room.

In the past I have seen people do beautiful theater builds only to place a smallish screen in them . Almost causing the theater to look like it has a big screen TV installed in it. I really like the ratio of the screen wall to be almost filled with screen like yours or to a lesser extent mine . It really gives the feeling of an actual theater ! Johnathan

Thanks Johnathan. I went with a 138" and I actually was planning to go larger all the way up to a 155" diagonal but then the ducting issue arose and I had to scale back. Even with the ducting issue I'm still really happy with the end result and I think even if I redirect the ducting and redo the room I'll likely still stay with the 138" it is a great size for my room and really about as large I'd want to go now that I've seen it in action.
I'm really impressed with the 333 and SMX combination it really looks amazing - I've had 3 professional installers that do 300+ homes a year come in while I was playing around with it and their jaws dropped when I threw the Matrix in which made me feel pretty good :D The one guy asked if he could take pictures to show the others he worked with, he just couldn't get over how amazing it looked.
The pictures really don't do it justice but I'll be working with the camera and try to get a few better shots when I get some time after the honeymoon ;)

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin Here are some PIcs from Calgary


Thanks Ryan. Wow, that is pretty unreal - time to get a canoe and some supplies. I sure wouldn't want to be working in the insurance field in Calgary in the next couple of weeks the claims have got to be overwhelming :eek:

On a side note: I actually had someone here at work show me some pics on their computer that some one from "work" sent them this morning and ironically they are the same pictures you posted? I wonder if we are working for the same company or if your engineering firm is doing the work for the company I'm currently working with?

Cheers
Calvin

Man pictures get around fast. Well my email chain started with A girl from Canetic Trust in Calgary...crazy. We are called Swift engineering.

Hey Calv1n. Just read this thread all the way through. Impressive house / work. Congratulations on the marriage as well.

I'm really liking the way you set everything up and the colors you picked out for the theater room. i myself would love an HT but first the wife and i need to get a house. lol. For now im planning on doing plasma in the living room. lol. Oh well.

Do you plan on hanging any movie posters or what not in or near the theater? Again, good work... can't wait to see it finished.

Hey Calv1n. Just read this thread all the way through. Impressive house / work. Congratulations on the marriage as well.

I'm really liking the way you set everything up and the colors you picked out for the theater room. i myself would love an HT but first the wife and i need to get a house. lol. For now im planning on doing plasma in the living room. lol. Oh well.

Do you plan on hanging any movie posters or what not in or near the theater? Again, good work... can't wait to see it finished.


Thanks Phantasm for the kind words and for visiting the thread. I'm split 50/50 on putting up the movie posters. Part of me likes the idea of tying in the whole movie theater theme and the other part of me likes the very clean basic "less is more" look I currently have. I'm not sure if you've noticed but I'm kind of a minimalist :o In my 3200 sq ft. home I only have 2 pictures hanging up and from of the shots you can see how bare my walls are (its not because I can't afford things to hang up rather that I don't like the place to look "busy" if that makes sense).

Good luck with you build and HT.

Cheers
Calvin

Received a couple PM's I'll post to cut down on the number of PM's asking the same type of questions (hope the posters don't mind I just kept the questions and removed names)

What size and w was the SMX Screen kit? Also did you place the L/C/R and Thor Subs behind the screen?

The screen is a 138" Diagonal SMX Pro line screen and I have placed the L/C/R behind the screen the 10" Earthquake thors will be mounted under the screen as shown in the pic below.

Here is a shot before the screen has gone up. (this shot by the way shows the picture the 333 throws on a dark grey wall with all the lights on in my HT - pretty darn impressive :eek: )

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMG_2312.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_2312.jpg)

Here is a shot of the screen showing where the subs will be mounted

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

Cheers
Calvin

I also received my 1st post from Alan (was like visiting royalty :) I was surprized and delighted to get a PM from the man himself )
We sent a couple PM's back and forth and I asked him if he would mind if I posted his original message which is below.

Hi Calvin

Nice pictures. There is something to be said about 3 chip DLP.
I am using the C3X 720 3 chip at the moment. I know all the hype is around 1080 pixel count but I put the 3 chip 720 DLP against both the RS1 and my Ruby and the 720 shows more detail. I see 1080 as a fill factor not as more detail. Of course more pixels are better if you want to sit closer. Anyway your pictures look great. 3 chip DLP has plenty of horse power as evident in your pictures. I could never go back to anything else. I cannot wait for the day 1080 3 chip becomes affordable for all:)

Thank you for your support!!!

Just wanted to say thanks to Alan for the information, the thoughtful post and thought I would share it with others :)

Cheers
Calvin

I posted this under the video components a few days ago and haven't had any luck with responses yet :( maybe someone browsing the thread can help me out? I'll try and post some pics later to better illustrate what I'm describing.

I've been looking for some information on these units as I recently purchased a couple. I've found there is not a thread for these units on AVS yet so I'm hoping this one catchs on and owners (and others) will post about these units in one thread to help consolidate information.

Here is what is written about the HSB-600 (silver finish) & the HSB-6501 (black finish)


Quote:
HDMI-Link™
(available May, 2006)

The HDMI-Link™ is an advanced audio/video switcher and video format converter designed to integrate the video output from an advanced A/V receiver with the A/V output of two HDMI-capable digital A/V source units into an HDMI-capable video monitor or TV.

MSRP 299.95

Features

Provides remote (or RS-232) switching for 2 HDMI source units
Converts any component video input into an HDCP-compliant HDMI output.

I have one currently in the rack and another on the way but I have a question I'm hoping I can get answered.

Is the HSB-600 capable of separating the audio or will it only pass the audio and video direct ?

In my set up I've tried HDMI going from a Toshiba XA1 into the HSB-600 and then an optical digital out to my R-965 and the HDMI /M1-DA to the PJ. I noticed the HSB-600 doesn't seem to output the sound in this configuration?
My work around has been to run a separate Optical output from the XA1 directly into the R-965 but I would like to run 2 HDMI in and one HDMI out with the Video signal going to the PJ and the audio going to the R-965 via optical. Is this possible?

Looking forward to hearing from other owners.

Thanks to any that might have some ideas :)

Cheers
Calvin

I did some research on the HSB-600 it seems it can't pass audio through PCM if you take use both the HDMI and optical as I'm trying (why on earth this is I have no idea?? I'll be sending SN a e-mail to ask them )

On a side note my boss let me off early today so I drove back a day and a 1/2 early before the big day and I get to hide out in the basement while the wife to be prepares for the wedding and upcoming trip (me been a guy my preparation should take about 60 minutes ;) )

When I got home I saw that the delivery man had been busy again.

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

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

The panels out of the box and compared along side the HSB-600 for perspective of size.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Thepanels2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Thepanels2.jpg)

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

A look at the mounting hardware supplied.

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

A look at the panel - I ordered black on black .

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

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

pic with no flash to show you the black levels.

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


More next post....

A look at the back of the panel. There a couple of different ways to mount them - either hanging from the hooks on the "straps" or you can flush mount them like a painting with the small holes in the frame you can just make out on the sides by the corners.

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

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

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BackofPanel1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BackofPanel1.jpg)

I've also been busy do some finishing touches on the speakers and grills.

This is the new tool I tried out for painting the rims of the speakers - It works pretty good but takes a few coats to get a good dark level.

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

The speakers masked.

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

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

A couple of shots of the paint (still wet in photos)

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

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_1stcoat.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/1stcoat.jpg)

more next post

Update:

Here are a couple of pics of the finished speakers before I get to the sound treatments.

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

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Noflash2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Noflash2.jpg)

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

Here is a shot of the rack with the 2nd HSB-600 installed for the living room HT.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_2ndHSB-600inplace.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/2ndHSB-600inplace.jpg)

No faceplate for that one yet - I'm trying to decide if want to remove the black face plate and stack those 2 on top of each other or just order 2 new Silver faceplates for them

More when I can....
Cheers
Calvin

That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. When I'm rich will you come build mine?

P.S. Still a college student, just getting into Home Theater

Calvin -

I know you have the plexi-door.

My hinges went MIA (well several parts did) and I need to re-order them. No biggie there, but my carpenter is installing the rails tomorrow (I went with rack rails only, not a full rack), and I am wondering if you could describe how the doors attach.

Do they get screwed into the rail face? Is there some kind of bracket? Does it need a lot of clearance in terms of placing any trim around the door? How flush is your rack?

Thanks, Dave

Shockemags,

Thanks for the kind words :) If you can afford my day rate you bet I'll come build yours but I'm sure you can hire better for less, thank you for the saying so though :D

Good luck with your future HT

Dave,

I've included some pictures of the hinge and popped the door off for you so you can see exactly how it works together. It is as basic as possible really just a pin in a hole held with gravity ;) The rack doors are very very flush though MA has really machined these things extremely well ( I used to work in a machine shop and I can tell you these things are darn well made - very impressive)

(click to enlarge photos)

Hope the pics help.

Cheers
Calvin

Door on:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/th_Hinge1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/Hinge1.jpg)

Door popped off:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/th_Hinge5.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/Hinge5.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/th_Hinge3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/Hinge3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/th_Hinge6.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/AV%20rack%20hinges/Hinge6.jpg)

This will likely be my last update for a while.

I struggled with getting the traps into place and managed to get 5 in place (some what) but I'm still perplexed as to how I will flush mount 2 of them on the ceiling in front of the screen. I have 3 left to install ( the 2 ceiling panels and the last one at a 45 degree angle over the screen).

Here a couple of pics.

If your wondering why there are cord from the PJ in the photo it is because my AV installer hasn't run them through the conduit yet that will be done on their next visit.

(as always click to enlarge)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_5up3togo.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/5up3togo.jpg)

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

Fellow AVS members let me know if you see anything I'm missing - I'm interested on your thoughts on my positioning and mounting.

Cheers
Calvin

Thanks alot Calvin -

Those pics helped a lot. It is obvious to me now that the door is more typically used with a full rack, not just rails, as the hinges bite into the casing of the rack. I don't have that casing, so I will need to come up with a way to attach to the wall. Didn't realize that when I ordered, losing parts in the delays didn't help, but we will make it work.

The pics are a very big help.

.....know if you see anything I'm missing - I'm interested on your thoughts on my positioning and mounting.

Cheers
Calvin

Have you done the Mirror trick? Where you sit in your "sweet spot" chair, then have someone with a mirror walk along the sides of the room, and then when you can see the center screen where the speakers are when you look into the mirror, thats a main reflection point, and you want to do treatment there.

So once you've done the main reflection points thats half the battle right there.

- Josh

Looks awesome calvin.

Glad to help out Dave :)

Thanks for the tip Josh I'll try that when I get back.

Ryan, Thanks - it is coming together I'll be keeping an eye on yours for those finishing touches as well ;)

All,

We had the big day was yesterday - We legally married here in Canada due to the legality issues we had doing it overseas. We will likely do a ceremony overseas but the "real deal" was yesterday and we fly out tonight for the honeymoon (only reason I'm typing now is that the new bride is doing some last minute tanning and shopping before the trip and I have a few hours to kill).

We had a friend of the family take a few photos for us at the very private event yesterday in our home and I thought I'd share a couple. I'm one of the luckiest guys alive. :D

Here is my beautiful bride.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Wedding/th_whatisshethinking.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Wedding/whatisshethinking.jpg)

The Bride and myself.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Wedding/th_BrideandGroomJune11.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Wedding/BrideandGroomJune11.jpg)

A look at the rings my wife had designed for us.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Wedding/th_Therings2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Wedding/Therings2.jpg)

Will see you all when I get back in a couple of weeks.
( I bought a new video camera and a few other toys to try out so I should have some things to show upon my return).

Cheers
Calvin

Congrats man.... enjoy your trip. Leave the keys i'll fly up and take care of your theater while your gone ;)

- Josh

Congrats. Enjoy your trip.

A belated congratulations to you and your lovely bride ! May all of your years together increase your love and happiness ! A family that enjoys Home Theater together stays together ha ha. Johnathan

Hi all,

I'm back at last. That was quite the trip I think I'm off to sleep for a couple of days now ;)
Thanks for the well wishes and I should have a few pics of the trip before long of some of the highlights. Then I'll be back to business trying to finish off the HT in the basement in the near future :) My brother was house sitting for me but unfortunately didn't get around to getting the AV installers in to do any work other then to fix the alarm, which went pretty buggy I understand the day after I left :S They ended up replacing most of the electronics in the alarm system and its working fine again but I guess in my absence it was going off alot (it missed me I guess).
More when I can
Cheers
Calvin

welcome back.... now get back to posting up pics ;)

- Josh

Welcome back

I'm still going through all the photos and video of my trip I thought I would share just a few of the more impressive things I saw.

This was the boat we went on the Royal Caribbean "Brilliance of the Seas" quite a monster as you can see in the photo below. This was taken as we flew in to Spain.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_FlyingintoSpain-1stlookattheboat.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/FlyingintoSpain-1stlookattheboat.jpg)

Here is a photo of a heart shaped river we saw in by the Swiss Alps.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_2528.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_2528.jpg)

The majestic Swiss Alps

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_2538.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_2538.jpg)

The leaning tower of Pisa

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_2795.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_2795.jpg)

A photo from on top of the tower of Pisa of the Piazza dei Miracoli - quite a sight to behold.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_2815.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_2815.jpg)

Some of the super yachts in Monte Carlo. I did get a few of the super cars on video but no photos as the wife had the camera. I saw quite a few boats and cars I wouldn't mind taking out for a cruise that was for sure :D

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_2710.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_2710.jpg)

Just a few more next post then I'll be back to business.

Here are a few more photos from the trip before I get back to the HT stuff.

Ruins in Athens.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_1557.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_1557.jpg)

The library in the ruins of Pompeii (taken after I climbed to the summit of Mount Vesuvius)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_0625.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_0625.jpg)

One of the many impressive cities in the Greek Isles. This is the lovely town of Mykonos.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_0474.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_0474.jpg)

Just three quick photos of Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. This was worth the trip alone by far one of the most impressive things I think anyone can see on this planet. I have about 400 pictures of the trip to the Vatican alone but here are 3 to admire.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_0354.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_0354.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_0172.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_0172.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_0070.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_0070.jpg)

As far as the HT I've been taking the weekend off but I'm hoping to have Connect back in to do some final hook ups and the front sub installs after my next shift in a couple weeks. My wife had my doing other jobs around the house like putting up shelving which cut into my "DIY" time again ;)

Cheers
Calvin

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/DistributionPanelforA-Vroom.jpgWhat is that?

Calvin
Wow the 3 chip DLP really throws a nice bright picture ! The screen shots look great . I love the one with you standing beside the screen for size reference !

first time I viewed that particular photo, I don't think I noticed Cal was in the picture. I went back for a second vewing, drug my eyes kicking and screaming away from center screen to the right, and went "oh.....there he is....hmmmm" :)

What is that?

rocko1290,

That is a picture of a basic control panel. I was looking for the GE karma which I purchased but I couldn't find one to post so I posted that to give a basic impression.
This is the real one I have installed.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma1.jpg)

They are very handy for smart wiring your home and quick switching out what you want a plug anywhere in the house to be (plug and play any room into what ever you want, TV/internet/phone etc... just a quick switch out in that control panel)

Cheers
Calvin

first time I viewed that particular photo, I don't think I noticed Cal was in the picture. I went back for a second vewing, drug my eyes kicking and screaming away from center screen to the right, and went "oh.....there he is....hmmmm" :)

Javry,

Here is a pic of me not hiding out in the dark, In this photo I'm trying to get heat stroke in the greek isles ;)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/th_IMG_0539.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/trip%20photos/IMG_0539.jpg)


I hope to have some HT related news in when I get back from my next work shift - still waiting for the installers to confirm a date they are coming to visit next and finish up the installs and hook ups.

Cheers
Calvin

rocko1290,

That is a picture of a basic control panel. I was looking for the GE karma which I purchased but I couldn't find one to post so I posted that to give a basic impression.
This is the real one I have installed.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma3.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma3.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Karma1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Karma1.jpg)

They are very handy for smart wiring your home and quick switching out what you want a plug anywhere in the house to be (plug and play any room into what ever you want, TV/internet/phone etc... just a quick switch out in that control panel)

Cheers
CalvinWhat does it control?

What does it control?


I think this pic does a better job of explaining it then I would but it basically controls everything in my house and it has the ability to do a lot more that I wasn't interested in like controlling lights, temperature etc...

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_1829.jpg

If your building a new house I think these are a must have to add to the construction ;)

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin
Looks like you had a wonderful trip. Glad to see you made it back safely. Johnathan

Thanks for the kind words my friend.

The trip was awesome :)

On the home front I have one small update. It is a somewhat dark pic of the new stone work and pad that was done very recently on the house. The stone work was finished yesterday and my wife took the pic at night so I'm hoping she sends me some daytime pictures so I can see what it looks like under full light.

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

Still have to put the lights in on the garage and put in the final stairs from the new concrete to the small deck at the front door and they are pretty much done (the builder that is - still lots of things for me to finish up).
My boss gave me a certificate yesterday for $1000.00 for landscaping as a wedding gift which should help out - should buy some sod for that I'm hoping ;)
Cheers
Calvin

should buy some sod for that I'm hoping

Weird thing - our house (well detached condo) had sod put in when the place was built (almost 3 years ago). This year it looks like hell, patchy. The condo association manager said that he sees this all the time as the sod used around here is imported from the south, and isn't native to New England, so it has a hard time. He also said the sod grown around here is sent to canada. Very weird if true. He could have been blowing smoke to explain not putting in fertilizer or something.

Trips looks like it was great. Congrats. Thanks again for the hinge pics. They were a huge help. I should be finally hanging my door in the next couple of days, but it was a process to figure out how to incorporate into my rack rails setting.

Thanks for the post Dave. I sure hope I don't have any issues with landscaping other then the small fortune it is going to cost to finish my massive yard (I have a very large yard over 13,000 sq, ft. which is huge in this city for a new property).

The trip was excellent and no issue with the rack pics, glad to help. Will you be posting up your rack I'm interested how you ended up putting it together not having bought the complete set up?

Cheers
Calvin

The trip was excellent and no issue with the rack pics, glad to help. Will you be posting up your rack I'm interested how you ended up putting it together not having bought the complete set up?


The trim is up as of last night. We tried to emulate the full kit's beveling with the molding chosen. Hopefully this weekend (tonight) we get the door up, after the construction adhesive holding the trim has dried (the screws will go through that and anchor in the wood behind it).

We are getting there. . .
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/dc_pilgrim/newtrim.jpg

Dave,

It is looking pretty good. I like the look of the 3 crown amps all together but I'd be a bit worried about heat if your driving them hard. I know with my Crown I had to put spaces and a fan between the amps as they were getting mighty toasty when I had them stacked. Might not be an issue but you'll find out in short order once you get them up and running.

I was looking for a 1 or 2 space fan kit/s but I haven't been able to find such a beast I guess they've found them to be ineffective as they don't seem to be on the market anywhere I can find sadly.

Looking forward to seeing the shots once you get the door on.

Cheers
Calvin

Just a small update. I talked to my A/V installer end of the day yesterday and it is looking pretty good for getting a crew in to install the last 2 subs, run the connections through the conduit etc.. and just general finishing up work before the acoustic engineer comes in and finishes up the room.
I'm pretty excited about hearing the 7.4 in the basement for the 1st time hopefully next weekend that becomes reality :)

Cheers
Calvin

Nice work so far! It looks like you need to pick up some xbox elite controllers so the white ones don't stick out so much.

Nice work so far! It looks like you need to pick up some xbox elite controllers so the white ones don't stick out so much.

Thanks Stonewall78. I'm looking at getting an elite for my 3rd xbox 360 I was going to wait for the new 65nm chip set before getting one (although I'm not sure I'll wait that long anymore since they've announced the new 3 year warrenty I may just grab one now anyways).

Cheers
Calvin

Dave,
I was looking for a 1 or 2 space fan kit/s but I haven't been able to find such a beast I guess they've found them to be ineffective as they don't seem to be on the market anywhere I can find sadly.
Calvin

I found a website that has a lot of unique (albeit expensive in some cases) solutions for darn near everything. I spent a lot of time on this site and ordered a few odds and ends. I have also discovered they have some 1 and 2 space fans and a lot of options for rack and equipment cooling. I thought I'd post the link for one that I'm still considering ordering. I may get two of these 2 space fans to replace my 3 space fan between the amps. With 2 of these I can put one between the Behringer and the Crown and one between the Crown and Flying mole only losing one space which is currently a vented panel anyways. It is however not a cheap solution so I haven't jumped at it yet.

http://www.smarthome.com/8734QFS.html

Cheers
Calvin

I found a website that has a lot of unique (albeit expensive in some cases) solutions for darn near everything. I spent a lot of time on this site and ordered a few odds and ends. I have also discovered they have some 1 and 2 space fans and a lot of options for rack and equipment cooling. I thought I'd post the link for one that I'm still considering ordering. I may get two of these 2 space fans to replace my 3 space fan between the amps. With 2 of these I can put one between the Behringer and the Crown and one between the Crown and Flying mole only losing one space which is currently a vented panel anyways. It is however not a cheap solution so I haven't jumped at it yet.

http://www.smarthome.com/8734QFS.html

Cheers
Calvin

Yes, smarthome has a lot of stuff but is quite pricey.

Make sure the fans you use to replace the ones you have have enough cfm airflow.

Joe

Joe,

Thanks for the post. I'll definitely be checking into the CFM's but I think I'll actually have to up them for what I have currently. I'm not even running the behringer amp to power the front 2 subs and it is getting mighty toasty in there when I'm "driving" the basement HT. I think the fact my in-floor heating has the basement 10 degrees warmer then most basements in my area doesn't help either (although I do prefer the comfort level of the warmer basement so I'll work with the cooling of the HT equipment and leave the room be ;) )
Smarthome has some really interesting products I ended up purchasing some of the INSTEON stuff for the lighting downstairs - I'll use it with my harmony 1000 for lighting controls (the plan anyways). It seems to be a pretty decent and easy to install system for the basement which is the only area I'm interested in working with at the moment for lighting.


Cheers
Calvin

I plan on putting Insteon throughout the house and repalcing my X10 stuff.

In your theater, does all of your lighting power go to a central location? If so, you may want to look at the Lutron Grafik Eye. IT is controlled via IR and easy to create scenes of lighting.

From what I have heard and read the Insteon is far better than X10 but sometimes has issues working properly.

Joe

Joe,

Thanks for the reply. I looked into the Lutron Grafik eye at first but I didn't find the A/V installers rates very good for the install (way to much) so I passed up on it and planned to just do something like the Insteon instead. I may look into how hard it would be to do myself as everything in the home power wise goes to the 200 amp breaker panel.

Thanks for the tip on the x10 vs the Insteon it appears I made the right choice.

Cheers
Calvin

Insteaon is awsome, its a "mesh" type system that communicates via RF as well as hard lined through the romex in your home.

The only issue I have with it, is the interface, if you could use the RF from say the 890 or the 1000 remote that would be ideal (unless something has changed since I last looked), but unfortunately it doesn't work that way so you've gotta have IR somewhere in the mix.

- Josh

Josh,

Damn, I sure hope it works off of RF - I'm sure that is what it said in the product description before I ordered .... I'm hoping to use it with the harmony 1000 in the basement which will have both IR and RF but I don't want to have to "point and shoot" at both light switches to get the lights dimmed or off that would not be ideal in the least. Looks like I'll have to do some more reading on their site but I'm 99% sure the set up video I uploaded and watched had the system working with RF (the wall plugs have small antennas that create the RF link throughout the area your trying to use as a sort of RF net was my understanding).

So to understand the RF capabilities only work with their proprietary remote and likely won't work with RF through my Harmony remotes?

Thanks for the post though, you will have me doing some more homework now (I've already ordered but I'm sure if they are not RF I can send them back).

Cheers
Calvin

looks like the Haromny remote (890 and 1000) use the Z-Wave RF technology so they will natively control Z-Wave, but not x10 or Insteon.

see here: http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Remote/Home-Ent-Remotes/Harmony/Item/HARMONY-1000/

The Harmony 1000 will natively control any Z-Wave products, for easy lighting automation from the comfort of your couch

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/first-photos-logitech-harmony-1000-universal-remote-can-turn-on-your-lights-199966.php

- Josh

a little update: http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=general_remotes&message.id=4767#M4767

looks like the 1000 doesn't support Z-wave either, the 890 & 895 however does support Z-wave.

Josh,

Thanks for the "leg work" looks like I'll have to do some more digging or look at a new remote - not sure which is easier at this point.

The 1000 will work through IR though correct? Maybe I can mount a IR repeater somewhere where it won't be noticed and use it for the desired effect.
I had planned on using a RF adapter for the 1000 which is identical as the one for the 890 - despite this they both don't function the same ? damn....

Thanks again for the posts much obliged :D

Cheers
Calvin

Dave,

It is looking pretty good. I like the look of the 3 crown amps all together but I'd be a bit worried about heat if your driving them hard.

I am going to reshuffle them so I put a space between each amp. I just threw them in when I was playing with them. The back of my rack is my utility room, so it is a pretty open space, and it should be able to take some heat.

Looking forward to seeing the shots once you get the door on.

Got it up today. A few pics in my thread. I need to hit the hardware store for a piece of metal to get the keylock to work, and it isn't 100% machine perfect lined up. But it will keep small fingers away from Dad's toys. I am pleased.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10990098#post10990098

Back on your topics, the remote is one of my remaining purchases, so I'll have to keep an eye on what you come up with. I know Cherokee180 has Zwave and the Harmony 1000 - and said that there were problems.

Dave,

Thanks for the post. The door looks great turned out really well. We both have a similiar set up as far as the Racks been outside the HT which I like. I'm glad for the info on the Zwave and the Harmony - looks like there isn't really any sure fire solution here with the products I own and the ones I got coming to me in the mail now (Insteon stuff). I'll have to do some more digging and test out the stuff I have coming to see how it works for me before running off and buying a bunch of stuff that might not be any better.

Cheers
Calvin

Well you could Always build a Home Automation PC, that it the interface between the your remotes and the Intsteon system.

Check out http://www.charmedquark.com/

there are a few folks here on AVS that use CQC and you can pretty much do anything you want.

here's one example: http://www.myhometheaterpc.com/

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks for the links ... man I have some serious reading to do again....
Seems I'm just thinking about the tip of the iceburg again although I could have gotten into the whole house automation when I first built the house. At the time it didn't seem like it was worth the cost when. I'm just interested in a little bit for the basement HT so I have to find the happy medium between cost and function as most of my budget is now spent and the next 12 to 18 months it is going to outdoors/ landscaping projects of which my wife has many. That been said I may be able to do a PC that can do what I want for under $5 or $10k ..

Thanks again
Calvin

I bet with a cheap PC, and a nice touch screen monitor you could do everything you wanted to control the home theater and the lights and all that for not much more than a few grand give or take, doing the CQC route, which would/could also control all your AV equipment as well as the lights.

I too was and pretty much still am in the same situation as you, I wanted to have full automation for my basement setup, with 100% light control via a remote or touch screen.

What I ended up doing was using Girder on my PC that would take in IR commands from my logitech, which would then turn the lights down to a preset dim when I clicked play.

They would turn on when I hit pause.

and would come on 100% when I hit stop.

I did all of this with Insteon system, homeseer software, and Girder.

Girder is what ties everything together. Girder (similar to CQC) takes in the IR commands from the remote, then it interfaces with Homeseer which then interfaces with Insteon to turn on and off and dim the lights to their pre-set settings.

It took a little work but in the end the setup I have now only cost me a few hundred compared to thousands.

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks for that post - it is a great help to me I'll be reviewing your thread more in-depth for some details and look into the Girder and Homeseer to see if that will work for me (and it sounds like it will - it also sounds like it will allow me to keep most of my existing equipment + the Insteon stuff I just ordered which is a bonus). A quick couple of questions if I may?

What kind of PC do you need to run all of this (low, mid or high end components any special considerations like amount of RAM etc..?)

Now that you have been using it for awhile - what if anything would you do differently if you could do it again (maybe I can implement your learnings into my build ;) )

Thanks again.
Cheers
Calvin

Now that you have been using it for awhile - what if anything would you do differently if you could do it again (maybe I can implement your learnings into my build )

First off if I had the money, I wouldn't have gone the route I did, I would have spent the Cash for a CQC or MainLobby system and used a PDA, or a tablet PC, or even one of the viewsonic touch screen CE monitors.

I was also considering the Nokia N800: http://www.nseries.com/index.html#l=products,n800

Joe was also looking at the N800 for his setup, which would work great for a CQC or MainLobby setup.

So basically I would have set it up so that I could control my entire home theater with CQC or MainLobby, instead of a Harmony remote all together.

CQC or MainLobby box would be directly hard wired via RS232 (serial interface) to all my equipment, as well as Insteon, and I would then control it all via a touch screen interface like the N800, Viewsonic touch screen, or even a PDA.

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks again for all your help. You've really saved me a lot of time here today. I'll be looking into doing just what you would have done so your last post will basically be my template :cool: now just to make a few choices.

Maybe a few others can weigh in with their experiences or opinions to help narrow it down.

CQC or Mainlobby?

Touchscreen LCD or Nokia N800 ?

As always thanks for the posts :D

Cheers
Calvin

just to help the decision process CQC is more of a DIY, there is great forum support and alot of templates, Mainlobby is more turn key, "pretty" but not as robust as CQC.

Main lobby already has all the front end graphics made, CQC you either borrow what others have done, or create your own.

I think for what you want to do, for just home theater/lighting control Mainlobby might be a better option. But I'd look at the reciver you have, the dvd player and all that and make sure it supports everything you have, if CQC doesn't that is always someone there to make it for you.

Mainlobby has a pre-made plugin for purchase for Insteon, you might have to get a third party peice of hardware to get Insteon support for CQC.

first what you'll do is get this: http://www.smarthome.com/2412s.html that is how you will interface the insteon system with your control pc.

you can then get a 8 sport serial card to control other devices in your system. If your devices don't support serial control, then you can get a USB based IR blaster to control your devices.

There are also USB to Serial cables like these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812119002

What I'd suggest is put together a complete list of all the hardware you want to control, then find out if they have a RS232 interface for controlling it, then join the CQC forums, post up that list and see what they recommend there, btw they are a friendly group of folks there.

Then same goes for Mainlobby, see what devices you have are in their support list, and then go from there.

I'd say for easy turn key system, less investment in time and effort, and that "wow" factor is that mainlobby will give you want you want, but CQC is more robust and easily expandable later on down the road, such as integrating your alarm system, thermostat and other systems in your home.


- Josh

BTW can you tell i've done this before? and do consulting for a side gig ;)

Josh,

Wow thanks again for all your help. I gathered you had more then a passing interest in this area ;)
I've contacted CQC 1st off and I'm chatting via e-mail with thir support team to see if there is anyone in my area that can do a "turn key" system for me.
If not I'll likely go the DIY route but I like the CQC product more for the over all versatility.

They have already suggested the Sony Q1 UMPC as a controller. Do you know much about it?

edit: Another question, do I need one of those smarthome connectors for every single device that I want to control via RS-232?
(That works out to a nice chunk of change if so and I'm not sure how those will work and look in the rack hooked up my power conditioners/ ups. )

I'll let everyone know how I make out.

Cheers
Calvin

Josh,

Wow thanks again for all your help. I gathered you had more then a passing interest in this area ;)
I've contacted CQC 1st off and I'm chatting via e-mail with thir support team to see if there is anyone in my area that can do a "turn key" system for me.
If not I'll likely go the DIY route but I like the CQC product more for the over all versatility.

Yes more than a passing intest, I really want to start up my own business doing home theater/home automation installs, but in order to do that you need a low voltage license and the ONLY way to get that in Minnesota right now is to get a two year apprenticeship which I can't afford not working for 2 years just to get that.

You can always fly me up to Canada ;)


They have already suggested the Sony Q1 UMPC as a controller. Do you know much about it?

did you mean Samsung Q1? Sony's models are the UX, but either way I'd say if you don't need a Qwerty keyboard which honestly I see no need for one, and the fact that they are anywhere from $700 - $1400 US dollars, it really isn't work the cost IMHO.

Thats why I said the Nokia N800, it can be had for a few hundred and runs a full blown web app which is all you need for CQC is a device that can run a web browser.

Still my favorite device for these systems are these: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktopdisplays/wirelessmonitors/

they are hard to find now but if you can get one of those that'd be your best bet all around, i've seen them as low as $500 on ebay and they work wonders.


edit: Another question, do I need one of those smarthome connectors for every single device that I want to control via RS-232?

The smarthome link for the Insteon RS232 adapter, you only need one of them, that is how you connect your CQC/Mianlobby box into the Insteon Network.

How Insteon works is it crease a home network (similar to a PC base eithernet network). Insteon works both via wireless and wired uses the power lines in your home and crease one big mess network and each device see's each other on that network.

The RS232 is just another Insteon device that each other sees, your pc connects to it via RS232 and that is how you tie your PC running homeseer, CQC, or Mainlobby to the rest of the network.

So once you get your PC running whatever software connected to the insteon network it is just a matter of configuring CQC to interact with it, and then just a matter of configuring CQC to interact and control the reset of your home theater gear as well.

So then you'll take the wireless tablet, or UMPC, create the interface so you can control the lights, your home theater, everything from that one touch screen device.

The hardest part is just taking the time to configure the back end (CQC or whatever) to interact with all the devices you want to control in your home, once you get the basic controls down, then you can create macros like "Watch TV" so you'll have a Watch TV button on the touch screen, you push it, and CQC will then dim your lights, turn the projector on, turn your AV receiver on, turn your cable/sat box on, and with one button your watching tv.

Same goes for Movies, video games, ect....

- Josh

Josh,

Thanks again for all the info. I did some research today and I will fly you up to Canada if your serious about doing it. I was looking at getting you up here the weekend of August 10th to the 13th. I think I can have all the materials at my home by that time and I will pay for your travel, put you up in a hotel or at my home (your choice) + pay you for you time and expenses to get the system built and up and running (if you think it is possible to do in 3 days - we can discuss dates and payments through PM).
I contacted my A/V installers and they are not familiar with the systems and what I'm planning. As such it doesn't make sense to pay them "as they learn" and due to my work schedule and upcoming events I think the only way I could have a 100% functioning as intended system by August 24th (which the wife wants due to family function) I think I need someone with some experience and know how and that sure sounds like you to me.

I would very much like to bring you up and have you do it, if your able to.

Send me a PM if your interested and we can go from there.

I should add I completely understand if this is not possible and I can try to source a local fellow to do this as well but I have a good comfort level with you (enough that paying for your travel and time is not an issue)

I'll be making some calls today and see if I can locate the viewsonic V210 or V212 locally.

Cheers
Calvin

Josh,

I should have known a man of your talents would be to busy. Thanks for the other contacts though I'm exploring those leads now and I'll update when I get a way forward.

If anyone knows or is a talented individual that might be interested in this little "working vacation" let me know either on the thread or via PM.

Thanks
Calvin

Minor update:

Just chatting with some people from CQC Quark about the home automation and it appears that the A/V installers are unable to do today but have committed and confirmed to 3 to 4 tech's over on the 27th and 30th (if required) to finish up the installs - I sure hope they finish to the point I'm just waiting for the acoustical engineer.... this is taking to longer for me then I expected.
I may have some CQC updates over the next couple of weeks but things have definitely settled down.

Cheers
Calvin

Minor update.

Did a bit of work yesterday. I took down the screen and tweaked it a little making it 100% level as it was just a little off I've fixed that now. I have just a bit of lift off the right corner as well on the screen I've noticed so once I get the front wall subs installed I think I'll attach something to fasten it to the wall and fix that minor issue.

I ran the 1st of 2 beads of black silicon around the rack to better seal it and hope to run the 2nd one tomorrow to finish it off.

Finally I bought another monitor to take with me to camp so I can spend some time with the xbox while at work. I went a bit smaller and cheaper then my last job where I had the 46" DLP 720P samsung. This year I decided to try a 42" LCD 1080P Viewsonic.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/Campmonitor.jpg

I'll try to get a couple pics up of the silicon job later this weekend.

Cheers
Calvin

Hey Calvin,
I'm also out of Edmonton, actually Im one of the lead installers for FutureShop, we just started the service. It's nothing to compete with the stuff you have at home of course, but everything looks great. Keep up the good work.

FSJay,

Thanks for visiting the thread and the kind words. I'm sure your going to have a pretty busy career here in Alberta with the HT market considering the expendable $$ around these parts these days.

All the best
Calvin

I think this pic does a better job of explaining it then I would but it basically controls everything in my house and it has the ability to do a lot more that I wasn't interested in like controlling lights, temperature etc...

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_1829.jpg

If your building a new house I think these are a must have to add to the construction ;)

Cheers
Calvinhow much?

Rocko,

The panel installed and hooked up was around $1000.00

Cheers
Calvin

Update:

Here is a quick look at the black silicon I've put all around the rack install to make it more aesthetically appealing and to make it air tight around the seams. (as always click to enlarge photos)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_BlackSilicon1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/BlackSilicon1.jpg)

The mail man came again bearing gifts ;)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/th_IMG_1868.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/IMG_1868.jpg)

I bought a lot of goodies including these little Insteon devices below to help with my new home automation project.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/th_IMG_1870.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/IMG_1870.jpg)

I'm in discussions with some new friends over at CQC and will be trying to implement a new CQC server / HTPC into my basement TT to control the lights and all the other wonderful toys I have down there.

I've run out of time these days off again though so that will be a project for another day. Likely I'll start working on changing out the light switches when Connect is here on the 27th finishing up the installs next break.

More when I can

Cheers,
Calvin

So I see your gonna go the CQC route eh? Are you having someone build the system for you or you gonna try tackling it yourself?

- Josh

Josh,

I'm going to see if I can do the build and the basics myself first. The fellow that will be helping is me a seasoned pro I'm told and will help me via remote assistance if / when required. Right now Paul (my new best friend helping me do this) is just consulting and we will be doing the e-mail thing until it set up / built and ready for action.

Thanks for putting me on the right track again Josh I'm sure the CQC will be everything I need for now and everything I could want in the future if I decide to step it up a notch and get more of the home into the automation. From reading the forums it really is a robust program with huge potential in the right hands.

Cheers
Calvin

Well if you need any help you know where to find me as well.

- Josh

Paul, the other Paul, the CQC Integration Partner who will be helping Calvin, has just fnished up a very large CQC project in a 15,000 square foot home with an incredible amount of automation involved. So he definitely knows what's going on on the CQC and automation fronts and shouldn't have any problems getting Calvin up and going.

Josh,

Thanks for the offer I'm sure we'll be chatting one day soon regarding this system.

Dean,

Thanks for the post and the for the introduction to Paul I'm looking forward to working with him on getting the system up and running. I'll be hopefully building the box on my next days off if we can get a parts list together over the next 9 days.

Cheers
Calvin

Just wondering if anyone knows of any rack mounted power supply solutions that have RS-232 control ?
I'm looking and not having much luck but my home automation plans include turning on and off my Amps and FBD's which means I need to find a power source for them with a controller.

2 of them that take up 1 rack space each to replace the Alesis 8's I have would be ideal. (or 3 even depending on how I want to distribute the power)

Anyone know or heard of such a beast that would work for my rack and basement HT ?

Cheers
Calvin

Just wondering if anyone knows of any rack mounted power supply solutions that have RS-232 control ?


This Panamax 5510 says it has RS-232. It doesn't specify rack mountable, but I imagine Panamax has a kit.

http://www.panamax.com/products.cfm?group=1&sec=detail&id=260&ly=h

I have a Panamax 4400 that isn't RS-232, but does have one 12V triggers and comes with rack mounts (I got it for $100 on ebay).

http://www.panamax.com/products.cfm?group=1&sec=detail&id=209&ly=h

Thanks DC, I'll check them out. How do you like the Panamax you have ? Any complaints or issues?

Cheers
Calvin

Perhaps a silly question but can someone outline what the difference is between a RS-232, USB & 12V triggers are in reference to on/off (start up in home automation) ?

I'm thinking for my power supply and amps I don't need RS-232 a 12v Trigger should do everything I want - which is basically to turn on before the receiver and all my other electronic gear.

If my guess is right I think I just need 12V to turn on and off and RS-232 or USB to sequence, is that correct?

Thanks
Calvin

Perhaps a silly question but can someone outline what the difference is between a RS-232, USB & 12V triggers are in reference to on/off (start up in home automation) ?

RS-232 gives you two way communication, which is vital to home automation as you want to know what your systems are doing, and get feed back so you can see on your touch screen what everything is doing, and what state it is in.


So for amps, or power supplies, you probably wouldn't need two way communication as you won't really get any feedback, other than knowing that they are on.

- Josh

Thanks Josh. That was what I thought more or less. I assume that new gear with USB and Cat5e in place of RS-232 is the same thing just a more computer friendly way to monitor 2 way ?

Cheers
Calvin

Minor update.

We had the Air Conditioner installed yesterday the wife tells me. This is a good thing for keeping both me and the electronics cool as we have been getting some very hot weather up here so far June & July :eek:

I should have some HT updates coming soon as this weekend is supposed to be the AV installers coming in to run the cables through conduit, do the front sub installs and final hook ups etc.... :cool:

Cheers
Calvin

Thanks DC, I'll check them out. How do you like the Panamax you have ? Any complaints or issues?

Cheers
Calvin

It looked good in the box, and looks nice in the rack. I haven't powered it up yet (other than a quick confirm its not DOA for ebay feedback) to know if it works or works well. I am hoping to use the 12v triggers to power up my amps when I finally get operational (or at least testing). A couple more playroom projects and I am back on the theater. Probably August.

I did note the one I got was designed for 20 amp service, whereas many are for 15A service. I ran a dedicated 20A to my rack, so I was happy to match that. It has a power chord that requires a 20A receptical (normal three prong with a sideways prong) on its power cord.

I mostly wanted surge protection and a rack mounted power supply. I don't know if the conditioning is snake oil or not, but I didn't spend a lot, so I guess I won't expect too much.

Dave,

Thanks for the post. Let me know what you think once you get it up and running :)
I toyed with the idea of running a 20 amp to my rack but I just didn't have any one thing that required it so I ended up running three (3) 15A instead to give me some ability to spread it out and play around a bit if required (I'm really sure I won't be using 45amps anytime soon for the rack so I'm future proofed ;) )

I have the conditioning as well and my friend is a master electrician who told me it isn't snake oil if you have bad / dirty power in your area (which I don't but others may have).

Good luck with the playroom projects and looking forward to the August updates

Home related note is the AC is up and running fine (the wife has reported today things are 100% ) which is $ well spent after my last weekend at home was 30 + for 4 days in a row!

Cheers
Calvin

Update.

Picked up my 3rd Xbox managed to find an elite at Costco today (as well as a new 512 MB memory card (damn you Forza 2!!) and few movies for this weekend. This is the last 360 I'll need now as I have one for each of the HT systems.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/3rd360arriveswithsomenewmovies.jpg

The AC is a welcome relief as well the house is nice and cool even with all the electronics going now (which it should be the new AC is a beast - I was surprized by the size of it but I guess I need a lot of air moved around in the house).

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/AC2.jpg

I'm putting the second black coat on the inwall subs tonight before they get installed tomorrow I'll have a few pics up on that over the next few days.

Cheers
Calvin

Update,

Some quick pics of the subs with the 1st coat of black spray on

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Subscoated2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Subscoated2.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Subswith1stblackcoat.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Subswith1stblackcoat.jpg)

Connect is here and the conduit has turned out to be a real "bearcat" and my 50' HDMI is to short. I've ordered a 131' HDMI from Monoprice to do the run from the LCD to the AV closet as I didn't want to use an extender and have yet another set of "handshaking"

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMG_1890.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_1890.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMG_1889.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_1889.jpg)

Well the connect guys have everything moved around I took advantage of the chairs moved and removed the floor plate and reverse engineered the "flip tops" on the plate as they were catching on the chairs bottom parts (which annoyed me)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_FloorPlug-topremoved.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/FloorPlug-topremoved.jpg)

here is the tool used to do the reverse engineering ;)

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

More to follow when I can.... some progress is been made today :D

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_IMG_1891.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/IMG_1891.jpg)

Cheers
Calvin

have you tested the 131 foot hdmi cable? I've read many ppl have issues with them working properly after 100' or so without the hdmi repeater that they sell.

- Josh

Update.

Its starting to come together. I did have to order a new HDMI cable for the living room HT due to a wonky conduit run my 50' run is way to short (the conduit took the scenic tour to the AV closet) I have a 131' HDMI cable coming from Monoprice which should fix that issue for the 46" LCD.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_HDMIthrough-needshood.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HDMIthrough-needshood.jpg)

The cabling is run through the conduit to the PJ now and helps clean up the room a lot.
The sub install went pretty well just had to do some extra framing but all in all the end result is quite good. I can't wait for the acoustic engineer to come and do the room now and work with the FBD. With the 2 front subs the whole room is already completely transformed it really is filled with sound now - I have 4 guys from Connect AV (industry professionals) over today and I think they left pretty impressed with the system even with the work still to be done.

Some pics

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Preppingthewall2.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Preppingthewall2.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Preppingthewall1.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Preppingthewall1.jpg)

There was a fair bit of framing done and this is the end result (still need to put the base board back once I trim it out for the subs and it will look a lot better (I'm also dying some fabric jet black to cover the subs in the next couple of days)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/th_Inwallsubs-paintedandinstalled.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Inwallsubs-paintedandinstalled.jpg)

Cheers
Calvin

have you tested the 131 foot hdmi cable? I've read many ppl have issues with them working properly after 100' or so without the hdmi repeater that they sell.

- Josh

Josh,

I haven't tested it yet I just ordered it today. I went with the longer run so I wouldn't have to use a repeater I want to avoid yet another HDMI handshake if I can. If it doesn't work I'll have to re-examine and try the repeater but I won't have any issues returning it to Monoprice in the event it doesn't work and I want to try that avenue 1st as it saves me some grief as far as where to mount the repeater etc...
I'll let you know how it works out - my fingers are crossed for the moment ;)

Cheers
Calvin

well Cal,
All I'll say is it's good you're taking your time to do this right.

Thanks Javry I'm hoping it works out ok so far I'm about 50/50 for getting a good result from an unknown like this.

Today is looking like another busy day - the wife has to do some OT work this afternoon (she volunteered - craziness!) so I will have most of the afternoon free to try and get to some of the little stuff left to do.

Some pics.

My brother and his kids stopped by to check out " The host" on HD-DVD and were quite impressed with the new addition of the front subs to HT.

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

Well they were downstairs enjoying the show I was upstairs destroying my wife's pampered chef wooden spoon and learning the fine art of dying fabric ;)

The best way to get a truly dark color is boil them and do it a couple of times (man I'm glad I only did this for 2 speaker grills it is a pain in the butt )

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

The finished result on the dye job with and with out flash (the grills are not stretched on here but are about 90% dry so the color is very close to final)

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

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

Today project is working on light switches and trying not to electrocute myself. (the RF adapter sensors you see here will be installed on Connects next visit and will be for the main level LCD / HT area)
In the 1st pic you can see the white speaker cloth and the 2 packs of black dye I used for the project above

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

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_Moregoodies-Insteon.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/Moregoodies-Insteon.jpg)

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


As always click to expand pics.
More when I can...
Cheers
Calvin

Some new pics

Finished up with the sub fabric screens
(photos are with flash and close so they look more grey then they are)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_PreppingSpeakergrill.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/PreppingSpeakergrill.jpg)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_finished.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/finished.jpg)

1st one installed.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/th_1installed.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/HT%20Main%20-%20Basement/1installed.jpg)

both installed (I still have some painters tape and some minor touch ups to do in these photos)

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

Finally here is a shot of the finished bathroom in the basement. Finally completed this room today.

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


More to follow

Hey Calvin,

How do you find the air conditioner on the top level of your house? I find my main level and basement are great but the top level holds the heat. Turning the air conditioner to 20C helps cool the bedroom off at night. We keep the door closed to keep the cool air in.

Brendin

Hey Calvin,

How do you find the air conditioner on the top level of your house? I find my main level and basement are great but the top level holds the heat. Turning the air conditioner to 20C helps cool the bedroom off at night. We keep the door closed to keep the cool air in.

Brendin

Hey Brendin :D ! Long time no see.
I'm finding it has done a pretty good job cooling off the entire house but the top level is a little warmer then the main and the basement. I checked my house out before responding to this and with my Radiant flooring system I have monitors for the air temperature in all 7 zones through out the home so I have a pretty accurate read on each level (and most rooms). The difference is about 1 degree celsius between the basement and the top floor with the main level been 1 or 2 degrees higher then that largely due to my wife having the blinds open today to give the plants some sun. I think if the blinds weren't open it would be very even through out the home so maybe I my installers did a decent job with the ducting system afterall.

How's life been treating you? I still have to make it over one of these days and check out your system.

Cheers
Calvin

Minor update.

Finished off the new Insteon wall plate install and it works pretty well. I'm hoping the CQC server / software I end up with controls it as well as the controller the set came with. The end result looks good and the ability to dim and control each light is a welcome addition over the basic on/off I've had up till now.
One issue I still have is the blue LED's in the stairs they just are not bright enough. Strangely when I 1st hooked up the Insteon controllers and hooked up to them they were flashing brightly and if I could keep them at that level I would be happy. Once I had set them up with Insteon controller though they just won't go as bright as when they were flashing during set up ?!? Anyone have any ideas or comments on what I can or might do with these lights ? I'm thinking I may just have to order some higher wattage blue LED's if I can. I believe the cans will use MR11 or MR16 up to 35W or 50W. Currently I'm using 12V MR 11's model number B19's which are very low wattage (10 or 15 I think but I have to pull them to be sure)

Here are a couple of pics.

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

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

Today I'm going to try and touch up the paint by the front subs and work on getting the 3 final acoustic panels ready to mount so I can hopefully get the acoustic engineer over before a large family get together we are having in August.

If anyone has any ideas on the lights please post or send me a PM I haven't had any luck with the "lighting experts" here in Edmonton I've talked to at a couple of stores (including axe music which I thought would have had a guy for sure :( )

Thanks
Calvin

Some pics of the new camp room
I'm still waiting for internet connection which hopefully will be coming soon so I can get on live with my fellow gamers while I'm at work which is most of the time. The 46" 1080P viewsonic does a decent job for the little it gets used while I'm at work. Bang for the buck it was a good deal.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/th_Camp001.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/Camp001.jpg)

A couple of pics of the set playing 300 on HD-DVD.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/th_Camp011.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/Camp011.jpg)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/th_Camp004.jpg (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Calvin2006/Misc%20shots/Camp004.jpg)

Cheers
Calvin

How do the new subs sound?

Calvin
Your room looks great. I have grown to love the new berkline seating. And mine has gotten a work out. Johnathan

How do the new subs sound?


W00lly,

The subs sound great but they are going to get a lot better soon. Right now they are just hooked up direct to the amps and I'm bypassing the Feed Back Destroyers. Once I get the final 3 acoustic panels in place the acoustical engineer is stopping by and will hook up the FBD's and then calibrate the system to my liking which should make a big impact. The subs in front have already made a big difference overall but I want to have the frequencies tweaked so you can feel them as well as hear them (the 2 in the riser you feel already but that is more a vibration effect then low frequency response ;) )

I'll be sure to update once that is done (hopefully in September as the rest of August is booked up with social events, weddings etc.. on my days off).

Cheers
Calvin

Calvin
Your room looks great. I have grown to love the new berkline seating. And mine has gotten a work out. Johnathan


Thanks for the post Johnathan :) Glad to hear you still enjoying your great room :)
My seats are terrific I'm still waiting for those final 2 AC adapters for my front row's lighted cup holders though (must have gotten lost in the mail - I'll have to contact Carolina again and find out if they can ship another couple :( )

Cheers
Calvin

Looks awesome Calvin! What's left on the list?

I'll be very interested to see how you make out with the CQC install. Any reason you decided CQC over ML?

Craig,

Thanks for the kind words :)
I decided to go with CQC after doing some research and seeing that it was fairly inexpensive and flexible. It also works with most if not all of my equipment, lights, etc.. and it the program can grow as I extend my HA out to encompass more things in the house over time (just worrying about the HT for now but eventually I would like to tie in security, temperature etc..).
Left to do list:

1. Put up 3 final acoustic panels.

2. Trim and refasten the baseboard below the 2 new subs I had to pull.

3. Touch up painting.

4. A couple more wall plates have to be installed in the room (still have 2 that are white I will change to black)

5. Get the 131' HDMI cable run through the conduit to the living room HT area.

6. Test and calibrate the basement and main level HT systems (acoustical engineer I hired
will be doing that with his big $$ equipment that I don't have - I will be there however to advise him what I want to the room like as everyone has different tastes ;) )

7.Still waiting for the final 2 AC adapters (lighted cup holders) for the front row chairs to daisy chain them together and that completes the chairs.

8.Working with the lights in the risers still - ordering some new LED's and may have to try lower wattage halogens - still having issues getting them to work the way I want (I may have to hire an electrician to redo that whole assembly :( )

9. Build my CQC box and get a touch panel

10. Have my CQC pro I'm working with get everything up and running (via remote if possible)
after that just some minor aethetics with cable runs and I'm finally done :D

Thanks for asking for the list . That actually helped me to sit down and think / type out the left to do stuff :)

Cheers
Calvin

I decided to go with CQC after doing some research and seeing that it was fairly inexpensive and flexible. It also works with most if not all of my equipment, lights, etc.. and it the program can grow as I extend my HA out to encompass more things in the house over time (just worrying about the HT for now but eventually I would like to tie in security, temperature etc..).The big issue I'm having with both CQC and ML is the requirement for touchpanels. Maybe I need to just get one and start playing with it. But I know my wife is a hard-button remote type, and I want to make it simple enough that she can use it. We had a pronto for awhile and she absolutely hated it. I think the ideal is the combination of a good hard-button remote (like URC MX-900), whole-house keypads (e.g., Russound, NUVO), along with a navigable interface that appears on the display (Plasma/Theater/MBR TV etc...) to access deeper functionality. The trick is to have everything work together. I haven't found the combination of components and control system that will let me do that. The closest so far is Control4 but the requirement for proprietary devices and to have a dealer install and program everything goes against the grain. Crestron / AMX I'm sure will do that but, again, its a black-box system. So the search goes on...

The big issue I'm having with both CQC and ML is the requirement for touchpanels. Maybe I need to just get one and start playing with it. But I know my wife is a hard-button remote type, and I want to make it simple enough that she can use it. We had a pronto for awhile and she absolutely hated it. I think the ideal is the combination of a good hard-button remote (like URC MX-900), whole-house keypads (e.g., Russound, NUVO), along with a navigable interface that appears on the display (Plasma/Theater/MBR TV etc...) to access deeper functionality. The trick is to have everything work together. I haven't found the combination of components and control system that will let me do that. The closest so far is Control4 but the requirement for proprietary devices and to have a dealer install and program everything goes against the grain. Crestron / AMX I'm sure will do that but, again, its a black-box system. So the search goes on...

I agree completely. I ahve 3 touch panels in the house and not one of them work as a good remote control. They do work nicesly on the wall for automation purposes.

I am still using a PDA with Remote Control II software on it. I ahve been able to program every set of device IR sets into it and have made easy macro buttons for the wife. It even allows you to program the tactile buttons on the PDA.

But I still use the cable remote for surfing needs. It is much easier.

Joe

I think if you used a combination of say a logitech harmony 880 or 890 with CQC and a touch screen you could make life much simpler.

Basically in my situation my wife HATES how you have to hold and point and keep pointing the harmony while is goes through its macro (aka activity) until its finished. She just expects it once you click on an activity that you no longer need to hold the remote and that everything will do what it is suppose to do.

What I'd LOVE in my setup is to have a touch screen on the end table next to the viewing area with nice big icons that say things like "watch a dvd" "watch cable tv" "listen to music" ect.... so then the wife can push the button for watch a dvd, it turns everything on, and gives her the HTPC screen with all the DVD thumb nails in front of her, she can then take the harmony remote to control everything else from there. She can do the volume, play the movie, pause it, ect... all from the logitech.

That setup of course would require that the CQC box has IR inputs and can be the middle man between the harmony and the rest of the equipment.

I bet a setup like that would work for you guys as well.

- Josh

I think if you used a combination of say a logitech harmony 880 or 890 with CQC and a touch screen you could make life much simpler.

Basically in my situation my wife HATES how you have to hold and point and keep pointing the harmony while is goes through its macro (aka activity) until its finished. She just expects it once you click on an activity that you no longer need to hold the remote and that everything will do what it is suppose to do.

What I'd LOVE in my setup is to have a touch screen on the end table next to the viewing area with nice big icons that say things like "watch a dvd" "watch cable tv" "listen to music" ect.... so then the wife can push the button for watch a dvd, it turns everything on, and gives her the HTPC screen with all the DVD thumb nails in front of her, she can then take the harmony remote to control everything else from there. She can do the volume, play the movie, pause it, ect... all from the logitech.

That setup of course would require that the CQC box has IR inputs and can be the middle man between the harmony and the rest of the equipment.

I bet a setup like that would work for you guys as well.

- Josh
I hear what you're saying. But I'm not a big Harmony fan - I've had a couple and I find the software very limiting. I prefer the flexibility of the URC software, but that's just me (the MSC-400 (http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=108) is an interesting product). Can you navigate CQC screens via IR remote like you can with MCE? I know with Cinemar you can't (just asked that question in their forums as a matter of fact). You would have to use a Gyration mouse or some such, which is destined for extremely low WAF. If you can navigate CQC screens with IR then that might put it back on the table. But, to be very honest, I haven't been that impressed with the UI I've seen from CQC implementations - it seems a little "unpolished". I know, its a nit-pick, but nice UI is important to me. Another option I've been looking at is Cortexa (http://www.cortexatechnology.com/). I have a call into them to ask some questions, but it looks like it could be a good solution. What I really want to know is if I can fire controller logic / events from the MCE interface. Example: wife clicks "Menu" on the remote, it brings up the MCE main menu. She then navigates to the MCE channel guide and chooses an HD program to watch. When she hits "enter" the controller changes the channel on the PVR, and changes inputs on the receiver and TV. When she clicks "guide" on the remote again, the exact opposite happens. And I would like this interface to be available to all TV's in the house. That is pretty much how Control4 works and they also have keypads / touchscreens. I really, really like their control paradigm. I just hate their implementation paradigm :(

Sorry about the thread hi-jack Calvin...

Craig,

No worries about the hi-jack I'm learning here ( I didn't get a chance to jump into the conversation today was to busy at work sadly but I was reading :) )
I'm very interested to see what will work best as well and my wife is similar to yours in that she likes simple and buttons.
I'm going to spend a thousand or two and try out the touch panel and CQC and if it doesn't work I'll have to try something else but right now I'm willing to experiment as I know the Harmony 890 and 1000 will not work for what I want and CQC seems like my best bet.
I'll be sure to share my thoughts when I get around to getting it up and running (looks like September now as August is just insane with other stuff I won't have time)
Cheers
Calvin

Can you navigate CQC screens via IR remote like you can with MCE? I

Yes, you can do that. The interface viewer has a driver so it's just like any other device. So you can drive it via anything that you can get input into CQC via, so IR remote, another CQC client touch screen, keyboard, etc...

You could use a remote in the theater for lights off work and have the interface on the projector, and use touch screens in the rest of the house. There are huge benefits to using touch screens, all of which derive from having two way control, where IR input is one way only.

Yes, you can do that. The interface viewer has a driver so it's just like any other device. So you can drive it via anything that you can get input into CQC via, so IR remote, another CQC client touch screen, keyboard, etc...

You could use a remote in the theater for lights off work and have the interface on the projector, and use touch screens in the rest of the house. There are huge benefits to using touch screens, all of which derive from having two way control, where IR input is one way only.
Thanks Dean, very interesting.

I went back to your site and took a look around again. I found this:
http://www.charmedquark.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=5003
That is the kind of look-and-feel I'm after. IMHO, you really need to update your site to show these kinds of things are possible. I am squarely in your target market but was turned off until I saw this. Now the other issue (again, take this or leave it as you see fit) is that it seems it would be very hard for me to create something like that myself.

I'm going to cross-post this in the automation forum so we can take the discussion over there. Or am I missing something?

Craig,

I agree for the average guy it is a bit of steep learning curve and one I'm not really interested in but Dean hooked me up with a CQC pro who will do the "work" for me for a reasonable rate. I just tell him what I want and he works via remote assistance to program CQC and work with my equipment. I haven't built my CQC box yet to say how well it works but it seems that from what I've read it is pretty common and works well.
I'll let you know when I get there :)

On a side note my 131' HDMI cable from Monoprice showed up in the mail and I'll be testing it later today to see if it works (fingers still crossed)

Cheers
Calvin