[BNeely]

My husband is currently deployed and will return home right before Thanksgiving. I thought I would surprise him with a basic HT. Keep in mind I know nothing about electronics.


So I went to the first local HT place. They were not even willing to help. They told me I could get a decent system for around $16,000. Way out of my price range!


The second HT store configured the following for me.

Paradigm Monitor 7 speakers (left, right, center channel, subwoofer and surround sound)

Yahama Receiver RX-V2400

Yahama DVD player DVD-5540

Infocus 4805 (they don't sell infocus, but I read the projectors forum before I went)

92" Draper screen.

The salesperson was suppose to email me quote 2 days ago, but I have not gotten it. My fear is that I will not be able to afford such an elaborate set-up. I just want a basic set-up.


I am thinking that the whole HT store is out of my league. So I must resort to an electronics store. But where do I start and who does the installation?


Of course I am overwhelmed, because I am one of those people whose VCR still blinks the time. I don't want to be taken advantage of by getting more than what I need.


Any suggestions?


Thanks,

Benita

 

[sm1]

Please tell us about your room and budget. Considering the price range of your projector, my rule of thumb would be to spend about as much on the sound system, and maybe do a DIY screen (check the screens area of the forum). Maybe leave the installation to your husband, many around here enjoy the installation just as much as using their HTs, just a thought.

By the way, very cool present.

 

[SVonhof]

Wow, what a cool thing to do. I hope more people read this post and can lend a hand getting things set up for you/with you. I agree with sm1, please let us know more details about things such as the room. Take pics, make a little drawing, describe it in detail, whatever. You don't need to spend lots of money to get a good picture and sound these days if you are willing to do the install on your own and watch for the deals.


More info please!

 

[rboster]

Benita:


I agree with the others. Plus, we really need to understand the type of room, you are using...family room, main living room...will this room's sole purpose be for HT or will someone want to read, while the other is watching movies. All this makes a difference video wise which direction to send you in.


On the audio side, I'll make some assumptions and give you a couple of internet companies that are respected as good bang for the buck mid-end (relative term) systems.

www.outlawaudio.com makes great receivers and separates. Trust that what you order will perform well and be backed up with good after the sale service.

www.axiomaudio.com makes very good speakers for the money. They offer system packages too, so they do the work for you in putting together all the speakers you will be for your HT set up + offer a discount. Again good after the sale service.


DVD players that are currently well thought of are Denon 2910 and for less money and but solid entry level unit for a first timer would be the Denon 1910. You can buy these are your local retailer.


Once you tell us more about the room, we can send you in the direction of projector vs rear projector (big screen).


Are you handy? If not, I'm going to suggest hiring a local company to do the install or do you have a handy friend? Maybe the friend could do the wiring of the speakers (and projector-if that's the route you go) and an installer hook everything up to proper working order?


Ron


PS: The time limit does create some restrictions as to the direction you go. The thing to remember is as a group (HT Hobbyist) spend weeks and sometimes months researching one component for our system (read: anal), so to put together a system in about 30 days and have it in proper working order is not something that is normally done here...in the real world,yes, it's done everyday...but you sometimes spend a little more to do it or you compromise on the quality of the products you buy. That isn't a fast or hard rule, just it is a common occurence (IMHO).

 

[BNeely]

Thanks for the responses!


The room is 14x21. There are no obstructions; it is basically a rectangle. Two small windows on the wall opposite where the screen will go. Our house is multilevel, so you go down into this room before you go to the basement. I don't draw or have a digital camera or scanner to show you what the room really looks like (can you tell I am just pitiful at this point?).


It will be used soley for a HT. During construction I had the speaker wires put in for a 5.1 setup. Two speakers on the side of the screen. One underneath the screen and two in the ceiling. I also had coaxial inputs put in the ceiling 15 feet away from where the screen will be for the projector. Since my husband has not seen the house yet, he doesn't even know about the wiring.


My husband nor I are handy. I could hire a local company. But what do I look up in the phonebook?


I would like to only spend $7000, but I can go up to $8000 because that it what I have saved up. My husband had been talking about a motorcycle for about six years and I started saving up then. Of course he doesn't know I've been saving this money. I was going to put a down payment on a motorcycle, but a HT would be much better (and safer). Maybe I should go back to getting the motorcycle?!?!


Thanks!

 

[sm1]

You should be just fine with that budget.

Projector: chosen (do consider forum sponsors)

Screen: how far will you sit from the screen; visit projectorcentral.com to see what size screen will work for the PJ and the seating position; see commercial screens; see how much for a local framing shop to construct one out of blackout cloth (should be less than $250-->$100 DIY).

Projector mount: see forums; see ebay; see your chosen dealer.

Projector cables: power; component; DVI (sorry coax at that spot is useless for a projector).

Sound system: I'm not a good source for advice on this; you can choose anything from an Onkyo HTIB to a very decent receiver + full size speakers.

Installation: phone book "audio," "video," maybe a TV repairman in a very small town; I still think that you can do a lot of this by yourself--people on the board will answer most any questions that you might have.

Cable Box or Sat?

 

[SVonhof]

Make sure you have total light control for a projector. Nothing worse than only being able to use the projector after the sun goes down because of reflections.


Post a thread titled "Need help getting theater set up before husband gets home". That should generate some views. Then add that you want to do it as a welcome home from the service and such and I would think some of the people that have been on here for a while would be able to come help get things set up.


As for equipment, man. That is a tough one. There are so many ways to go with this. I would say that you should start with the basics. Speakers, DVD, projector and receiver. You can add an HD receiver when you get more money saved up and when you decide which HD option you want to go with (there are several and they are basically all good options). HD shows off the projector the most, if it can handle an HD signal. The speakers will obviously give the sonic impression, which is important, but the image is the most important.


Consider some of the speakers based off of word of mouth, since you cannot try them all and get things set up in time. Or, go to some of the local stores and pick which one you like the best based on several auditions and leave it at that. You don't have a lot of time. You may want to save the subwoofer for later, since it is fairly easy to add.


For the display, as has been mentioned a cheap screen can be had, but you will either be making it on your own, or having somebody local make it for you. A good brand screen (Stewart or Da-Lite) in 100" diagonal, 16x9 (widescreen) format can run from $700 to 1200 for a basic model, upwards of $2500 for motorized. If this is a dedicated room, which it is, decide if a fixed screen will work for you, or if a simple pull down model will work, since they are cheaper too.


I would write more, but I have to get some sleep. Tee time tomorrow morning. BTW, I also like the bike idea, but I am biased, I have my third motorcycle sitting in the garage.

 

[rboster]

Couple fo quick suggestions. I would post in the projector forum 3,500 or less area. The projector you pick out will determine the screen material you choose and to some degree the size of the screen (along with other factors).


Another screen company is (also a sponsor) is Carada. They are very reasonable price and performance product. Plus, if you contact one of the AVS sales people, they can fill you in on the AVS group purchase special that is going on right now. Also, you might want to check out the used market for screens (AVS has a classified setion).


Good Luck


Ron

 

[Mort]

Devils advocate here.....if your husband has wanted a motorcycle for many years, and expressed none or limited interest in having a home theater, you might want to reconsider. That said, depending on the bike, you'll likely have monthly payments, maintenance, riding gear (helmut, gloves, etc) costs and insurance (which will be expensive if you finance as you will have to carry collision coverage). Since you live in a state that has weather, the bike could only really be used some part of the year whereas the home theater could be used and enjoyed year round.


Since this is to surprise and make your husband happy....it's a tough call. Maybe just wrapping up and presenting a big bundle of cash, along with brochures on HT and MC gear, and letting him decide would be the best of both worlds. I'm SURE he'll be surprised and happy that way too.


Mort (who hopes his wife has a surprise like that for him someday)

 

[BNeely]

You're right Mort. I went to the Harley Shop yesterday. I thought it would be much easier to buy a motorcycle than a HT room. But there are lots of options there too. I only new the type he wanted, and not all the other stuff.


So I am back to the HT room. Today I am going to a local HT dealer to see what they have to say.


If that doesn't work, he will have to settle for me and a romantic dinner!

 

[SVonhof]

BTW, sometimes it really is the thought that counts too. If you can show him that you tried to do something really special for him, such as doing what Mort says, that would go a long way to show how much thought went into trying to come up with this wonderfull gift. Both with Harleys and home theaers there are a ton of options, more with a home theater though.

 

[AnthonyP]

real HT installers are not cheap and you want an HT on the cheap. You also seem to imply you want a company that can do it all. That being said I would try posting in the custom installers lounge at remote central http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin...ustom/list.cgi they arew a good bunch of guys and maybe someone in your area can help you get what you want

 

[KrebsRJ]

I am not sure what kind of guy your guy is, but if I were he, then I would think that you were greatest if I came home and my wife had saved all this money and bought me the equipment without me knowing about it. (I am sure he already thinks that though) That being said, maybe you could just buy all the equipment and have it all at the house and then the two of you can have fun setting up the room and installing everything yourself. I understand that you alone could not do it, but maybe the two of you can.


In any case, good luck!



Ron

 

[Morris Jones]

I just have a feeling that if there were a thread with a more descriptive title, you could get five or six AVS Forum readers in central Ohio to have a weekend theater install at your house.


I would, but I'm out in Southern California.


Mojo

 

[SVonhof]

Quote:

Originally posted by Morris Jones I just have a feeling that if there were a thread with a more descriptive title, you could get five or six AVS Forum readers in central Ohio to have a weekend theater install at your house. I would, but I'm out in Southern California. Mojo

My sentiments exactly. I am also in Ca, but not South.

 

[BNeely]

Good News!


I found a package deal within my price range and it will be installed in 2 weeks. I went to the third HT place on Saturday. I stepped into the room and fell in love with it. I told the guy my situation, and he gave me a break on some of the equipment. This is what I am getting

Infocus 5000

Bouston Acoustic Speakers and subwoofer (5.1 setup)

92 inch screen

DVD player (Denon 1910)

Receiver (Denon AVR 1905)

5-disc CD changer (DCM-280)

Harmony Remote

Plus cables and installation (they will even hook my computer up to it)


I am also going to get my husband's game system hooked up. Since I'm not at my $8,000 limit, I am going to buy a video game and some guns so he can play a shooting game. That will thrill him to pieces. He always wants to play those types of games when we go to GameWorks. Since I never play with him (PS2 games I mean), I am going to practice and whoop up on him when he gets home.


Thanks to everyone who responded; it was greatly appreciated!

 

[SVonhof]

Here is hoping that it all goes smooth and will be done before he is home!

 

[Morris Jones]

Excellent. That's probably the Infocus 5700. I'm using that projector with a 92-inch screen and really enjoying it.


Mojo

 

[Brown Radagast]

Quote:

Originally posted by BNeely Since I never play with him (PS2 games I mean), I am going to practice and whoop up on him when he gets home.

LOL! Welcome to the Forum!


Your hubby is a lucky guy!


TIP (Pistol Marksmanship 101): Don't jerk the pistol, pull the trigger very softly; also, focus on where that front sight is aimed in relationship to the screen.


What branch is your hubby? Squid? Flyboy? Jarhead? I was R/A (Regular Army-Infantry), so am obliged to give some friendly name-calling for the different services...


Best Wishes & Enjoy!

 

[SVonhof]

Brown, I see you are from Fremont! Familiar place to me. I spent my first 28 years there until moving to Manteca.

Have you been there long?