Ok, I am ready to start my Dedicated home theater thread. We, my fiance, Danielle, and I moved in about a year ago. Half of our basement was finished and the other half was not. We put a pool table in, and a bar on the finished part when we moved in. We started the home theater planning even before we moved in and have added a full bathroom to the basement. The total basement size is about 1800 sq feet. The room we had available for the theater was 16x17.5x8’7”. I did a lot of research on this forum as well as projector central and other websites to come up with ideas and the right Equipment that fit my budget. I first started with the screen size and how we would set up the seating. I decided to go with a 16:9 110” screen (I looked into doing CIH, but seemed too much of a hassle for me, I like simple). At 110” we decided to put in a riser in the back of the room which is 12” high with a 6” step on each side ( which will be finished on Friday). The riser is only 5’ wide so we won’t be able to put recliners in the back row. We may go with the Lovan seats that tilt back and have a small ottoman. The front row will be a Lazy Boy home theater seat of 4 (which we just ordered yesterday). The front row will be 12’ from the screen and the back row about 16.5’ from the screen. The front row at 12’ with a 110” screen is a perfect 1.5x width of the screen and I personally think that is perfect for me.

What has been bought so far:

2-Paradigm AMS350
1-Paradigm AMS LCR
4-Paradigm AMS250
1-Paradigm PW-2200
1-Roll of 500’-Monster Speaker wire, 14Gague
1-35’ Monster HDMI wire (which will be the only wire run to the projector)
1-50’ Sub cable
110” Stewart Studiotek 130 Lexus Deluxe fixed frame
PS3
LazyBoy row of 4 Home theater seats in Black leather.

What is still needed:

Projector-probably will go with either the Sony pearl or wait till Sony comes out with a new projector at CEDIA. (I have an Uncle who works for Sony, so I am able to get a very good discount on the Sony, plus it’s a great projector)
Receiver-either the Denon 4308 or the 3808.
Home theater PC-my cousin is a computer guy who can build me one down the road.
Second row of seats for the back row.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon138.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon137.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon131.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon115.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon077-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon069.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon124.jpg

michael

Where did you get those sconses? Those are exactly the style I want to install in my theater.

Looks nice.

The front row at 12’ with a 110” screen is a perfect 1.5x width of the screen and I personally think that is perfect for me.


Did you view some 110" screens from that distance? With a good projector, the 1.5 width rule is a bit obsolete. I sit 12.5'-13' from my 126" screen and I wish it were bigger.



1-Roll of 500’-Monster Speaker wire, 14Gague
1-35’ Monster HDMI wire (which will be the only wire run to the projector)


I think a bit more research was needed.


PS. My riser is 6' deep and I have plenty of room for my recliners.

my riser is only 5' deep.

I got the sconces from Imagecrafters they make a lot of home theater lights. they look cooler in person

[QUOTE=Stew4msu]Looks nice.



Did you view some 110" screens from that distance? With a good projector, the 1.5 width rule is a bit obsolete. I sit 12.5'-13' from my 126" screen and I wish it were bigger.

We tried a few projectors in the room and 110" was just right for us.


I think a bit more research was needed.

What is this suppose to mean? I have done a lot of research, why would you say that I should have researched more, I am always researching.

Your sconces are definitely the ones I want. Did you purchase the sconces directly from Imagecrafter or via a dealer? The Imagecrafter site is somewhat vague at pointing towards dealers.

I'm also sending an email to Imagecrafter for pointers on a source. Anything you can add would be greatly appreciated.

ccubeman-you are right there website stinks. I called them directly and ordered directly from the company. I have 4 sconces right now and I have 2 more that should be delivered in the next couple of weeks. PM me and I can give you the email address of the guy who helped me.

mike

they are the same sconces that widescreen review has in there reference theater

What is this suppose to mean? I have done a lot of research, why would you say that I should have researched more, I am always researching.

Not wanting to put words in anyone's mouth, but I think he was referring to the fact that you bought Monster cables. There's a pretty strong anti-Monster sentiment around here largely because of the crazy rip-off pricing and over-hyped marketing of their stuff.

Not sure what you paid for the cables, but you could have used sponsor cable companies like mono-price or blue jean and have saved a ton of money.

Anyway, it's no biggie. What you got works just fine.

oh ok, I paid less then $200 for speaker wire and the HDMI wire was expensive but I felt that it was the only wire going to the projector so I should get a good one. I think monster makes great cables, they are expensive and i probably could have saved money looking for another brand I agree. But I dont think because I use monster wires means I didnt do enough research, thats a little crazy.

How do you guys like what I have done so far?

But I dont think because I use monster wires means I didnt do enough research, thats a little crazy.


No, it just means you paid WAYYYYY too much for your cables.

A 500' spool of speaker wire from HD (which will result in the EXACT same sound as the Monster) was $129. My 50' HDMI cable from monoprice.com was $30.

-drin

Yes, as others have mentioned, I was referring to the Monster cables. Do they work? Yes. But they cost way too much. I, also, only have an HDMI cable going to my projector. I paid about $30 for it (it's 36 feet). I think I paid less than $50 for all the speaker wire in my whole theater room.

As far as the room, it looks very nice, but I think you could have gone with a bigger screen.

this is a design and construction forum, not WIRES, I am building a dedicated home theater, and all you guys have commented on is that I over paid on my speaker and hdmi wires. I do not think i over paid for the wires I bought, and to be honest I really dont care about your opinions on monster wires.. forget about the wires please.


Now on to the theater, the contractor is coming on friday to finish the riser. it will be 12" high when he is finished and have a 6" step on both sides with a step light on each step. the carpet should be installed on monday.. I think i may have a sample and i will post a pic if i can find it. the carpet will be black with sliver specks. cant wait for that to be done.

this is a design and construction forum, not WIRES, I am building a dedicated home theater, and all you guys have commented on is that I over paid on my speaker and hdmi wires. I do not think i over paid for the wires I bought, and to be honest I really dont care about your opinions on monster wires.. forget about the wires please.


Wires are part of design and construction, and it's not just Monster, it's ALL expensive wire. The testing I've read demonstrates that it's not worth the money people pay for it. If you say things about your theater you WILL get comments on it. That's what this forum is in part for.

-drin

some pics of the equipment cubby hole. I havent picked out a rack yet, but that can be done down the road.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon065.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon064.jpg

Wires are part of design and construction, and it's not just Monster, it's ALL expensive wire. The testing I've read demonstrates that it's not worth the money people pay for it. If you say things about your theater you WILL get comments on it. That's what this forum is in part for.

-drin


Lets keep the posts positive, shall we

Those are way cool sconces. I really like your front wall with the lighting above the screen. That glow on the purple looks nice.

I have to laugh that people are saying a 110" screen is too small. That's a great size screen -- it's freaking 8-feet wide for a room that's 17.5-feet deep!

Anyway, I think your set-up is looking sweet. And I sure wish I had a Sony hook-up!

Lets keep the posts positive, shall we

OK, here's some positive constructive criticism for you.

First, dictating that posts should be positive is NOT your prerogative. This is an open forum and participants are free to post as they please. Trying to dominate a conversation by saying "I don't care about what you think of my speaker wires", and passive-aggressive "let's keep things positive" comments will in no way affect what people think of your theater and the components therein, nor will it (or should it) stop them from posting honest critiques of your skills, tools or components.

Secondly, there was nothing negative in my post. I posted honestly about your cable selection, as did others. You chose cables that are too expensive, plain and simple. Whether or not you want to hear that, people will comment on it because it's a widely held belief around here. If you don't believe us you may want to read this (http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm). It pretty much blows away the myth that expensive wires are better.

Finally, if you post something about your theater design and construction in an open forum dedicated to theater design and construction you have to expect that people will respond to your posts with criticisms, suggestions and plain old comments. If you don't like it, don't post.

With all that being said, I like the sconces in your theater.


-drin

I like your sconces and progress so far. I too before coming to this site bought Monster items. Probably wouldnt again though, given the sponsors prices and raviews that the folks in here give them.

Any game plan on how to treat the room - first reflections, bass traps, etc?

Looks good. My only comment is that if the angled corners in the front are not broadband bass absorbers, I'd rethink it and make them such. No sense in losing that space and not getting the benefit from it.

Bryan

Looks good. My only comment is that if the angled corners in the front are not broadband bass absorbers, I'd rethink it and make them such. No sense in losing that space and not getting the benefit from it.

Bryan


not sure what broadband bass absorbers are, do you have a link to some info on that.

Any game plan on how to treat the room - first reflections, bass traps, etc?


I have not gotten that far yet, but if you have any ideas i would love to hear them. I placed the sub in the wall, there is a cut out for the woofer, there is a pic of it, it is to the left of the riser. we are going to build a screen for it after the carpet is put in on monday.

Here is a sample of the black rug we are putting in. they install it on monday. the contractor is here now finishing the riser and puting the stair lights in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon160.jpg

the riser is done and looks soo good. i cant believe how great a job the contractor did. here are some pics. let me know what you think



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon166.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon165.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon164.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon163.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon162.jpg

bty, the riser is 12" high with a step at 6". 10' wide and 5' depth.

Are those outlets that are almost at the height of the riser on the floor? Did you think about how the riser would affect the outlets? Here's one of my favorite quotes from Gonzo....

"Don't feel bad. I built a riser within my theater and then tore it down. When asked why I did that, my answer was that I wanted to make sure I put the electrical outlets on the wall above the riser at the right height."

That was when he commented on the amount of wall I ripped down in my little project! :-)

Are you contracting out the entire work? It sounds like you have a GC working to your specs? This could be interesting to see how much your project costs are you keeping a tab on that?

I cannot quite work out where your equipment rack is in relation to your room it looks like it's on the side of the theater, do you have a floor plan? Also do you have ventilation for your rack? I think my ventilation questions are becoming a TM for me....

Oh and I love the Rigid Shop Vac - got to love that bad boy.

Oh some more questions for you. What made you decide to go with in-wall speakers? Don't get me wrong I have some in-wall rears for my system, but that was kinda out of necessity in many ways. If I had a HT like yours I don't think I would have entertained them. Do you have noise trouble though the house because of them? You don't mention what you did for sound proofing any GG, double drywall?

Oh and by the way, yes I agree that the Monster cables look cooler, but that's where the "superiority" ends. If in doubt, I live 15 miles from "Monster Stadium" previously known as Candlestick Park home of the San Francisco 49'ers, talk about "SPONSORS." So I salute you for giving a GENEROUS donation to keep our beloved stadium....

My advice in terms of HDMI cable get 22AWG. :-)

Isn't Monster Stadium sponsored by the employment folks, Monster.com, and not the cable company?

Nope, it's not.... It's funny a lot of people think that. Which is GREAT for Monster.com. I think it's even more hilarious. They are paying all that money and another company keeps getting credit! They should have called it "RIP OFF CABLES STADIUM" then we would all be VERY clear....

http://www.monsterparksf.com/

Are those outlets that are almost at the height of the riser on the floor? Did you think about how the riser would affect the outlets? Here's one of my favorite quotes from Gonzo....

the outlets are very close to the top of the riser. the riser was only suppose to be 8" high. but after teh contractor built it, it wasnt high enough to see over the front row of seats. so he had to rebuild the riser and make it 12", and I am very happy how it came out. dont think those outlets will ever get used anyway. but they are very close to the top.

Are you contracting out the entire work? It sounds like you have a GC working to your specs? This could be interesting to see how much your project costs are you keeping a tab on that?

Yes, for the most part the contractor has done most of the work. I ran the speaker wires and other wires and did the painting and other smaller stuff. Good questions about the cost. I paid the contracor 12k for the room construction. Thats just for the room construction. and carpet will cost $1800. I will put together a cost sheet of everything when i get a chance. the contrator also put in a full bathroom for us, I will post some pics of it (that was about 20k).

I cannot quite work out where your equipment rack is in relation to your room it looks like it's on the side of the theater, do you have a floor plan? Also do you have ventilation for your rack? I think my ventilation questions are becoming a TM for me....

the equipment rack will be in the room in a cubby hole. I will take better pOh some more questions for you. What made you decide to go with in-wall speakers? Don't get me wrong I have some in-wall rears for my system, but that was kinda out of necessity in many ways. If I had a HT like yours I don't think I would have entertained them. Do you have noise trouble though the house because of them? You don't mention what you did for sound proofing any GG, double drywall?

Good question. i went with inwalls because My fiance really liked them to be honest and she did not want to see any speakers. do i think that inwalls sound as good as regular speakers, absolutly not. Inwalls sounds good, not great, but they keep her happy, and that keeps me ahhppy if you know what i mean. I would have rather not gone with inwalls, but there are always compromises you have to make, and a happy spouse is worht its weight in gold. No double dry wall, thought about it but cost witht the contractor was to much for our budget. the instalation he used is for soundproofing and we will look at acustical panels after the rug is in. not sure what GG is.

sorry if i have a lot of spelling mistakes, I cannot type very well and spell worse. I am thinking of putting 3 seats in the back row on the riser. Lovan makes a nice seat. that I can buy through AVS

Here is a sample of the black rug we are putting in. they install it on monday. the contractor is here now finishing the riser and puting the stair lights in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon160.jpgMichael,
What's the name and brand of the carpet you are using? It looks really nice.

Thanks,
Scott

That is a Mohawk Carpet, Tuxedo is the color. I can try to take a better pic for you.

hoko222,

The riser looks great, where did you or your contractor find the step lights and are they line voltage? Looking for something like that.

That step light looks like this one. Be sure to use a dimmer.

http://www.ccl-light.com/docs/outdoor/step_deck/recessed/prlb-hl/120v.html

Perfect,

Thanks for the link Big.

BIGmouthinDC -thats right, good eye. those are the ones I am using. you can use a 40watt or 25 watt, right now there are 40 watt's in there. dont have them on a dimmer yet, but probably will after the carpet is in and I can see how bright they really are. as I type this the carpet is being installed. will post pics later today.

ok, the carpet is in and it looks great. here are some pics i took last night, they arnet very good pics, it was hard to take pics cause with the carpet installed it is very dark not, which is good for movies, but not for pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/untitled.jpg

I finally decided to go with the SOny Pearl... I have an uncle who works for Sony and was able to get me one at cost plus free shipping. So with that great deal the RS1 was not worth the extra money. I was going to try to wait till CEDIA, but we borrowed a projector and even my fiance didnt want to wait for sony to announce then ship a new projector. So we ordered the Pearl today, with any luck I will have it by next week. Will post pics when its in. I really cant wait.

mike

Congrats on your new PJ and the awesome gameroom/theater setup. It looks awesome. Looks like you are gonna have lots of fun in those rooms. 8)

Looking good!

You'll be thrilled with the Pearl in a nice light controlled room!

If you posted alreadiy , I missed it... do you have a screen in mind?

scaesare-

thanks. I just installed the screen the other day and need to take some pics of it. Stewart Film Screen Studiotek 130 Lexus Deluxe 110"

some pics of the equipment cubby hole. I havent picked out a rack yet, but that can be done down the road.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/hoko222/poodlebichon065.jpg

I like your current equipment rack!!! I think you should stick with that! :p

lol, yea that is a custom built rack from walmart...

lol, yea that is a custom built rack from walmart...

There's good 'ol walmart coming through again..... :rolleyes:


Seriously though, it looks great so far!! I'll be following your progress! :D

Great news. My Sony VPL-VW50 will be here this Wednesday. Arriving FedEx. this has been a long weekend waiting.

wow, looks like the sony pearl will arrive sometime today, it is a day early. luckily i am able to be home. will post pics later today

THE SONY PEARL HAS ARRIVED. We are watching Bad Boys 2 on DVD....WOW...this is so cool

So where are the pitcures!???

We just put on the Chronicles of Narnia

THE SONY PEARL HAS ARRIVED. We are watching Bad Boys 2 on DVD....WOW...this is so cool

Oh no!! :eek:

Now that the PJ is unboxed you just doubled (if not tripled) your time to finish your theater!! :rolleyes:

work on the room or watch a movie??? hmmm, I know which one I'd pick! A dark room hides a lot! :p

we had the soon to be in-laws over and watched The new James Bond Movie Casino Royal. We had 7 people in the theater and it was so much fun. this is what its all about. I installed dimmers on the main lights and sconces

I really cannot get over how great the Sony Pearl looks. this is my first home theater projector. the PQ rivals the 50" plasma we have up stairs. We watched Moulin Rouge the other day, and the picture was so captivating. I have seen that movie a few times before, but never really saw it till yesterday when we watched it in our new theater. You really feel like you are in the movie.