The Majestic Home Theater Build

Every one who is crazy enough to build a home theater has a story. This is mine.

I started reading these threads and dreaming during the Summer of 2007. In 2008, I began my research and soon after became hooked once I saw home theaters the likes of: Sandman, Ronnie Jackson, ebr, mbgonzomd, BIGmouthinDC, BritInVA, dc_pilgrim, CJ's build, Chinadog, and MN_Hokie among many others. I have been working on this thing ever since.

My HT will be part of a 1000 square feet basement finishing endeavor. I live in a Twin Cities (MN) suburb.

The inspiration for this theater is the wonderful movie, "The Majestic" directed by Frank Darabont and starring Jim Carrey (okay really starring Martin Landau, James Whitmore, and Hal Holbrook). It reminds me of what I like about the movies. You leave one place, you go to another, then you come back.

I am an odd combination of lazy and obsessive compulsive, so when you look at my progress, keep that in mind. That being said, I love "the movies" and I am going to make this a labor of love.

Update January 2011: Added equipment list

From this:



To this:






In just under three years...

EQUIPMENT LIST

Panasonic LCD Projector - PT-AE4000U

Pioneer Blu-ray Player - BDP-23FD
Pioneer A/V Receiver - VSX-21TXH

Ascend Acoustics Speakers, L and R - CBM-170SE
Ascend Acoustics Speakers, Center - CMT-340SE

HSU Research Powered Sub-woofer - STF-2

Boston Acoustic Surrounds, L and R - VRS Micros
Boston Acoustic Rears, L and R - CS23

XBOX 360 - 4GB Model

Monster Power - HDP-2500

Blue Jean Cables - 35' HDMI Series 1
Blue Jean Cables - 20' Subwoofer

Belden Speaker Wire
Belden Component Video

LEGACY EQUIPMENT

Sony Video Cassette Recorder - SLV-662HF
Sony Stereo Cassette Deck - TC-WE435
Sony Compact Disc Player - CX-335

Sep 2009 Update: This is the first picture I posted. This area was going to be the HT but BIGmouthinDC helped me find a better location.

Sep 2009 Update: This view is from the mechanical / storage room. I have built a wall about where the DVD shelf is.

Sep 2009 Update: Another picture from the basement that actually no longer figures into the HT build.

Great. Appreciate that, BIGmouthinDC.

Sep 2009 Update: Removed equipment list / wish list because it has changed with research and time.

Screen: I plan on doing a perf screen of some kind. Most likely a Ronnie / Gonzo frame and false wall. I got worried when I read about Sandman redoing his, not once but twice. I don't have that kind of strength.

Big,

Thanks for the link. I have bookmarked it for later use. Your help is appreciated. I am uploading a sketch of my layout soon.

Regards,
SDean

Here is the floorplan. As you can see, the HT takes up the left portion of the main area. Still working on the right half. I am thinking concession stand, fireplace, etc.



November 2009 Update: this is not the current layout at all, but I leave it in to remind me of how far the design has come.

I knew I came to the right place.

BIG, help me think through this. Look back at the picture of the view from the mechanical / equipment room. That wall on the left is the storage room wall. I would have to demo it in order to use the storage room. Which, I am willing to do if I can get a couple of other problems figured out.

Here is the one I struggle with. On that same wall, there is a column supporting the engineered support beam. It makes the room skinny at that point, 9 feet or so. What are your thoughts on working around that? And which wall should be the screen wall?

Thanks very much,
SDean

Tom, yes I am interested. Please put me on the list. Thanks.

SDean

BIG,

I have been talking the wife off the ledge, regarding the design change. She was close to demanding I turn the basement into a "rollerblading, nerf gun fight, cat playground". But, when I explained the design you pointed out, she regained her normal color.

All kidding aside, I am going to take some measures tonight, check projector throws, etc. I see what you mean by the screen needing to hug the wall. I will also re-draft the layout and get it posted.

Back to the drawing board.

Thanks,
SDean

Here is my interpretation of what you were saying, BIG. What do you think?



The beam is 7' 2" from the ground. The column is about 9' 4'' to the side wall. Thanks for your great suggestion.

Also, I work with a laptop all day and could whip this up in Visio, but what is the fun in that?

If I leave the walls as built, the interior dimensions are approximately 11' (screen wall to beam) by 10' 4" (side wall to door wall). I love your idea. It helps tremendously with my wife and I can reuse what I have. Is that big enough of a space?

Can't thank you enough.

Also, I like the bigger version because of the AV Cab niche; I suppose that could be worked around.

In the meantime, I am re-sketching per your suggestions to show riser and seating.

Okay, BIG.

I have put in seating and the riser. Moved the door back in. Kept the open doorway at the back. I still like the pass-through idea. Added a column to match the other one under the beam.

Seating will be something less than Berklines but in that size range for the chairs up front. The couch is an generic 8' footer that I will cover to match. The bar stools will be very similar to yours.



Am I making progress?

Yep, I get it. Here is the deal, the wife wanted the HT in the storage room to begin with, but I couldn't get it to work. When you came up with the pass-through example, it just clicked.

I'll get some shots up soon. Thanks.

Here are a couple of beam wall shots:





Again, it is 7' 2" from floor to bottom of beam.

Here are pics on the outside of the beam wall; a "context shot" then underneath:









As far as a projector, I am presently clueless. For some reason I locked on to a Sanyo PLV Z700. Something in that price range. I agree that waiting seems to be a prudent path.

Hey BIG,

I do not know the soffit technique that you mentioned. I have a book and was going to do some experimenting from that. I know the example there is not a spacesaver, so any advice on that would be appreciated.

That support post has a footing that extends well below surface. One builder said I'd be nuts to move it, but then again, he never saw my crazy first design. I am going to get a second opinion from another local guy familiar with code here etc.

The red tag says "caution 2 lb gas system". The copper pipe is gas. It goes to the fireplace upstairs. The other is the supply line for gas coming into the house.

Thoughts on projector placement / soffit design?