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Planning a theater build and need advice!

post #1 of 25
5/30/12 at 4:28pm
Thread Starter 

So today is a very significant day in that my townhouse complex was FINALLY approved by government to accept FHA loans from a buyer. Meaning, I can sell my townhouse and buy a new place!!

Future wife is fully onboard and understanding that any place we buy must have space for a theater. We've already vetoed two different places because of a lack of a theater room space.

I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for. Specifically a finished or partially finished basement. The goal is to have a room in the ballpark of 21' x 14' ... perhaps a little longer or a little wider, but these are the ballpark ideas.

This will be my 2nd theater room... my first was a 106" 1.78 screen in a 17' x 11' room. This time around I intend to go with a 142" 1.78:1 Carada BW paired with a Horizontal Masquerade system.

Here's where I need some help. I'm pretty much set on the screen and masking system... but I'm not really sold on any projector currently available. Gun to my head: I'd probably roll with the Sony HW30 or possibly a JVC RS55. However, I really feel I can wait until the fall when the new models come out and make my decision then.

I'm reading from most people on this site to buy the PJ first, then figure out the screen size etc. later... The reality is that I'd really like to buy the screen, masking system, and audio components before I purchase the projector... then when I finally decide on a PJ-- drop it into place.

Is this an unwise decision? Is there anything I'm missing with my reasoning here?

Here's the short list of what I'm looking to do:

Screen: 134" diag. 1.78:1 Seymour AT (1.3 gain) screen w/ Horizontal Masquerade
PJ: TBD (likely a Sony or JVC in the fall)
Audio:
Integra DTR 50.3 Receiver (Had an earlier Integra model in the past and won't go with anything else)
Speakers: Chase HT SHO-10 for LCR and Surrounds

Thanks for your input!!


Edited by sonichart - 6/11/12 at 12:16pm
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post #2 of 25
5/30/12 at 4:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sonichart View Post

So today is a very significant day in that my townhouse complex was FINALLY approved by government to accept FHA loans from a buyer. Meaning, I can sell my townhouse and buy a new place!!

Future wife is fully onboard and understanding that any place we buy must have space for a theater. We've already vetoed two different places because of a lack of a theater room space.

I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for. Specifically a finished or partially finished basement. The goal is to have a room in the ballpark of 21' x 14' ... perhaps a little longer or a little wider, but these are the ballpark ideas.

This will be my 2nd theater room... my first was a 106" 1.78 screen in a 17' x 11' room. This time around I intend to go with a 142" 1.78:1 Carada BW paired with a Horizontal Masquerade system.

Here's where I need some help. I'm pretty much set on the screen and masking system... but I'm not really sold on any projector currently available. Gun to my head: I'd probably roll with the Sony HW30 or possibly a JVC RS55. However, I really feel I can wait until the fall when the new models come out and make my decision then.

I'm reading from most people on this site to buy the PJ first, then figure out the screen size etc. later... The reality is that I'd really like to buy the screen, masking system, and audio components before I purchase the projector... then when I finally decide on a PJ-- drop it into place.

Is this an unwise decision? Is there anything I'm missing with my reasoning here?

Here's the short list of what I'm looking to do:

Screen: 142" diag. 1.78:1 Carada BW (1.4 gain) screen w/ Horizontal Masquerade
PJ: TBD (likely a Sony or JVC in the fall)
Audio:
Integra DTR 50.3 Receiver (Had an earlier Integra model in the past and won't go with anything else)
Speakers: Likely something from Klipsch..
Thinking about
RC-52 Floorstanding for my Front L/R (I might run the same speakers for rear-surround as well?)
RC-52 Center to match.
R-3800 In wall for the mid L/R speakers
SW-350 Subwoofer

Thanks for your input!!

Nothing wrong with that as long as you realize how many lumens you will need to light up that screen and what price bracket it puts you in. If wanting bright 3D, it will take a lot of lumens to light up that screen. If you would like recommendations and price estimations, give us a call.
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post #3 of 25
5/30/12 at 4:56pm
You shouldn't pick a screen size, and certainly not buy it, until you know the room size and the seating locations. Wait until you're ready to hang the PJ before buying either. Test the projector on the wall to confirm your screen size, then order it and the masking. Carada can get you a screen in two weeks...

Jeff
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post #4 of 25
5/30/12 at 4:57pm
Build the room first, then when it is ready drop in the equipment. It sounds like your theater is all about hanging some equipment in a room with floor standing speakers.

Things to consider: Soundproofing, Stage, Riser, HVAC, Lighting, Wiring, Acoustical treatments, seating, Once you have all that figured out we will let you buy some equipment.
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post #5 of 25
5/30/12 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

Build the room first... Once you have all that figured out we will let you buy some equipment.

He can read the brochures, though. Just no touching!!
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post #6 of 25
5/30/12 at 5:14pm
Ha!
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post #7 of 25
5/30/12 at 6:02pm
Thread Starter 
LOL you guys are too funny! There's no way i'm buying a screen until I first have a new place and more importantly a room. However, that being said, the points you guys make are well made and taken..

BigmouthinDC: I'm not too worried about soundproofing-- but something I will be conscious of. I'm certainly not going to break the bank or get too crazy on spending to soundproof a room. I don't have kids and GF doesnt complain much-- she'll be in there watching with me most of the time. Acoustics are a big deal for me and I've been reading up on homemade bass-traps and sound panels.

I do like the idea of a stage--for the price it certainly adds a feeling of legitimacy for a dedicated theater room. Haven't thought much about a riser as my 1st theater was only big enough to have a single couch in front of the screen (and bean bags in front).. I honestly feel like 90% of the time the seats on the riser would go unused.

So should I be looking for a place that already has a finished room-- or should I explore places with an unfinished room for theater creation? Which would be easier/less-expensive. Please keep in mind I don't really need a room that is super-elaborate with lighting zones and other dazzling features. I just want a comfortable room to enjoy movies blown up on a huge screen. I'd imagine I'll be doing mostly 2D with a bit of 3D (Tron Legacy being the only 3D title I care to view at this point), but I'm hoping that by the time I'm ready for a PJ purchase JVC releases something magical.
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post #8 of 25
5/30/12 at 6:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sonichart View Post

Acoustics are a big deal for me and I've been reading up on homemade bass-traps and sound panels.

The first step in good acoustics is a quiet room = sound proofing.
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post #9 of 25
5/30/12 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sonichart View Post

GF doesnt complain much-- she'll be in there watching with me most of the time.

Quote:


(Tron Legacy being the only 3D title I care to view at this point)

Those two things don't feel like they'll go together...

Quote:


So should I be looking for a place that already has a finished room-- or should I explore places with an unfinished room for theater creation? Which would be easier/less-expensive.

Obviously finding a finished theater would be ideal, but quite frankly, most anything you see in a listing called a "theater" or "media room" is just a room without a closet or windows. And probably a cheap film-reel art piece on the wall

Unless you find one that was truly built by someone who cared...

And don't underestimate the value of sound isolation, especially if you plan to stay in the house for a while and possibly through "life changes". The last thing you'll want to do is rip down sheetrock to improve the situation after you've built it. Doesn't have to cost a fortune to get decent results.

Quote:


Please keep in mind I don't really need a room that is super-elaborate with lighting zones and other dazzling features. I just want a comfortable room to enjoy movies blown up on a huge screen.

Dimmers for proper light levels. Enough HVAC to keep the room cool. Acoustic treatments. Pretty much what you want for a "comfortable room to enjoy movies"...

Welcome to the madness!

Jeff
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post #10 of 25
6/6/12 at 3:37pm
Thread Starter 
Update:

Found a house!! More importantly... found a basement!!! Full basement, unfinished-- plumbing is already in place for a bathroom in the basement.

Best part: The basement has 10ft ceilings!! Might need to work around a sump pump or a water line.... but regardless, it's progress! I should be getting blueprints on the place later this week. I'll try to get scans of the basement floorplan for suggestions of room placement and construction. I've gotten approval from the GF to completely convert the basement into a man cave. So the plan will be to have a home theater, poker/recroom, bathroom... not sure if I can do more.
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post #11 of 25
6/6/12 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sonichart View Post

Best part: The basement has 10ft ceilings!!

Score!!!
Quote:
So the plan will be to have a home theater, poker/recroom, bathroom... not sure if I can do more.

You need a bar, otherwise that bathroom won't much use... wink.gif

Sounds like you're on a path for some fun times ahead. Congrats on finding the house!


Jeff
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post #12 of 25
6/7/12 at 5:44am
Ten foot ceilings are a real luxury
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post #13 of 25
6/7/12 at 11:02am
Agree with the others on Sound control. It is just as much about lowering the sound floor in your room as it is about keeping your audio from annoying your family and neighbors.

Good thing with an unfinished basement is you can frame a room within a room fairly easily and that will take you a long way towards controlling sound. You might also consider the AVS Layout services provided by Dennis Erskine - great for identifying speaker locations and acoustic treatment needs. I am using him for the theater that I am planning and do not regret it at all. Had a nice conversation with Ted as well and he pointed out some changes in my design I needed to make in order to control sound. Big is another forum member that has lots of experience and an awesome theater of his own. They are great resources so I would seriously consider any advice they offer.

Sounds like you have a great space to work with. Can't wait to see how it turns out. Make sure you post plenty of pictures as you go forward. We are all picture-addicted. smile.gif

Shan
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post #14 of 25
6/10/12 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 
Alright, here's a less-than-rough floorplan of the basement. A friend of mine is going to scan the actual blueprint later this week and I will upload that as well. As you can see, there really is only one logical place to have the theater is on the west side of the basment. East side contains furnace, water heater, and storage area... I think it makes the most sense to build a wall maybe 2 - 2.5 feet in front of the sump pump. I would then have room for speakers behind an AT screen and full access to the sump. Also would have to box up the water main on the other side of the room while maintaining full access.

Thoughts?

413
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post #15 of 25
6/11/12 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 
More updates! Been spending time using Sweet 3D to create a floor plan.

Worth noting:
* Screen is currently configured to be 36" off the ground.
* Riser for 2nd row of seats is 8" off the ground per the theater-calc website for risers...
* Equipment rack on the right is based off a Middle Atlantic Slim 5 rack

The screen wall was originally 2ft deep, but felt that it was eating up too much of the length of my room. There IS a sump pump in the far left corner behind the screen. I found a thread on this forum that talks about hinging the top of the screen so as to be able to lift it in order to access the sump. I will also create a door on the screen wall to access the sump without moving the screen. LCR speakers (leaning toward SHO-10's from chase HT) will be behind acoustically transparent screen.

Where should I put the subwoofer(s)? I am not that skilled with the floor plan software, but the surround speakers will be embedded in a column-like structure. almost very tall pedestals where the speaker looks to be part of the pedestal.

Any major glaring issues that you can see?

493

515

430
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post #16 of 25
6/11/12 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 
As for specifics of room construction. I plan on doing 2 layers of drywall for the walls and ceiling with GG between them. I'm choosing not use the RSIC clips as my concern is losing sq. footable from the clips and channels. I'm instead going to use a staggered wall beam design for the walls and ceiling. I don't need the room to be completely soundproof and I will be treating the walls with some form of audio absorption/diffusers as well as bass traps in the corners..
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post #17 of 25
6/11/12 at 11:37am
You might re-think not decoupling the ceiling.

It's the single largest surface to receive and transmit sound waves.

The drywall will be locked to the joists for great conduction

The coupled surface will also directly cause reduced bass isolation.

Consider:
600
Edited by Ted White - 6/11/12 at 11:42am
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post #18 of 25
6/11/12 at 11:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted White View Post

You might re-think not decoupling the ceiling.
It's the single largest surface to receive and transmit sound waves.
The drywall will be locked to the joists for great conduction
The coupled surface will also directly cause reduced bass isolation.

If there is one area I have room to work with-- it's the ceiling. Perhaps I will RSIC clip the ceiling and only do one layer of drywall? Also not included in the picture is a soffit that will run along the perimeter of the ceiling.
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post #19 of 25
6/11/12 at 11:49am
If you want isolation, here's what countless other members here have done.

Decouple the ceiling. Clips do this

Absorption in the cavity. Insulation does this.

Mass on the ceiling. Double 5/8" drywall does this.

Damp that mass. Damping compound does this.

More in this article: http://www.soundproofingcompany.com/soundproofing-articles/4-elements-of-soundproofing-for-construction/
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post #20 of 25
6/11/12 at 12:06pm
Thread Starter 
Also, here's a scan of the actual blueprint for the basement.

653
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post #21 of 25
6/11/12 at 12:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted White View Post

If you want isolation, here's what countless other members here have done.
Decouple the ceiling. Clips do this
Absorption in the cavity. Insulation does this.
Mass on the ceiling. Double 5/8" drywall does this.
Damp that mass. Damping compound does this.
More in this article: http://www.soundproofingcompany.com/soundproofing-articles/4-elements-of-soundproofing-for-construction/

Thanks for the article and wealth of information. What is the recommendation for an I-beam running horizontally across the room?
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post #22 of 25
6/11/12 at 12:34pm
For the beam, you can build a soffit around it. If you'd like, send me a PM with your email address and I'll forward you a copy of our SIM on that topic. Plenty of illustrations.
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post #23 of 25
6/14/12 at 5:45pm
Thread Starter 
Some design changes to my floorplan I thought I would share. Decided to move the screenwall out a little longer to 2 ft so as to be able to fit the subwoofer back there.

The more I've been reading, I think I will ditch the carada masking system and opt for scoped screen and A-lens.. Screen I'm looking at is a 2.37 140" wide (might drop it to 130" wide)... but I was wonder what people thought about a 12ft seating distance for the front row... and 16ft for the back. I couldn't create a riser in the drawing, but the back row would be on an 8" riser. I've been toying with the idea of scrapping the two-row theater design and just stick with one row of two oversized chairs (seats 4 people).. and then bringing out beanbags if we happen to have more people over. Do you think 12' viewing distance is too short with a 140" wide screen?

Also added sound proofing components I'd be going with, bass traps in 3 corners, diffuser on the back wall, and studio foam or panels on the walls.

526

448
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post #24 of 25
6/14/12 at 7:31pm
With that wide a screen in that short a room, I might go with only one row.

You won't do yourself any favors by sitting that close to the rear wall. The bass will bloat, the rear speakers will be too close (directional and loud), and you'll be too close to that diffusor for it to actually diffuse.

As comparison, I'm shooting for a 2.40 screen at 130 inches wide - 54 tall - and I'll be sitting in the first row just inside 10 feet, with the second row around 14.5 to 15 - these are distances to eyeballs from the screen (my room is narrower but longer).

If you end up with one row at 11 feet (maybe 11.5), that will be pretty close to an optimum position or sound in your room, most likely. That's very near 38% of the way from the rear wall - and 7 feet should give that diffusor enough room to achieve a uniform response (depending on design fequency). Of course, it's too early to start planning treatments for me - I'd wait and get some measurements once you've got a defined space to work in. Experienced pros can get this right on paper, but I expect they didn't when they built their first theater.

One row will also simplify your design in that you haven't shown how you will handle the step up to the riser (in the theater, or outside - if in, how big is the riser?) Just more to think about...

Fred
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post #25 of 25
6/14/12 at 8:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HopefulFred View Post

Experienced pros can get this right on paper, but I expect they didn't when they built their first theater.

Blasphemy! biggrin.gif. Can't remember that far back! Lol.
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