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View Full Version : YAN: Screen, Projector, Etc


deusued
01-01-07, 11:39 AM
(YAN = Yet Another Newbie)

We just purchased a new home with a media room; we don't close until the end of the month -- I've been doing quite a bit of research regarding projectors and setup in general; but frankly, the deeper I go the more my head hurts.

Before I cough up my questions, I just wanted to say that the community in here is pretty nice - I haven't seen any flaming and in general the experienced folks really are patient and helpful. Thanks for making the Internet what it should be.

Further, I apologize in advance if this post is one of those way-too-wide postings. I decided on the DIY screen forum as the home, b/c that's where I'm leaning.

My total budget for the room is between $1100 and $1500. This includes:
Projector
Projector Mount
Screen
Receiver w/5.1
DVD Player
Cabling

The dimensions of the room:
Length: 17'10"
Width: 14'4"
Height: 10'

Near-complete light control is possible (one door), and the room has dark, textured walls. The room has is pre-wired for 7.1 (though only 5.1 has faceplates) and electricity and component is already run to the projector plate.

I'm settling towards the HD1000U, though occassionally the IN72 pops into consideration due to the $. I've found a couple of nominal (not great) combo Receiver/DVD players that will upsample/convert.

So, now the question:
I'm leaning towards making my own screen to be fixed & mounted. I'm really having a hard time determining the materials I should use and the resultant size of my product. Can anyone provide guidance, please?

(and, if you're so inclined [and I'd appreciate it], would you mind opining/guiding regarding the other components [mount, receiver, dvd] that are mindful of the budget...)

Thank you in advance,
Will

btw, I'll post pictures of the room once the project is complete and possible while underway if anyone is interested.

prof55
01-03-07, 11:58 AM
Welcome to the AVS Forums! :)

With your budget, the screen will need to be simple. I'd recommend either Wilsonart Laminate (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708240), or Behr Ultra Pure White 1050 Flat latex paint, and making a border with velvet covered baseboard molding. The laminate route would be $100 or so; just paint and border could probably be done for under $50.

Here's a few threads that will either help, or confuse you further: ;)

Painted DIY Screen Beginners Guide (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708009)

Grays - Simple one-can paints (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=741080)

As far as screen size is concerned, this Projection Calculator (http://projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm) is very helpful. For projector, receiver, and other components, try those forum sections and you'll find plenty of options!

Garry