Well, I guess it's my turn to post my construction and "almost" finished rec room and theater pictures. I started this at the begining of August just finally got the carpet installed 3 days after Christmas. What a nice Christmas present that was.

Well, here we go.........

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0702.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0706.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0707.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0708.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0709.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0711.jpg

nice! Is your theater portion going to be closed off to the rest of the room or is it going to be all open?

And now the finished pictures.....

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0871.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0872.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0873.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0874.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0875.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0876.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0877.jpg

And a few more........

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0895.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0899.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0900.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0901.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0902.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0904.jpg

nice! Is your theater portion going to be closed off to the rest of the room or is it going to be all open?

It's all open since I want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the theater area.

guess I should have waited for the finished pictures :) What is your screen size and how far back is that first couch from the screen? I'm just curious because I am working on seating in my theater room as well.

Good place for the treadmill, exercise and watch a movie!

guess I should have waited for the finished pictures :) What is your screen size and how far back is that first couch from the screen? I'm just curious because I am working on seating in my theater room as well.

Good place for the treadmill, exercise and watch a movie!

That's ok! I tried posting them all, but it barked at me. :rolleyes:

My first couch is about 11.5 feet back and my screen size is 110". I have the Panny 900 and it works out very nicely. Hope that helps!

Yeah, that's why I put it there....it makes it much easier to get on the treadmill!! ;)

How is the sound with the room being so open?

How is the sound with the room being so open?

Personally, I think the sound is great!! I was concerned about the sound too, but I was pretty well settled on my layout so I was going to have to live with what I got. I really couldn't be happier.

Nice job.

Sometimes the open floor plans are MUCH more condusive to throwing gatherings and parties.

Enjoy your room!!

Nice job.

Sometimes the open floor plans are MUCH more condusive to throwing gatherings and parties.

Enjoy your room!!


Yeah, I agree. I have a huge family (5 brothers & 3 sisters and 15 nieces & nephews & more on the way), so an open floor plan was really the only way to go.

Thanks my wife and I will enjoy it......and our soon to be born baby boy (two weeks to go!!!!). It's rewarding to see it come together since I did a lot of the work.

I really like the open floor plan. I guess it is because I have one also. Very nice work!

Quick question - did you tile over the concrete expansion joints or is that a laminate? Nice work on the basement!!

Quick question - did you tile over the concrete expansion joints or is that a laminate? Nice work on the basement!!

I did tile over the expansion joints. There are a few factors to consider here though. If the expansion joints are cut in with a concrete saw, I beleive there is less concern. My expansion joints are trowelled in making them much larger and more of a concern when worrying about shifting......although I'm not sure it ever happens in a basement and if it does, I think there are bigger problems......foundation?????

Now, if your grout joint falls on an expantion joint, you can fill the expantion joint with thinset and put a grout-matching caulk (from tile stores) in that grout joint.

If you have a complete row of tiles falling over the expansion joint, then you need to buy a latex membrane (very sticky and messy, try not to get this on you) and fill the joint with the membrane and have it set up for 24 hours before setting your tile. I believe I saw something like this at Menards, but I got mine from a contractor tile store.

The second scenario is more likely than the first and it's also more expensive (membrane is price stuff).My personal opinion is not to sacrifice the look of your tile for cost. After all, you have to live with it when it's done and to spend a little more money to make it look right is better than saving $100 and not being happy for years to come.

wow, that's a nice comfortable setup. I'm envious of the size of your basement.
What suspended ceiling tile is that?

wow, that's a nice comfortable setup. I'm envious of the size of your basement.
What suspended ceiling tile is that?
Thanks! I think the final square footage is right around 1000.

The ceiling is Armstrong 2x2 revealed edge 'Dune' acoustical panels with a 9/16" grid. The grid is the smaller grid, it gives it a nicer look, less commercial look.

Looks great. I really do prefer the open floorplan as a multi-purpose room as opposed to a dedicated theater. I like the idea of being able to enjoy the bigscreen while playing poker/hanging at bar/etc.

Looks great. I really do prefer the open floorplan as a multi-purpose room as opposed to a dedicated theater. I like the idea of being able to enjoy the bigscreen while playing poker/hanging at bar/etc.
Yeah, the open floor plans are nice! I figure why not let as many people as possible enjoy it no matter what they are doing.

Hey, quick question for everyone......I'm going to be getting some movie posters to add to my theater area and I'm wondering where is the best place to get some simple black frames for those posters?

Check out Chinadog's Blazing Ridge Cinema thread. He is building poster boxes out of frames he got online and has links included.

Check out Chinadog's Blazing Ridge Cinema thread. He is building poster boxes out of frames he got online and has links included.
Thanks. Those lighted poster frames are really cool, but probably a bit much for what I'm looking to do.

A little update here. I called DirecTv last night and ordered my HD receiver for the basement. It will be coming January 25th. I can't wait!!! Now I need to work on getting either an HD DVD or Blu-Ray player.

Hey, quick question for everyone......I'm going to be getting some movie posters to add to my theater area and I'm wondering where is the best place to get some simple black frames for those posters?

Walmart or Meijer if your just looking for cheapie black plastic frames with clear plastic. 18x24 and 24x36 are common easy to find sizes in these frames.

I really like the "everyday" use theaters like yours, Mine is a poker /theater room as well. I jsut dont see a stand alone theater as being all that practical. Now you gotta decorate the walls

Great job - I really like your poker/Theater, too!

That's one of the great things about the poker/theater combo. When I have a poker night, we play in the lobby. The first to get knocked out don't care - they race to the theater and get first choice on what to watch!

Randy

mine set up you can watch teh movie /game nad paly poer at the smae time. Its a blast especially on a good saturday when everyone has money on the games and is watching the big screen and 20 inch tvs all around hte room. Ya feel like you are in a casino

Johnny15,

What is that dark blue color in the theater section? Brand, color, texture, etc?

Thanks,

Scott

I really like the "everyday" use theaters like yours, Mine is a poker /theater room as well. I jsut dont see a stand alone theater as being all that practical. Now you gotta decorate the walls

Great job - I really like your poker/Theater, too!

That's one of the great things about the poker/theater combo. When I have a poker night, we play in the lobby. The first to get knocked out don't care - they race to the theater and get first choice on what to watch!

Randy


Thanks guys!! I know, I need to decorate the walls so I've been looking all over for some nice THX and Dolby Digital signs. I have some movie posters, so I just need to get a few frames for those too.

Time has been tight for decorating though. My wife just had our little baby boy (our first child) on sunday, so we've been enjoying having him around.

Johnny15,

What is that dark blue color in the theater section? Brand, color, texture, etc?

Thanks,

Scott

It's a Behr paint from Home Depot. It's called Midnight Dream and the color number is 570F-7. It really makes the room dark while watching movies and it looks great with the white sconces to contrast it.

The texture is just the standard sand texture that can be sprayed by a drywall company. You could roll it on, but it's hard to get a consistent texture.

Thanks for looking!!

It's a Behr paint from Home Depot. It's called Midnight Dream and the color number is 570F-7. It really makes the room dark while watching movies and it looks great with the white sconces to contrast it.

The texture is just the standard sand texture that can be sprayed by a drywall company. You could roll it on, but it's hard to get a consistent texture.

Thanks for looking!!

Thanks, I like it a lot and am thinking about dark blue for mine. :)

Scott

Well, I finally got some posters up on the walls. I took the plunge and ordered some frames from frameusa.

Star Wars
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1131.jpg

Star Wars again
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1114.jpg

Audio Signs
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1117.jpg

Mini Posters
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1135.jpg

Close Up
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1136.jpg


Hope everyone likes!!

Here's a few pics of my bathroom in the basement. I just need to add a mirror above the vanity....

Bathroom Entrance
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1138.jpg

Throne
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1139.jpg

Shower in the corner.....notice the poker shower curtain
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1140.jpg

Very Nice!!

Last but not least, I want to build a bar this coming summer in my basement and I have an area for it, but I can't decide on what I'd like to do. I've seen bars here and I've even downloaded some plans to build my own, but I'm still unsure.

Any suggestions???


Here's the area for the future bar.....
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/DSCN0903.jpg

How about glass block? Looks cool and you can light it up!

Glass Block is cool.

I always liek the ones that are practical and multi purpose. Real good job, I cant post pics of mine but i cna send ya pics if ya like

I always liek the ones that are practical and multi purpose. Real good job, I cant post pics of mine but i cna send ya pics if ya like

Thanks!!

Send the pics on over, I'd love to see!!

Johnny, I think the finished product looks great! I like the color selection for the theater area, and I think that the open atmosphere makes it feel much larger.

Now that you're pretty close to being done (I dont think anyone is ever COMPLETELY done)... are there any things that you wish you would have done differently or any pointers you picked up along the way?

Johnny, I think the finished product looks great! I like the color selection for the theater area, and I think that the open atmosphere makes it feel much larger.

Now that you're pretty close to being done (I dont think anyone is ever COMPLETELY done)... are there any things that you wish you would have done differently or any pointers you picked up along the way?

Thanks Josh! It was a lot of hard work, but it's worth it! (as I'm sure you're seeing based on your thread)

I can't say there's too many things that I would've done differently.....maybe I would add some rope light to my riser. The other thing that would've been nice is if I could've gotten a better projector, but I've got to start somewhere and that's something that's easier to change than the room layout. :rolleyes:

The only pointers I guess I picked up along the way are to do things they way you want and don't compromise.....it's for you and no one else, so do what you want! The other thing is, don't think you can't do something until you try it!!! No way in a million years did I think I'd be doing something like this, but a little help and a lot of hard work and things can really come together!!!

Looks Awesome!!!! You should be really proud of the way it turned out, especially for someone who doesn't consider himself to be handy!! I don't think it could have turned out any better :)
I'm sure you'll be enjoying for many, many years to come!
Congrats on the new addition to the family, too!!!

Looks Awesome!!!! You should be really proud of the way it turned out, especially for someone who doesn't consider himself to be handy!! I don't think it could have turned out any better :)
I'm sure you'll be enjoying for many, many years to come!
Congrats on the new addition to the family, too!!!

Thanks D_Bohne! Yeah, I am proud and it's nice because the wife likes it too!! :D
The WAF is always important!

Here's a picture of my equipment rack. It needs a few additions......like a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player and an HTPC!! Not sure when that'll be in the budget, but it's on the list of things to get!

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.....they're always welcome!!


http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1172.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1172.jpg)

Just a small update guys!

Made a theater sign with the help of some people in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=810621). It turned out really well and I couldn't be happier. :D
I'm also looking to add some 11x17 movie posters going down the stairway. I have them already, I just need to find some time to get them hung.... :rolleyes:

Close-up
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1346.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1346.jpg)

Looking down the steps....
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1347.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1347.jpg)

I got some 11x17 posters off of eBay and just wanted to post a little update with the posters. Hope you guys like. :p

LOTR at a distance......
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1369.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1369.jpg)

LOTR close up.....
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1368.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1368.jpg)

5 Harry Potter films heading down to the theater.....
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1365.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1365.jpg)

I finally got around to building a speaker stand for my center channel.

1 - 4'x12"x1" board
1 - 3' 3" PVC
6 - 3/8" nuts
1 - 3' 3/8" threaded rod
1 - bag of sand
1- can of black paint

I think the final cost was somewhere between $35-$40. Cheaper than anything I could find online and the joy of just making something else.... :rolleyes:


Stand close up.....
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1457.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1457.jpg)

Stand at a distance......
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1456.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1456.jpg)

Looks nice. Good thing you got a stand for that C. You seem to like fantasy movies. Are you a matrix fan?

Looks nice. Good thing you got a stand for that C. You seem to like fantasy movies. Are you a matrix fan?
Thanks!! Yeah, I was getting tired of seeing it just sitting on the floor.

Yes, I am a matrix fan....those are some good movies. :cool:

Nicely done.....

You said your screen is 110" and you sit about 9-10 feet away? Does the screen feel too big for that distance or just right? Reason im asking is im getting ready to do somethign similar and am trying to determine viewing distance.

Nicely done.....

You said your screen is 110" and you sit about 9-10 feet away? Does the screen feel too big for that distance or just right? Reason im asking is im getting ready to do somethign similar and am trying to determine viewing distance.
Thanks!

No, I think the screen size for that distance is perfect. It gives me the "at the theater" feel I was looking for!

Thanks for looking!

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Looks really good. I use to hang my old projector the same way and almost used this method with the new one - I'll have to think about this again...

For your bar do a 45-45-45 shape. I love how mine looks and how people naturally flow around the bar without the 90-degree harsh corners. - oh and use glass blocks (some) they are cool :)

Looks really good. I use to hang my old projector the same way and almost used this method with the new one - I'll have to think about this again...

For your bar do a 45-45-45 shape. I love how mine looks and how people naturally flow around the bar without the 90-degree harsh corners. - oh and use glass blocks (some) they are cool :)


Thanks Neuner! :D I really wanted to hang my projector with a standard mount, but decided against it for a few reasons. I've heard the Panny 900u has a problem with the whistling iris after hanging upside down with a ceiling mount. Also, I have a lot of rotten nieces & nephews that like to do things they shouldn't.....so, boxing it out gave me a little more protection......which is a big reason why I opted for the Behr Silver screen paint. :rolleyes:

I'll have to look into doing a 45-45-45 bar. That's a good idea and I really like yours!! I'll have to see if it fits into my space. The glass block are cool too!!!!!

Well, I didn't think I'd jump into the format war this early, but I had my mind pretty much made up that I was going to be supporting HD DVD and since prices have been very good here lately, I finally went ahead and bought the HD-A2. I figured it'd be a shame not to put something nice up on my 110" screen! :D


http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1589.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1589.jpg)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1596.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1596.jpg)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1591.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1591.jpg)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1597.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1597.jpg)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1599.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1599.jpg)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/th_DSCN1598.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/DSCN1598.jpg)



By the way.....I hate my camera!!!!! :mad:

Your theater/poker room looks AWESOME!!! Great job. Keep posting pictures.

johnny15:

How do you like the tile / carpet combination for flooring? I'm up in the air as to how I want to do my theater / bar area. Suggestions?

johnny15:

How do you like the tile / carpet combination for flooring? I'm up in the air as to how I want to do my theater / bar area. Suggestions?

Hey Josh!

I love the carpet/tile combination. It works out really well. I've been watching your thread and notice you posed the question to everyone about what to do. I was going to chime in on your thread. Personally, I'd go a few feet past the back of your bar where your stools will be. You won't regret it....both from the stand point of food/drink spills and just the simple pushing in and out of the stools. I'd try not to combine too many types of flooring as it may get too busy.

When in doubt, just try and sketch something up and visualized it. I think that might be your best bet.

Oh, one other thing. I'm not sure how many people use it, but to protect the edges of my tile, I used something called Schluter bar (get at your local home depot, menards, or lowes). With the pile of my carpet, you can't even see it, but it works really well for protecting your tile and just creating a nice striaght line. They make different heights so depending on the thickness of your tile, you can get a good match. Here's a link to check it out......

Schluter Bar (http://www.schluter.com/1_1_schiene.aspx)

Nice job on the room! Im really liking the theater/rec room setup.

Where did you get the DTS/THX plaques? Ive been looking for some nice ones and am not having any luck.

Nice job on the room! Im really liking the theater/rec room setup.

Where did you get the DTS/THX plaques? Ive been looking for some nice ones and am not having any luck.

Thanks Dave!! The room layout just works for the way things are for me now in my life, but maybe as I get older and become a hermit I'll someday decide to build a dedicated theater!!! :p

There are a few threads where to find some signs these days....

I got mine here (takes you right to the exact post)...

Link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9776112&&#post9776112)

There is also a thread in the dedicated theater area.....

link 2 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10989406&&#post10989406)

Hope that helps!!

^Thanks for posting those links. I'll check those out and see what I can find.

Johnny15,

I have been following your thread with much interest, as I have just started a similair open floor plan HT/Rec room. Yours looks great - I can only hope that mine turns out his nice!

* My theater room will take 1/2 of a large open area, the screen wall and the RH side wall are exterior walls, similair to yours.

* My back wall will actually be against the enclosed staircase coming down from the first floor.

* My LH "imaginary - side wall" actually opens to a Rec room area that is defined by a support column and an overhead beam that defines the other half which has reduced ceiling height caused by overhead HVAC plenumns.

I'm curious how the acoustics worked out for you in this large open area? Are you running a single Sub or two?

Also: what are the dimensions of your theater portion and also the dimension of the combined area?

Thanks,
CuzEd2

Johnny15,

I have been following your thread with much interest, as I have just started a similair open floor plan HT/Rec room. Yours looks great - I can only hope that mine turns out his nice!

* My theater room will take 1/2 of a large open area, the screen wall and the RH side wall are exterior walls, similair to yours.

* My back wall will actually be against the enclosed staircase coming down from the first floor.

* My LH "imaginary - side wall" actually opens to a Rec room area that is defined by a support column and an overhead beam that defines the other half which has reduced ceiling height caused by overhead HVAC plenumns.

I'm curious how the acoustics worked out for you in this large open area? Are you running a single Sub or two?

Also: what are the dimensions of your theater portion and also the dimension of the combined area?

Thanks,
CuzEd2

CuzEd2,

Thanks for the compliments on my HT/Rec room!! It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it as I'm sure you will soon find out.

The acoustics have worked out surprisingly well!! When sitting in the theater area, you get lost in the sound and don't even realize the room is open.

I am actually running one sub and I don't believe it's even turned up very high....(know I just turned it down not too long ago :( )

The dimensions of the theater area are 12'8"x20'4". I'm attaching a rough sketch of the layout that I had from when I started my project (probably should've posted it in the beginning of the thread :o ). It helped me when I needed to buy drywall, baseboards, shoe, etc..... I have the rest of the dimensions on the sketch. Hope that helps!! :)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/th_layout.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/Basement/layout.jpg)

Johnny15,

Thanks that was most helpful. Iwill probably be a bit smaller in my actual theater area. However; the adjoining open area will be about 20' long and will extend about 12.5 feet out to the left of my HT area.

In the near future I will post a drawing and photo of my area and plan. I am currently getting the other 1/2 of the basement done first including the addition of a bathroom (wanted to get the most labor intensive stuff done first).

One more question: I noticed you were able to include a riser for rear seating. What was your finished headroom in the theater area? Howabout your riser height?

I am still undecided on a riser - as I am limited to 92" of finished heigth to work with, and I would like to put my PJ in a soffit above the rear seating area.

Thanks Again CuzEd2

Johnny15,

Thanks that was most helpful. Iwill probably be a bit smaller in my actual theater area. However; the adjoining open area will be about 20' long and will extend about 12.5 feet out to the left of my HT area.

In the near future I will post a drawing and photo of my area and plan. I am currently getting the other 1/2 of the basement done first including the addition of a bathroom (wanted to get the most labor intensive stuff done first).

One more question: I noticed you were able to include a riser for rear seating. What was your finished headroom in the theater area? Howabout your riser height?

I am still undecided on a riser - as I am limited to 92" of finished heigth to work with, and I would like to put my PJ in a soffit above the rear seating area.

Thanks Again CuzEd2

My basement is the standard 8' high, so I think I lost about 4" with the drop ceiling which dropped me to about 92" as well. My riser is 2x8's with 3/4" OSB on top of that (almost 9" for riser height). I'm sure you noticed, but I also have my PJ boxed out and the height between that & my riser is 74". I'm just under 6' so it isn't an issue for me, but if you're 6'2" or taller, look out! :p

Keep me posted on your progress & let me know when you start a thread and post your layout. I'd like to watch your progress!!! :)

Thanks for looking!

Johnny15,

Thanks for the details.
If I drywall my ceiling (ouch). > I can preserve some height.
Do you think a riser made of 6" stock instead of 8" might have worked out OK..?

Tks,
CuzEd2

Johnny15,

Thanks for the details.
If I drywall my ceiling (ouch). > I can preserve some height.
Do you think a riser made of 6" stock instead of 8" might have worked out OK..?

Tks,
CuzEd2

CuzEd2,

I'd have to say 6" would probably be too short. If a tall person sits in the front row in my theater and they don't slouch down then their head will be in the viewing area. My second row of seats is about 3' back from the front row, so if you had your rows closer, it might work.......you could also raise your screen some too.......those are just a few ideas that could get you around having a taller riser.

Hope that helps.

Awesome home theater! I especially like how you have the treadmill positioned.

Awesome home theater! I especially like how you have the treadmill positioned.

Thanks!! It definitely makes exercising quite a bit easier!!! :p

Johnny15,

As promised - I thought I would try my hand at posting a link to begin sharing images of my CuznEddy Cinema. If these links work I will start a build thread.

Assuming the link opens you will see my rough layout, at the top of this sketch is my open floor plan theater area. The area to the bottom is where I have started the bathroom and a possible Bar.

Layout Sketch =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LayoutSketch.jpg

The next links are the roughed in bathroom / bar area =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6144_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6182_IMG.jpg

The following is my temporary "proof of concept" temporary theater, using an old HP/Optoma DLP projector =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6148_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6146_IMG.jpg

And a standard Def OTA screen shot with the temp setup:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6191_IMG.jpg

Hopefully this test will come thru - if so look for a string in the near future titled "The CuzznEddy Cinema Project.

Thanks For Looking - and the Encouragement !
CuzEd2

Johnny15,

As promised - I thought I would try my hand at posting a link to begin sharing images of my CuznEddy Cinema. If these links work I will start a build thread.

Assuming the link opens you will see my rough layout, at the top of this sketch is my open floor plan theater area. The area to the bottom is where I have started the bathroom and a possible Bar.

Layout Sketch =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/LayoutSketch.jpg

The next links are the roughed in bathroom / bar area =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6144_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6182_IMG.jpg

The following is my temporary "proof of concept" temporary theater, using an old HP/Optoma DLP projector =

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6148_IMG.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6146_IMG.jpg

And a standard Def OTA screen shot with the temp setup:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/161-6191_IMG.jpg

Hopefully this test will come thru - if so look for a string in the near future titled "The CuzznEddy Cinema Project.

Thanks For Looking - and the Encouragement !
CuzEd2

CuzEd2,

Looks like you've got a good start there!!! I also like the layout!! It should be pretty functional and looks like a good area for having some buddies over!!

I see you hung the projector. I took mine out of the box twice, once to make sure it worked and the second time to show some family members, but I kept mine put away otherwise I knew I'd never finish......I'd be too busy watching movies and sports!!

I haven't checked yet, but have you started a thread? I'll definitely be looking for one so I can watch your progress!! :)

Johnny 15,

I actually got my thread started with photos, it is listed in this forum as:

CuznEddy Cinema Project Begins

Regards,
CuzEd2

Johnny15,
I like what you have done with your basement. I think we live in the same small town and I was hoping you could help me out a little. I will be starting my basement theater/gameroom in a few weeks and I have never really done anything like it before. any tips you could give me would be appreciated. Maybe after I am done we will have to compare setups. I wonder how many other home theater enthusiasts there are in little old Kewaskum?

Patrick

Johnny15,
I like what you have done with your basement. I think we live in the same small town and I was hoping you could help me out a little. I will be starting my basement theater/gameroom in a few weeks and I have never really done anything like it before. any tips you could give me would be appreciated. Maybe after I am done we will have to compare setups. I wonder how many other home theater enthusiasts there are in little old Kewaskum?

Patrick
Hey Patrick,

Sent you a PM.

Johnny,

Were you able to get a bar designed and or build over the summer?

You know as well as I do that in wisconsin, a bar in ones basement is almost a necessity!

-BChristo

Thanks Neuner! :D I really wanted to hang my projector with a standard mount, but decided against it for a few reasons. I've heard the Panny 900u has a problem with the whistling iris after hanging upside down with a ceiling mount. Also, I have a lot of rotten nieces & nephews that like to do things they shouldn't.....so, boxing it out gave me a little more protection......which is a big reason why I opted for the Behr Silver screen paint. :rolleyes:

!

Do you have any details on how you mounted the projector "box" to your drop ceiling? I like the way it looks. Thanks,

Johnny,

Were you able to get a bar designed and or build over the summer?

You know as well as I do that in wisconsin, a bar in ones basement is almost a necessity!

-BChristo
I've got a design in my head finally but I haven't been able to move forward on the project because of time and money constraints. Besides work, I'm taking night classes, so I don't have the time like I used to. That and my 2 year old keeps me busy! :)

The bar is either going to be a straight L bar or an L with a 45 degree angle similar to Hawkeye Josh's bar. It's going to be an all wood front with open shelving in back. I though about using cabinets, but I decided against that. I'm going to tile the top. I'd like to use a slate tile and then envirotex over the top because of irregularities in the slate finish, but I have to test that first to make sure it'll work. I'm going to leave space behind the bar so I can add some sort of bar back but that'll come later.

You're right, in Wisconsin, a bar in a basement is a necessity!! :rolleyes: It's one of the best ways to deal with the cold! :D

Do you have any details on how you mounted the projector "box" to your drop ceiling? I like the way it looks. Thanks,

I'll try to explain what I did the best I can. I wish I had some better pictures of it though....

I used some white shelving MDF and cut them into 3 pieces. I used drywall screws (3 on each side) to make a "U" shape. I know the drywall screws sound cheap, but the nice thing about them is they work well with the little white caps you can buy. The with caps I got at Lowes in the shelving department and they are specifically for hiding screw heads and push right into the Phillips top of the drywall screw. Careful with the screw so they go in straight, I had one go in at a slight angle and ruined my the horizontal shelf of the box. That was a waste...
Next thing, was I attached 2 2x4's to the top of the "U". I did this because I had to mount the whole unit myself and it was easier to hold the unit up from underneath and attach it to my floor joists than to put up 2x4's and then try to work above the ceiling tiles putting screws in horizontally.....if that makes sense.
Lastly, I made it so the width of the box is the same width as my grid. This was so I could just trim my ceiling tile and drop it back in and not have any gaps. I also moved mine back as far as I could in that section of grid. That isn't as important, but I did that so when I cut out a notch for my cords, it was right up against the grid instead of trying to pop a perfect hole in the middle of the tile.
I then trimmed my tile and used an adjacent ceiling grid to get the tile back up in the ceiling and slid it back into place.
Hope that makes sense. I drew a little mock-up to look at plus I got the best picture I could find out of my collection. Hope that helps.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/PJ%20Box/th_DSCN1114.jpg (http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/PJ%20Box/?action=view&current=DSCN1114.jpg)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/PJ%20Box/th_pjbox.png (http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/jgnagel/PJ%20Box/?action=view&current=pjbox.png)


EDIT:
I found a link for the screw caps and what they look like....
Screw Caps (http://www.pro-dec.com/decorative-screw-caps-screw-covers/tap-caps-phillips-screw-covers;jsessionid=0a0106521f43a0456b5970284a388e0d936728a012 8e.e3eSc34RbhyRe34Pa38Ta38Tbxz0)