Hello All,

Intro:
I've just graduated from college (RPI) with a degree in Computer Systems Eng. and Computer Sci. and have purchased my first place (a condo). I really wanted to get a nice HDTV with 1080p and all that but have always kept the idea of a projector in the back of my mind. Anyways, one day I was on woot (http://www.woot.com) a few weeks ago and saw the InFocus ScreenPlay 7210 HD Projector for about $1200. I did what any self respecting nerd would do and went straight here and searched for other people who owned this projector to see if I could find out anything about it. At first it was hard to find relevant posts as the names were not exactly the same ('InFocus' was abbreviated 'IF' and so on) but I was able to find a user (acksnay...thanks a bunch!) who was able to tell me that it was a great projector for the money.

So I now have my projector and have set it up in a temp location (a bench) with my directTV plugged in for video and my crappy stereo speakers for audio (hey you got to see if the thing works right :D). It looks great in 720p and I've started watching Entourage and other programs just because they are aired in HD.

I'm planning on using this forum as a place to go for advice, a place to organize my ideas, and a place to document my undertaking for others to learn from too.

The Plan:
Have the projector (InFocus ScreenPlay 7210 HD in case you forgot) set up in my finished basement. I will either hang the projector from the ceiling or put it with the components under the stairs (I'll post pics later). I would like the following to be connected:

DirectTV HD (has HDMI and component out as well as optical audio)
Xbox 360 (component video and optical audio)
Wii (in HD mode...component video and RCA audio)
Xbox 1 (same as Wii)
N64 (possibly upconverted??? but standard RCA will be fine)
PC (DVI? some other connection to output 720p? I haven't purchased my PC yet but will be building it from scratch so I can decide on the audio and video cards when the time comes but I want to have it here so i don't forget.)

Here is the back of the projector:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2005/590/x590SP7210-b_MT.jpeg

I would like to be able to switch between devices easily by pressing a button (KVM switch style) or by using a remote (I've used this guy (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880100601) before with macro functions on my Mom's set up but don't really like it.)
Cruchfield (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-H2IhIpZg20d/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=160150&tab=detailed_info&i=590SP7210#Tab)says there is a "Serial Control: You can control the projector from an LCD control panel or computer by connecting an RS-232 cable to the projector's Serial port." Perhaps this is an option. If it can be controlled by my PC than I can make a make a program to switch between inputs...but this seems like it would only work for the video source :confused:

What I need to accomplish this:
Speakers:

recommended these if I will not be using an amp: Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speaker - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121120) which seem nice to me as I will primarily be using this set up for gaming/movies (the movies will be streamed from PC directly or through Xbox 360 using that transcode 360 program or without it if Xvid is supported by then).
They have many inputs but I don't know if there are enough for everything.

Amp: Do i need one?

Receiver: I have a lot to connect and am thinking I'll need to get one of these. Is this the case? Is this the best option for switching between everything? How much am I going to need to spend?

Screen: Right now I'm using the wall and while its fine upstairs the drywall in the basement is a little bit uneven and I've read that it will look crappy. I'm still up in the air on which route to go here (purchased screen/DIY screen/paint/etc)

Misc Things:
If the Wii is located behind the couch how will I get the sensor bar to the screen (either above it or below it). I guess I'll have to make my own wire to extend it...someone here must have found a work around for this.
acksnay recommended that I get a 72mm ND2 filter to cut down on the light. I may look into this but the brightness seems to be fine atm so its near the bottom of the list. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated though.

I need to do some more digging around this site. I'm sure the info is here. I just wanted to get my ideas all out on paper. I want to also learn more about these inputs:

M1-DA (Input 1): You can plug in your compatible DVD player, HDTV receivers, or computer via the M1-DA input. This input is compatible with DVI-HDCP, RGB analog, component analog, and USB, each connection requiring an optional cable or adapter.

VESA (Input 2): This input features an HD15 jack that is compatible with HDTV RGB, component, or computer sources.

D5 Component Input (Input 8): The D5 component input lets you connect HDTV, EDTV, standard TV sources and, with an adapter, RGB SCART.

I'll keep updating as much as I can but can only post at work as my Verizon DSL hasn't been installed yet. Darn Verizon <shakes fist>...anyways thanks for reading.

There are a lot of details to putting together a projector setup that you have to consider ...

1) Room size: How big is your room? Is it non-rectangular? This will dictate the screen size, placement of the projector, location of the seating, number and placement of speakers, placement of your gear, and other things (that I can't think of off the top of my head right now).

2) Speakers: If you want to get "like you're in a movie theater" sound, then you're going to want larger speakers than the Logitech computer speakers that you have listed. Trust me, you're not going to want computer speakers once you have everything set up. AV123 and Axiom Audio are 2 Internet-direct companies that sell great speakers at a good price (I looked at both and went with AV123).

3) Receiver: If you get home theater speakers, then you need something to power them (computer speakers usually have the amplifier built into the subwoofer). You can either buy a receiver, which does both AV switching/decoding and amplification in one device, or you can buy a preamp/processor (to switch/decode) and external amplifier. The latter route is certainly more expensive, and you'd be hard pressed to find a pre/pro and amp combo for less than $900 unless you buy used. The "sweet spot" in terms of features vs. price for receivers is probably around $500-$700.

4) Screen: Some people do use their wall and paint it appropriately, but if your wall has any kind of texturing on it, you'll probably want a screen. Otherwise, all the little bumps and valleys from the texturing will cast little shadows when you shine the projector on them.

5) Wii: From what I've read, the Wii's sensor bar actually doesn't transmit any data to the Wii: all it does is provide IR LED's that the Wiimote uses to calculate its position relative to the screen. The little wire from the Wii to the sensor bar carries only power (not data), so there are "wireless" sensor bars being sold that run on batteries so they don't have to be connected to the Wii. Nyko sells one that's available for about $20 online and in stores like Gamestop and Circuit City. Some online reviewers have also commented that the LED's from the Nyko bar is stronger than the Wii's standard bar, so they're able to use the Wiimote more accurately from a farther distance.

There's a lot more to say, but it's this is a start. Feel free to post more questions ...

Alright. Its been a while. Watched my first NFL Sunday Ticket on Direct TV and o baby was it sweet. Football has never looked so good.

I've made some progress on my theater room since my last post.

I've mapped out my basement and decided where to put the projector:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13180833@N05/1356497599/

Like my paint skillz?

So I'm planning on putting the components in the "Storage under Stairs" part of the basement for easy wiring.

Dennis, thanks for the response and advice. I've decided on getting real speakers. I haven't started looking but will soon.

I recently purchased my receiver! I got an Onkyo SR TX604 refurbished for $289.74. I know this is last years model but I like this receiver because it upconverts RCA/S-vid to Composite and not to HDMI like most of the current models. I don't have use (atm) for an HDMI in so it wouldn't help.

More to come

I need to buy a ceiling mount ASAP. I went to the InFocus site and they are really expensive! ($234!) http://store.infocus.com/escalate/store/DetailPage?pls=infocus&bc=infocus&pc=SP-CEIL-UNIV&clist=017080322b69:017080322b73:&tab=desc

Can I buy a different one or am I stuck with this official version? I hope there is some sort of standardization here.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

I may try a DIY mount like MonkeyMan's seen here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=232749

$234? :eek: I bought this one (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1644445&CatId=626). Much less expensive and works.

For $15, you couldn't even build one for this cheap:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082803&p_id=3009&seq=1&format=2&style=

Takes a bit of time to figure it out, but that's the price you pay.

Thanks for the quick responses greyskies and Lindahl. I just bought the one GreySkies recommended from tigerdirect. I have also just purchased my surge protector/backup power supply. I went with the Belkin PureAV PF30 pictured below for $97.98:

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/12-120-248-13.jpg
Link (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812120248&ATT=12-120-248&CMP=OTC-mys1mo17)
No I didn't buy it from newegg (but I would have if the shipping wasn't $20)...I bought it from techforless.com where they had 1 in stock that was an "open box". I'm not too sure about this company but they use google checkout and all their entries in BBB are resolved so that satisfies me for now.

Good news...my receiver is coming tomorrow! So I'll finally be able to get all these wires out of my hair.

Time to start looking at speakers!

Wow speakers can be expensive. I have a small room...are there speakers meant for small rooms? Mine is 16'x9'.

Also, something I have to consider is that my couch is going to be against the back wall. I 'd rather not do in-wall speakers so where do I put the rear channels. I asked the guy at my local electronics shop and he said to put them a close to head level as possible. I don't want them getting knocked off the wall though and I think speakers that are below 5' high look funny on the wall. Any ideas here? I don't know what to do about this...

So to sum it up:

Speakers don't need to be too powerful (my receiver has an output of 90 W/Ch at 8Ohms 20Hz-20kHz)
Room Dimensions: 16'x9'
Budget: under $1200

Any advice? Right now I'm reading a lot of reviews and guides but I don't yet have enough knowledge. Are there generalized tiers when it comes to speakers with price cutoffs and brands that support these tiers? Are there any brands I should stay away from?

I like this combo (although its a bit out of my price range) I found from Polk Audio which consists of the following:

Fronts: RTi8
Center: CSi3
Backs: RTi4
Sub: PSW303

Price: $1759.80

I just saw this post by BigMouthinDC and thought it would help me later when I need speaker wire
Keep looking you want the 12 gauge CL3R ( one of the in-wall classifications) that Home Depot sells by the 100 ft spool.

It's from Carol and it is labeled sound and security cable.
Product E1062S.12.10

there is a number 17691 under the bar code

I like this combo (although its a bit out of my price range) Try ED (http://www.edesignaudio.com). On the left pane, under Home Audio Products, there's a link for HT Package Builder. You will get a 15% discount when you get your entire system from them. They have good reviews of their speakers and their subs are great.

-Robert

For speakers check out http://www.ascendacoustics.com/. Many very high quality HT here in these forums went with the 340's and they seem to be one of the best speakers around here for the $$. Spend your $$ on your front LCR speakers first and a receiver. Onkyo makes a great receiver for the $$ and if you go their website they have factory refurbs with full warranty for a steal!! (Update---looks like you already did that...smart man)

So with $1200

3 Ascend 340 for front LCR - $838

This leaves you about $400 for a SW. check the SW forums but I'm sure there are lots of great subs for $400 or less. As for surrounds go to BestBuy and throw a pair of Insignia's up for your surrounds. They get good pub here and they are $80 for the pair!! This will hold you over until you can upgrade. Here is the link:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705307&type=product&id=1138085354138

You want to avoid buying speakers twice. Spend that $838 on the Ascends and you will not need to upgrade those. Ask around....they are great! Just my $.02. Good luck.

@jandawil
I noticed that the Ascend 340s are for medium to very large rooms. I consider my space to be small (for a theater room). Do you think that these would be over kill? The site recommends the HTM-200s for small setups. Have you heard anything about them?

@rlj
I'll check them out too.

I'm not going to make a final decision on speakers until I have my screen set up because I don't know how everything is going to fit together yet. I have about 5 days until my ceiling mount comes in and thats when I'm going to get the tools out.

The 340's are pretty small speakers (about bookshelf size) so they would not be too big for your room. Your room is not that small as there are several HTs around here with 10X10 size rooms. Your in a pretty ideal situation as your dimensions are very good for HT as opposed to a square room. Your other option would be a sub/sat setup. Check out the SVS satellite setup here:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

They have a very good rep around here and their subs will punch you in the chest.

I prefer full range speakers as opposed to satellite speakers especially for 2 channel music. Either way you go your going to get great sound for HT.

I recently purchased my receiver! I got an Onkyo SR TX604 refurbished for $289.74. I know this is last years model but I like this receiver because it upconverts RCA/S-vid to Composite and not to HDMI like most of the current models. I don't have use (atm) for an HDMI in so it wouldn't help.
Just pointing out some inaccuracies.. It upconverts to component, not composite, and you do have a use for HDMI since you have a DVI input. Those use the same signals - just need an HDMI->DVI adapter for $15 or so (or a cable that has one on each end). HDMI/DVI are digital and therefore more accurate signals, as well as the way of the future. However, you don't have to worry about HDCP compatibility with component inputs.

Is this going to be a dedicated space? If so, I'd recommend building a DIY screen. There's an entire forum dedicated to this at AVS. Good luck!

Just pointing out some inaccuracies.. It upconverts to component, not composite, and you do have a use for HDMI since you have a DVI input. Those use the same signals - just need an HDMI->DVI adapter for $15 or so (or a cable that has one on each end). HDMI/DVI are digital and therefore more accurate signals, as well as the way of the future. However, you don't have to worry about HDCP compatibility with component inputs.

Is this going to be a dedicated space? If so, I'd recommend building a DIY screen. There's an entire forum dedicated to this at AVS. Good luck!

Thanks for the corrections. I meant to say component but as to the HDMI->DVI I had no idea that that would work. If I understand you correctly then my BEST picture option would be: out from Direct TV box w/ HDMI -> Receiver HDMI input ->HDMI -> DVI -> DVI input on my projector. Can someone confirm that this is better quality than just using components?

I am planning on doing a DIY screen and have begun reading about my options. At this point I am going to go w/ one of those black out pieces of cloth wrapped around a wooden frame w/ a black felt boarder. I have not thrown out the idea of doing one of the more advanced techniques such as S-I-L-V-E-R or MississippiMan's creations. I just don't know the pros/cons yet.

Yes, you're correct about the best connection (well technically, the best would be a direct HDMI->DVI connection between source and PJ, but as long as the cables are snug, the huge convenience of routing multiple sources through the receiver is obviously worth it). The nice thing with digital signals (HDMI/DVI) is that you'll know whether the signal is bad or not - it'll either work, or not, or you'll get quite a few "sparklies" (pixels that didn't transmit correctly - often blocks of them together).

Good idea with the DIY screen - start simple, then get fancy as you do more research and play with various paint mixtures, materials, and techniques.

Hey folks,

A lot of progress has been made on my theater room and I promise I'll post pics eventually (I got a digi-cam for xmas). Since my last post I have built my screen and purchased 2 front speakers with a center on the way. I inherited a new couch too which I am going to place in front of the original couch which I will raise up on a wooden box creating staged seating. I am also searching for a sub...here are the details:

Speakers:
Fronts: Klipsch Synergy SLX On-Wall Speakers - $304 for pair (woot again)
Center: Klipsch RVX-42 - $210 (ebay) (waiting for delivery)
Rears: looking at a pair of RSX-5 for $200 (craigslist)
Sub: looking at:

SVS PB10-NSD ~$480 shipped
Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 ~$400 (I was looking at this so I could keep everything Klipsch but now am moving away from this idea)
HSU STF1 ~$300


Here are my thoughts on buying a sub:

So far I have the 2 fronts set up and that's all I'm getting my audio from. I noticed that they are a little harsh on the high end so I figured I would go with the synergy series sub (assuming they complement eachother well). Since then I have read that keeping the same manufacturer isn't too important and that getting a good, quality sub is more important. I've looked at the craigsub ratings and read some reviews on the SVS PB10. I am a little wary about spending $480 on a sub and this is why: I think it will be too loud. As I believe I stated before I live in a condo. The walls in my basement are separated by concrete and are pretty well insulated but I'm still worried. My neighbor is an old lady that I don't know too well (maybe she can't hear after all..:D) but I don't want to annoy her. Am I better off getting a cheaper, more mainstream sub? I'm worried about spending ~$480 on a lower end performance sub and then having to turn it way down nullifying its worth.
As far as the subs that I'm looking at go I'm leaning towards the SVS or the HSU. I've heard that the HSU is geared more towards music and I don't listen to much music. If the two prices were switched I think I would jump on the SVS right away. (BTW I have considered the eD subs but don't want to wait for them to build it.)

I'm going to repost much of this in the sub section too as I think I may get more responses directed at my sub. Just wanted to catch up as its been a while since I posted.

I know I didn't take much of your advice as far as the speakers were concerned but I really liked Klipsch (I think it goes back to when I used to build computers in high school and knew that klipsch were the top PC speakers which I could never afford). Also I really like getting good deals on things (I hate paying retail)...I now know I could have got the synergies a bit cheaper somewhere else...I may have jumped the gun on those but you live and learn right!

Nothing wrong with Klipsch although I can't speak for their Synergy series. I have their Reference R5 series speakers in my family room and love them. Sounds like you're off to a great start!

I went ahead an purchased the RSX-5's on craigslist. Now I just have to get back to my place. I'm stuck in Chicago O'Hare until tomorrow morning...damn weather cancellations.