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The Cinemar Home Theater Construction Thread - Page 90

post #2671 of 2757
2/9/13 at 6:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gbc3 View Post

It goes without saying that you've got an awesome theater. Great build thread too. I was wondering if you could comment on how well you like your HVAC for the theater, particularly cooling in our Wisconsin winters etc. The poster TV for the games is a great idea. (Unless of course you DVR the game and it ruins it)

Thanks gbc3.

I really love the zoned control. I doubt I'll need to do much cooling in the theater during the summer months because it's usually cooler on the lower level. I anticipate running the fan though on occasion to get some air flow moving and eliminate some of the humidity. I've been using the heat in there this winter. It doesn't take long to raise the temp in the room a couple degree's to take the bite out of the air. It's also very efficient. Without the zoned ability, it would be warm in some rooms and colder in others. It's nice to have the ability to just affect the rooms being used rather than the whole house.

I've heard some horror stories on this forum of people not having the ability to control climate in the room and then trying to address it afterwards...which usually ends up costing much more.

The Arzel system uses air to move it's dampers so I don't have to worry about electronic type failures. Hopefully it lasts me a long time!
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post #2672 of 2757
2/9/13 at 10:52am
Thanks, good to know.
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post #2673 of 2757
2/9/13 at 3:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcascio View Post

Yeah - you definitely don't want to build any subs permanently into your cabinets...unless maybe you are doing a DIY sub that you can keep the enclosure and swap the parts. The HSU sub I have has lots of dials on the back that you may want to play with at times to accomodate the room and sound you want.

Having the ability to run your wires through the soffit with access later is nice.

I'm glad you found some good tidbits of information in the thread. I think it helped that it was my first time woodworking too. So I provided probably a little more detail than some of the pro's here would since they may take it for granted that people know how to do certain things already.

thats encouraging to hear this was your first go and wood working. It all looks very professional. I just picked up a router table and am looking at routers now. Im excited to learn it all, itll make for plenty of great uses around the house
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post #2674 of 2757
2/10/13 at 12:33pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SKINSnCANES View Post

thats encouraging to hear this was your first go and wood working. It all looks very professional. I just picked up a router table and am looking at routers now. Im excited to learn it all, itll make for plenty of great uses around the house

I wished I had a router table for the cabinet doors I built, but never pulled the trigger on buying one.

I managed to make it through the project with my B&D router....but I think Bosch was the router I was looking at if my B&D failed.
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post #2675 of 2757
2/14/13 at 7:55pm
Mario,

You are THE man. So impressed with your work and perseverance.

Thank you for taking so much time to document your build!
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post #2676 of 2757
2/15/13 at 7:46am
Mario, You've done a fantastic job on your theater. In fact, your LCD poster display inspired me to create software to make one for myself. Hopefully, it doesn't compete with your Cinemar products, but for anyone interested there is a thread discussing my software here:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1439406/movieposter-virtual-movie-poster-display-software
It automatically downloads posters for upcoming movies from themoviedb.org and integrates with XBMC to display posters and metadata for the currently playing movie/tvshow/music. It supports streaming trailers as well. There is also a web based remote to change settings and create custom lists.
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post #2677 of 2757
2/22/13 at 7:40am
Thread Starter 
I noticed my Generac wasn't doing it's normal weekly test run. So I went outside last week to look at the Overcrank light was lit.

I did get it to start so I'm not sure why. We did have a cold spell so maybe it just didn't turn over.

That scare prompted me to order one of these Remote Monitor's from HomeDepot. At least now I'll be able to tell from inside whether or not there is an issue with the generator rather than waiting for my ears to notice it not running or worse yet during a power outage it not turning on.

Now I just need for this snow to melt a bit so I can get it installed.

IMG_2279_small.jpg

I noticed the manual shows a common wire terminals on the Generac itself. Anyone know if I could connect this right to my ElkM1 security system? That would be even better than the remote monitor.
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post #2678 of 2757
2/22/13 at 11:10am
Wow, great find, Mario! I didn't even know something like this existed. I'll have to look to see if my Generac is wired to use this. Mine is about 8 years old -- model 04390. Is yours newer?

And an even better idea if we could wire to an Elk. A couple winters ago mine failed due to the battery destroying itself (case was broken / blown out -- I'm assuming due to low acid levels). Now pulling that out and topping it up with water is part of my annual maintenance...

Bryan
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post #2679 of 2757
2/22/13 at 1:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cowger View Post

Wow, great find, Mario! I didn't even know something like this existed. I'll have to look to see if my Generac is wired to use this. Mine is about 8 years old -- model 04390. Is yours newer?

And an even better idea if we could wire to an Elk. A couple winters ago mine failed due to the battery destroying itself (case was broken / blown out -- I'm assuming due to low acid levels). Now pulling that out and topping it up with water is part of my annual maintenance...

Bryan

They make a higher end model that gives more detail and allows you to set the weekly test time from inside. But it was 3x as much. My main thing was just to know if it needs attention. I called Generac directly to make sure it was compatible with my unit. The manual does have instructions for models before 2010 so you may be in luck.

Seems everything requires maintenance these days. smile.gif I'll probably replace my battery this summer.
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post #2680 of 2757
2/24/13 at 4:56am
Mario, your work has inspired me to get back into a long lost passion of mine - AV. After moving into a new home years ago, I never did rebuild my dedicated home theater. After browsing through the details of this thread I get the overwhelming urge to begin planning for a build myself. Anybody else get this? I did have a couple of questions:

Referring to the section of plywood that extends past your soffits (the one holding the 16 LED canned lights) - there seems to be some considerable weight (lights, 2x4s, moulding, etc.) Did you do anything particular to support the outer edge considering the added weight placed onto these sections of plywood?

Also, the 16 LED canned lights appear to have some sort of housing around them, could you explain the construction, reasoning, and results of this?

Furthermore, your equipment rack - I believe you stated that it is located in another area of the house and you share devices in a whole-house fashion. How close to your theater is it, did you have any extended lengths of distance to overcome, how is it mounted?

Finally, I noticed that the black light you use behind the moulding is of a particularly low profile design. What brand/model of black light did you use?

Thanks for the inspiration!
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post #2681 of 2757
2/25/13 at 7:08am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by renegade38 View Post

Mario, your work has inspired me to get back into a long lost passion of mine - AV. After moving into a new home years ago, I never did rebuild my dedicated home theater. After browsing through the details of this thread I get the overwhelming urge to begin planning for a build myself. Anybody else get this? I did have a couple of questions:

Referring to the section of plywood that extends past your soffits (the one holding the 16 LED canned lights) - there seems to be some considerable weight (lights, 2x4s, moulding, etc.) Did you do anything particular to support the outer edge considering the added weight placed onto these sections of plywood?

Also, the 16 LED canned lights appear to have some sort of housing around them, could you explain the construction, reasoning, and results of this?

Furthermore, your equipment rack - I believe you stated that it is located in another area of the house and you share devices in a whole-house fashion. How close to your theater is it, did you have any extended lengths of distance to overcome, how is it mounted?

Finally, I noticed that the black light you use behind the moulding is of a particularly low profile design. What brand/model of black light did you use?

Thanks for the inspiration!

Hi renegade38.

Thanks for making your first post on the AVS in this thread. I'm glad I was able to provide a little motivation for you.

I initially planned to install some L-Brackets to help support the weight of the section that was hanging into the room but didn't think it was necessary after the fact. Adding the 2x4's near the inside edge really seemed to stiffen everything up. The moulding really wasn't all that heavy and the can lights weren't too bad either.

The 16 LED lights that I used come with the trim attached. So you can't swap them...which is why I ended up spray painting them black. I've been extremely happy with them. They provide very little heat into the room compared to other options.

I bought the black lights from a local Spencer's. It was the only 4' they carried. They had a good deal on them I think you bought one at regular and the second was half off.

Hopefully this helps.
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post #2682 of 2757
2/26/13 at 9:40am
All I can say is wow!! I Googled "DIY subwoofer" three days ago it took me here, and now I can't remember why because i have been reading this epic thread!! I don't have a basement, big enough house, or the cash flow to even think about starting a project like this, but even with my little greatroom 7.1 system I have, I now have new ideas!! Again great job!!

Josh
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post #2683 of 2757
3/1/13 at 8:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gweedo1 View Post

All I can say is wow!! I Googled "DIY subwoofer" three days ago it took me here, and now I can't remember why because i have been reading this epic thread!! I don't have a basement, big enough house, or the cash flow to even think about starting a project like this, but even with my little greatroom 7.1 system I have, I now have new ideas!! Again great job!!

Josh

Hi Josh,

Wow. Thanks so much. Three days of reading is a long time. smile.gif I'm glad you were able to pull some helpful information from the thread though. I appreciate the compliments.
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post #2684 of 2757
3/2/13 at 6:27pm
Is the center of the lens on your ae8000 below the top of the screen height? After testing mine out it seems it can't be above the screen height if using lens memory to zoom between 235 and 16:9. Thx
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post #2685 of 2757
3/3/13 at 9:17am
Great looking theater ! I was wondering how the mdf on the wall affects the room acoustics ?
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post #2686 of 2757
3/4/13 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 235 View Post

Is the center of the lens on your ae8000 below the top of the screen height? After testing mine out it seems it can't be above the screen height if using lens memory to zoom between 235 and 16:9. Thx


I have mine aligned with the center of the lens at the top of the screen. So I guess I didn't run into any issues. It does appear that when you increase or decrease the size that it's origin is from the top of the image. But I would think if you played around with the settings you could adjust it vertically to fit your needs.

How far off are you from the top of the screen?
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post #2687 of 2757
3/4/13 at 7:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 76kart76 View Post

Great looking theater ! I was wondering how the mdf on the wall affects the room acoustics ?


I'm not sure how I could answer that one. Since I can't compare it to anything. I still have yet to officially do any accurate type of room measurements (or at least know if I'm doing it properly).
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post #2688 of 2757
3/4/13 at 1:26pm
I layed it out here: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1432437/official-owners-thread-panasonic-pt-ae8000u-us-version-pt-at6000e-european-version/1320_60#post_23039827
I'm 8.5" from the top of the screen.
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post #2689 of 2757
3/6/13 at 10:11am
Mario I sent you a PM
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post #2690 of 2757
3/6/13 at 12:11pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks Bill. You've got mail.
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post #2691 of 2757
3/6/13 at 5:55pm
Mario, I just wanted to finally be a part of my favorite thread on AVS! Your theater is a huge inspiration to me, and your detailed account of the whole process has been really great to follow.

I have started framing my basement bar/theater space and I'll be starting my own thread soon. (I guess I have to call it a media room so I don't upset the purists, but I really like the dedicated theater forum topics better). Mine consists of a bar that separates the basement that you will be able to sit at and see the screen in theater area. I'm sure it will be a challenge acoustically, but I think it's the best use of the space. Screen size and PJ -vs- TV are some battles I still need to fight.

Thanks again for your post, and if my basement turns out half as good as yours, I'll be really pleased!
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post #2692 of 2757
3/7/13 at 6:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schlemstar View Post

Mario, I just wanted to finally be a part of my favorite thread on AVS! Your theater is a huge inspiration to me, and your detailed account of the whole process has been really great to follow.

I have started framing my basement bar/theater space and I'll be starting my own thread soon. (I guess I have to call it a media room so I don't upset the purists, but I really like the dedicated theater forum topics better). Mine consists of a bar that separates the basement that you will be able to sit at and see the screen in theater area. I'm sure it will be a challenge acoustically, but I think it's the best use of the space. Screen size and PJ -vs- TV are some battles I still need to fight.

Thanks again for your post, and if my basement turns out half as good as yours, I'll be really pleased!

Schlemstar,

Thanks so much for chiming in to the thread.

My first media room with a Stewart drop down screen adjoined an open kitchen. So you have to work with what you have. I've seen some great looking rooms on this forum that utilize the open-concept.

Good luck on the build and I'll be anxious to tag along on your journey.
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post #2693 of 2757
3/7/13 at 6:31am
Thread Starter 
So I had some remnant Protostar black material that I thought I'd put to use. It seems everyone wants to see inside the speaker columns. So I thought it might be a good idea to cover the white MDF boards used to hold the speaker screens on with magnets.

Rather than painting, I thought the Protostar added a nice touch to the inside.

dressingUpInteriorColumns.jpg
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post #2694 of 2757
3/7/13 at 9:56am
Hi Mario, I had a couple of questions, I tried going through the thread but couldn't find the answers. First, which black lights did you use?

Second, could you give me a bit more information about how you installed your LED step lights. Where did you hide your poerd supply? does this connect to regular ac power and a regular switch?

Thanks
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post #2695 of 2757
3/7/13 at 7:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesB77 View Post

Hi Mario, I had a couple of questions, I tried going through the thread but couldn't find the answers. First, which black lights did you use?

Second, could you give me a bit more information about how you installed your LED step lights. Where did you hide your poerd supply? does this connect to regular ac power and a regular switch?

Thanks

Hi JamesB77,

I bought the 4' black lights from Spencer Gifts.

Here's an image of the stair tread. You'll notice there's a nice recessed area where I had room to place the led lights. The lights actually point at the label that reads 1/2". This was intentionally so it doesn't blast the screen in front.

Stair_Tread.jpg
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post #2696 of 2757
3/7/13 at 10:00pm
Thanks mcascio,

What about all the controllers and power converters for the led's? Did you hide them in the riser? Is there access to them?
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post #2697 of 2757
3/8/13 at 7:16am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesB77 View Post

Thanks mcascio,

What about all the controllers and power converters for the led's? Did you hide them in the riser? Is there access to them?

Hi JamesB77.

I had to purchase all sorts of adapters, connectors and extenders to make it all work the way I wanted it to. I have all the step lights going back to a single plug so I could plug it into my Insteon applicanceLinc to make them turn on/off all together as well as control it via IR with a single IR sensor. So all 4 steps are powered by the same power supply.

My top step has that hidden lip that spans the entire width of the room and wraps around the back of the first row of chairs. So that was easy to hide the cables. There's a nice big overhang that I was able to mount the power supply and connectors to just to the left of the front left chair thanks to the curved rows. For the bottom step, I have a black led extension cable that runs along the edge of the carpet then runs up to the height of the step and then plugs into the leds.

Hopefully that makes sense.

The key for me was to use various connectors, adapters and the black extenders so the one cable anyone does see is hidden for the most part.
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post #2698 of 2757
3/8/13 at 10:51pm
Thanks for the help Mario. With your answeres and a little bit more research I think I have this figured out.
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post #2699 of 2757
3/13/13 at 8:38am
Mario,

How did you have your dead vent fan turn-on configured? Is it tied into the HVAC zoned controller relay output to turn on when the theater’s zone is activated, or perhaps you had a pressure sensor installed into the supply to detect the pressure change caused by an inrush of air? Other than the dead vent to the rear, are there any other returns in the room specifically for the theater’s air space? Also, it looks like that is a 6” return duct and a Fantech FG6XL fan on your dead vent, is this correct? Do you feel the 6” duct does a sufficient job of circulating air in your theater? Also, do you have dead vent fans for your supplies? Are your 2 supplies also 6”?
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post #2700 of 2757
3/13/13 at 10:49am
One idea that I employed was to have a variable speed in-line fan controlled by the pressure differential from the room to outside. The advantage of this is that it responds to different supply fan speeds and makes closing/opening the door in the air tight room much easier. More info in this post.

Cheers.
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