[RobZ]

Okay, so I sold my house with a 12x22 dedicated theater room. It was a nice small theater that did not see as much use from my kids as I would have liked. It was more of a showroom than a true "hang out and watch some flicks" space. Now I've moved into a Spanish Mediterranean home (newly constructed) that does not have a dedicated space for my hobby. Initially, I convinced myself that having a nice plasma and some audio gear would be fine. That did not last.

Here's the space approximately six to eight weeks ago before move in. Looks pretty painful when you consider things like light control, contrast, acoustics, etc.

The room is approximately 15' wide by 20' long with very high ceilings that will not be recolored for asthetic reasons and for continuity with the rest of the house. The contractor placed some in walls and inceiling speakers for what he called a surround sound system. I'm wiring them up to the rest of the whole house audio system/ intercom that is already installed. The room opens up to a breakfast area and the kitchen. There is another living room area with sofa seating and my 60" XBR2.

 

[RobZ]

I ended up equipping the room with both a 63" plasma and FP. Here's my equipment list:

Display (casual viewing)Samsung PN63C8000 3D Plasma
Front Projection (movie viewing):JVC RS20U on Chief RPA-u mount w/ 24" extension pole
Screen: Dalite Designer Contour Electrol 119" (58" x 104") High Power w/ IR remote system, 9 ft. wide 2.35:1 (scope) when DIY masking applied

25' HDMI -> Gefen HDMI repeater (powered) -> 15' HDMI


Onkyo TX-NR3008 Receiver
Klipsch THX Ultra II speaker system: (3) KL-650-THX and (2) KS-525-THX
SVS PB13 Ultra subwoofer
Hsu MBM-12 placed nearfield

Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray
PS3 for gaming
Toshiba HD-A30 HD-DVD for HD and SD DVD

Panamax surge protection
Logitech Harmony 1100 remote
Universal MX-500 remote (for the kids)
Lutron dimmers w/ IR control

For acoustics, I installed thick blackout cotton velvet drapes all around. I added acoustic panels (2"), and thick pading under a thick 100%wool rug. The subs are placed farfield and nearfield next to the leather sofa/loveseat. I used Ralph Lauren Suede paint to soften the room.

 

[RMK!]

Great looking room Rob. I am a fan of the multi purpose room myself and have a similar setup but I like yours better (well the room and the video anyway

). Great job and the asthetics are off the map nice.

 

[RobZ]

Thanks for the kind compliments. I thought I would have to delete AVS from my computer when I first saw the house. I had a hard time believing that buying a house and loosing my theater room would be a true upgrade. Turns out that everyone enjoys this setup much more than the dedicated space. The kids were afraid to be in there alone and isolated.

 

[johnathan]

Rob

Your new room looks great. I came from a multi purpose room and into a dedicated room.Just reverse the order from what you did. We enjoyed both ! But I love my new space. It still doesn't feel like it is in my home yet ha ha.


And I can see how children could feel isolated. I couldn't imagine a scary movie in my theater alone as a child at night ha ha. You have done a very nice install and every thing seems to integrate very well. Congrats on the new home. Johnathan

 

[ockie]

Child doesn't want to be isolated? HAH! Wait till they are older with girlfriends/boyfriends.

That is one high ceiling, 11'? It sure does look cozy after all is said and done, nice job

 

[RobZ]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ockie /forum/post/11713293


That is one high ceiling, 11'?

It's actually a bit higher. Believe it or not, it is the lowest ceiling in the house.

 

[RobZ]

I've considered doing a small fiber optic star ceiling but the fan comes in handy. Next in line is adding an amp and THX Ultra II in ceiling speakers for the rear channels. I'm also considering a Hsu MBM12 for nearfield and placing the two Hsu's farfield. I may add a couple of Buttkicker LFE w/ couch kits and an amp.

 

[AirPlus]

This looks very good. Classy I might add.


Congrats!

 

[Triaxtremec]

The room looks great. I'd love to do something like that myself.

 

[RobZ]

Thanks for the complients. I'm actually surprised that I prefer the acoustics of this room to my previous dedicated room (see gallery). It's probably because the walls in my last setup were to stiff due to double sheet rock/ soundboard. The new Klipsch don't hurt either.

 

[RobZ]



Chief Mounted Pearl

 

[joetama]

WOW... That looks amazing...



It looked very promising from the original picture, but WOW you really did a nice job there...



BTW, where did you get the acoustic panels?

 

[RobZ]



Here's the ceiling in my next project room. It has the 60XBR2. I have a PSB system but may use a sleek bronze Orb system so that it does not stand out.

 

[RobZ]



Quote:
Originally Posted by joetama /forum/post/11716873


WOW... That looks amazing...



It looked very promising from the original picture, but WOW you really did a nice job there...



BTW, where did you get the acoustic panels?

Thanks. Couldn't have done it or even thought of it without the years here at AVS.


The panels are ATS acoustics: http://www.atsacoustics.com/cat--ATS...nels--100.html


I've made my own in the past but after buying ATS, I doubt I'd build again. They are great bang for the buck panels. Definitely order samples of the fabric first though. They are a bit different from what they appaer online. The dark brown have a touch of green to them (only noticeable with lots of light or flourescent).

 

[RobZ]

Originally, I had the center speaker in the left cabinet and covered with grill cloth. It was lined with plenty open cell foam. The sound was a bit too chesty though. A combination of the cabinet and proximity to the floor probably account for that. I brought it out and placed it on a center stand I had in the garage. Dramatic difference. Now I'm really considering a taller version of these in mahogany (for all three LCRs):

 

[RobZ]

These Tyler Acoustic stands have also caught my eye.

As have the much more expensive Sound Anchors

 

[RobZ]

I'm thinking of placing my sign above the Plasma in the wall unit and control the on/off with my remote and a switch. Should I or will this throw off the look too much?

 

[Triaxtremec]

I think it would be to much right above the plasma, maybe over near your popcorn machine would be a more appropriate spot for it in my opinion.

 

[RobZ]

Maybe in the corner of the popcorm maker. I forgot that I could mount it hanging from the ceiling. I think if it's mounted above the plasma, people would look at it and say "what cinema, all I see is a TV". When the screen comes down the sign is no longer visible.