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Saga of the "Old Vic" - Page 33

post #961 of 1108
1/9/12 at 8:57pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rs691919 View Post

Went through this entire thread this weekend..awesome stuff. Finishing up the Cinemar thread is next on the agenda.

Thanks, I don't want to do another one any time soon though. If the Cinemar build turns out anything like the renderings it's going to be fantastic!
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post #962 of 1108
1/10/12 at 8:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moggie View Post

Hi Mario,

I did route the back side but with a very small radius bit and then finish sanded. This keeps the rounding even and ensures that its not going to splinter later. I forget the radius, perhaps 1/16" or 3/32"..

You MUST pre-drill the holes. Actually I pre-drilled and then used a larger diameter bit to widen the opening so the screw head would not sit proud of the face. The screws I used were the very small head finishing type. I was very careful fitting this and did the final tightening by hand. Experiment on a piece of scrap to get the angle of the drill hole correct and I recommend making a jig to keep the angle consistent.

Perfect. I was wondering if you inset the screw heads too.
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post #963 of 1108
1/14/12 at 7:58pm
Hey Moggie - hope all is going well!

I wanted to ask a quick question - did you find a good set of tutorials / instructions for setting up iRule or did you go trial and error?

I set myself up to try the builder, but of course that's when the flu ransacked the house so I ran out of time.....
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post #964 of 1108
1/15/12 at 7:42am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ALMFamily View Post

Hey Moggie - hope all is going well!

I wanted to ask a quick question - did you find a good set of tutorials / instructions for setting up iRule or did you go trial and error?

I set myself up to try the builder, but of course that's when the flu ransacked the house so I ran out of time.....

Trial and error. I find the web interface builder very frustrating and slow but it is quite straightforward if you build the interface incrementally. I started with the basic transport screens just to get going, then tackled the other screens one by one improving as I went. I did the final debugging sitting in the theater with my laptop -- checking all remote buttons/macros. I'm still working on getting some of the feedback integrated.
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post #965 of 1108
1/15/12 at 8:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moggie View Post

Trial and error. I find the web interface builder very frustrating and slow but it is quite straightforward if you build the interface incrementally. I started with the basic transport screens just to get going, then tackled the other screens one by one improving as I went. I did the final debugging sitting in the theater with my laptop -- checking all remote buttons/macros. I'm still working on getting some of the feedback integrated.

Okie dokie - thanks Moggie!
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post #966 of 1108
1/15/12 at 8:50pm
What software did you use for the layout in the very 1st message of this thread?
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post #967 of 1108
1/16/12 at 8:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by aroby View Post

What software did you use for the layout in the very 1st message of this thread?

Hi Aroby, I used Visio (2D) for layout. Then used Sketchup for a couple of 3D renderings.
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post #968 of 1108
1/16/12 at 5:01pm
Thread Starter 
I had a three day weekend and so decided to get busy with a project that has been languishing since completing the theater. I had a large alcove and the top of the stairs that leads to the theater and I decided to build a media library to house my wife's collection (mine are all nicely ripped on my NAS!). I had no idea she had so many DVD's and BD's lying around -- I thought the shelves would be half empty, but we did a pretty good job at filling them. All I need now is to hang a Blockbuster sign from one of the many closing stores



Since everybody who has visited the theater has asked to see the build pics I decided to mount a digital photo frame in the library with a revolving set of build pics.

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post #969 of 1108
1/16/12 at 5:30pm
Nice and neatly organized and the picture frame idea is pretty cool!
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post #970 of 1108
1/16/12 at 5:44pm
Great job Moggie!

Did you build the shelves from scratch? Awesome job if you did!

Cheers,
Simon
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post #971 of 1108
1/16/12 at 8:16pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tbraden32 View Post

the picture frame idea is pretty cool!

I bought one for my wife for Christmas and got a 2 for the price of one deal ... what else could I do

Quote:
Originally Posted by raZorTT View Post

Did you build the shelves from scratch? Awesome job if you did!

I cheated. They are some flat pack walnut finish that I shortened and cut up to fit in a "u" shape. I didn't think this little area warranted the time/expense of hand made walnut -- putting that energy into the ticket booth.
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post #972 of 1108
1/16/12 at 9:01pm
Thread Starter 
I got my new camera down to the theater for the first time and thought it time to add some clean finished pics to the thread. I still need to figure out how successfully add a screen shot. My photographer friend gave me a little trick (no computers) that involves a remote shutter release, very long exposure and a paper bag... will try that soon.

One thing I'm thinking about is adding some drapes around the screen. Nothing really elaborate but curving around the screen with a small valance. I feel that something is missing something at the front corners. What do you guys think?



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post #973 of 1108
1/16/12 at 9:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moggie View Post

I got my new camera down to the theater for the first time and thought it time to add some clean finished pics to the thread. I still need to figure out how successfully add a screen shot. My photographer friend gave me a little trick (no computers) that involves a remote shutter release, very long exposure and a paper bag... will try that soon.

One thing I'm thinking about is adding some drapes around the screen. Nothing really elaborate but curving around the screen with a small valance. I feel that something is missing something at the front corners. What do you guys think?
]

Doesn't look like anything is missing - looks absolutely incredible to me. Nice work on the library. I think my wife has the DVD of Muriel's Wedding and In Her Shoes and an old VHS tape of Milli Vanilli music videos. She does not share my excitement about movies much.
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post #974 of 1108
1/17/12 at 12:26am
Absolutely stunning, Moggie! Your theater looks great and the level of detail is superb!
However, I agree with you that something may be missing in the front and drapes might be a good idea. I've always loved the old school cinemas with large drapes on the sides. What color have you thought about? Same red as the wall panels?
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post #975 of 1108
1/17/12 at 7:17am
Moggie,
Your latest photography effort really shows this great theater well!
As for some drapes for the front - I agree. Take a look at what I did in my space (maybe just 2 accent panels for each front corner).
That picture frame construction viewer is a great idea! I am going to borrow that one.
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post #976 of 1108
1/17/12 at 7:28am
I'll be the sole dissenter on this one then. I think your screenwall looks great and I like the clean look. That being said, if you do put in drapes I'm sure they will look amazing and I'll change my mind. Maybe I'm secretly hoping that you wont because it will end up being another thing I would like to copy from your build and I do not need more stuff to do.
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post #977 of 1108
1/17/12 at 8:02pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the feedback on the drapes. I think I'm going to think about it for a while and perhaps mock up something to see if it is worth the effort. I did in fact fit mounting blocks in the front soffit for a curved curtain, just in case... in any case I have parts on order for some low profile lighted movie boxes for the stairway. That's the next project.
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post #978 of 1108
1/17/12 at 10:52pm
Ahhhh! Some finished photos at last. Definately worth the wait. A truly unique and beautiful theater. Thankyou.
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post #979 of 1108
1/18/12 at 3:35am
Great photos of the "Old Vic". I hope to one day do as well with the camera. As most of you know, it's not easy.
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post #980 of 1108
1/18/12 at 5:41am
Great photos Moggie. I can only say that I'm very impressed - and motivated.
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post #981 of 1108
1/18/12 at 6:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moggie View Post

I got my new camera down to the theater for the first time and thought it time to add some clean finished pics to the thread. I still need to figure out how successfully add a screen shot. My photographer friend gave me a little trick (no computers) that involves a remote shutter release, very long exposure and a paper bag... will try that soon.

One thing I'm thinking about is adding some drapes around the screen. Nothing really elaborate but curving around the screen with a small valance. I feel that something is missing something at the front corners. What do you guys think?

I like the full black front you have now and the simplicity of the design without the visual distraction of drapes. Plus they seem to me like they would be crowding up against that front column. Just MHO.

Regarding the photography - I can't find the article now, but you may want to resign yourself to doing what the true professionals do and stitch two images together through Photoshop - From a fixed tripod, take one picture with the proper exposure / settings with the lights on (projector off) (except for behind the screen, of course) and then take a picture of your screen shot with the lights off and stitch the two together. For the rear of the room I have seen photographers take two pictures of the room - One with the projector off and one with the projector on. Depending on the position of your camera taking a photo of the rear of the theater, the projection beam itself will interfere with getting a good shot of the rest. So by stitching together the "projector on" light into the projector off photo you can get the look I think you are looking for.
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post #982 of 1108
1/18/12 at 6:23am
Awesome Moggie. Every step of the way has been fun to watch and learn. Thank you.
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post #983 of 1108
1/18/12 at 7:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moggie View Post

in any case I have parts on order for some low profile lighted movie boxes for the stairway. That's the next project.

Moggie,
I will be very interested in what direction you will be taking with this. This is also on my list. In fact I started to mock one up this summer and was experimenting with different light sources and diffuser panels. For my application: I plan to go with 12 volt LED strip lights (the tape style). I had been experimenting with diffuser materials to "even out" the light source. I was having some luck with an opaque lexan material as my diffuser. Also found that the various "stock" fluorescent fixture diffusers panels were just not effective for my combination of a thin box and LED lighting. Curious how thick or thin you are planning? Edge-lit or back-lit, etc, etc.... ?
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post #984 of 1108
1/18/12 at 7:21am
This is absolutely one of my favorite builds! Awesome work!
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post #985 of 1108
1/18/12 at 8:05am
Moogie,

Can you explain how you have your Sonos system setup? I see two of them in your rack but do not know too much about them except everyone raves about them.

BTW: amazing finish to an unbelievable start!
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post #986 of 1108
1/18/12 at 8:14am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the pics feedback. I know .. about time I posted final pics. Having a fully operational HT is a big distraction to other projects.


Quote:
Originally Posted by TMcG View Post

Regarding the photography - I can't find the article now, but you may want to resign yourself to doing what the true professionals do and stitch two images together through Photoshop

Thanks, this might be what I end up doing. I'm still very new to DSLR photography and although I understand the theory, it takes a lot of practice.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cuzed2 View Post

Moggie,
I will be very interested in what direction you will be taking with this. This is also on my list. In fact I started to mock one up this summer and was experimenting with different light sources and diffuser panels. For my application: I plan to go with 12 volt LED strip lights (the tape style). I had been experimenting with diffuser materials to "even out" the light source. I was having some luck with an opaque lexan material as my diffuser. Also found that the various "stock" fluorescent fixture diffusers panels were just not effective for my combination of a thin box and LED lighting. Curious how thick or thin you are planning? Edge-lit or back-lit, etc, etc.... ?

I'm also planning a back lighting using flat LED tape. Ironically the biggest issue so far is the size of the 12v power supply. The lowest profile unit with (2A+ rating) is 1" and either I fit this recessed into the frame, make my own power supply or I'll have to do something messy cutting a hole into the wall behind. As far as diffusers go the best I've found was also a translucent lexan with a diamond pattern on the reverse side (the side next to the LED's). This seems to spread the light more evenly. I'd like to try two diffusers panels too. My goal is to create a box that is no more than 2" thick including frame.
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post #987 of 1108
1/18/12 at 8:41am
Moogie - I forgot to mention one other photography "trick"...and that is manually playing with the lighting intensities on the Grafik Eye to balance out the output. For example, the tiny LED lights you used at the side of your columns don't really put off that much light, but in your picture they look like flame throwers because of the exposure times. It will take some trial and error, but if you work the exposure zone by zone and dim as-needed, you could end up with some very good and interesting shots.

And now that I am thinking about it, there is one other tip - never underestimate the value of accessory lighting, spotlamps, reflectors, etc. to be used out of frame. I have seen photographers use a downward facing spotlamp with shudders so the carpet could be highlighted a bit more vs. being in the shadows. So there is a certain amount of artistry to getting the perfect photograph for sure. A spot meter would also help you dial in your exposure times, f-stops, etc. for the manual modes of your DSLR. Perhaps you have a knowledgeable friend who has this equipment that you can borrow for a weekend to experiment.

And I can't believe I didn't mention this in my first post (and first on your thread incidentally) but amazing job on your theater. Going from a pile of dirt buried under the house filled with HVAC ducts to a world-class media room is a great rags-to-rich story and a testament to your unbelievable book of knowledge and craftsmanship in the execution. If my theater ends up being 1/10th of yours in the end I think I will be doing cartwheels. I am just thankful that your theater is built and documented so I can learn from your experience. Although I thought I was a fairly knowledgeable perfectionist with a Type A personality, after reading your thread I now know that I am the equivalent of a lazy and uneducated slob with a severe case of ADHD!!!

Just one more home theater itch to scratch with those lightboxes.....
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post #988 of 1108
1/18/12 at 8:41am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tbraden32 View Post

Can you explain how you have your Sonos system setup? I see two of them in your rack but do not know too much about them except everyone raves about them.

I've said it before, but my Sonos is the best audio investment I've ever made. I love it. Basically for each zone you install one of those "white boxes". They come both with or without an amplifier -- most of mine include the amp. Only one device needs a wired connection to your home network, the others form a reliable wireless mesh network. You can operate or program Sonos for any one of the many control interface including dedicated wireless handset, iPhone, iPad, computer. You point the system to your music library (mine is a iTune library on my NAS) and then play music independently to any zone. I now have 7 zones and have had different music playing on five of them without problems. There are other features like "party mode" that plays music simultaneously to every zone perfectly synchronized and connection to various online music streaming services. The two Sonos players you see in the rack are for my 'garage' and 'outdoor' zones. The players are distributed around the house but this was a convenient location for these particular zones. The best thing about this company is that they have never deprecated any equipment.
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post #989 of 1108
1/18/12 at 8:54am
+1 on the Sonos system - I have three Sonos ZP90s in my system myself. Sonos makes a reasonably good free application for the iPad, iPhone, etc. and the sync feature for parties is EXTREMELY nice.

However, for those of you with a Control4 system I will pitch one application out there that really makes full integration of the Sonos system very easy called Extra Vegetables.
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post #990 of 1108
1/18/12 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moggie View Post

I'm also planning a back lighting using flat LED tape. Ironically the biggest issue so far is the size of the 12v power supply. The lowest profile unit with (2A+ rating) is 1" and either I fit this recessed into the frame, make my own power supply or I'll have to do something messy cutting a hole into the wall behind. As far as diffusers go the best I've found was also a translucent lexan with a diamond pattern on the reverse side (the side next to the LED's). This seems to spread the light more evenly. I'd like to try two diffusers panels too. My goal is to create a box that is no more than 2" thick including frame.


Moggie,
For me the power supply will be located in my EQ closet. The poster box will be on the wall in my stairs landing, immediately above, I will thread the 12v PS feed thru the wall to come out behind my poster. Will be curious to know the source of the translucent lexan you mention above? I think if one can find an effective diffuser that, 2" is doable.
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