| DaleB |
| Very nice..but the possibilities are endless! |
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| DocWalk20 |
| If building a dedicated room I suggest looking at front projectors as opposed to traditional "big screen" tv's. If you've got good lighting control a front projector will definitely give you the most bang for your buck and biggest potential "screen size." If you're building you can take care of all the wiring then as well. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by DocWalk20
If building a dedicated room I suggest looking at front projectors as opposed to traditional "big screen" tv's. If you've got good lighting control a front projector will definitely give you the most bang for your buck and biggest potential "screen size." If you're building you can take care of all the wiring then as well.
Keep in mind, there are many advantages to projectors, but being able to control ambient light is critical. Especially if it is to be viewable for a variety of programming, not just movies, in a conventionally illuminated room.
There are ways around that, like having a conventional TV behind a drop down screen for daytime, or standard viewing sessions.
But if you have a separate room just for theater viewing, a projector can give you the most impact. |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Great job, but where are the speakers? :confused: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Great job, but where are the speakers? :confused:
Silent Film theater? |
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| hondacuraworld |
| It's not made for "talkies" :21: |
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| Echo2625 |
We put a theater in our basement and it is awesome!
We ended up talking to several local audio/video stores for their ideas and ended up picking the same one my sister-in-law used a few years back.
They put a series of speakers in the ceiling, a large subwoofer behind the wall next to the TV and tied it all together with a high end Onkyo receiver. We have seating for 8 in very comfortable seats. We ended up going with a 65" projection TV by Mitsubishi which is awesome....we covered the sides to make it look more like a projector screen than a TV. We hardly go to the movies anymore and I don't even like to leave the house for sporting events. Just watched the Alamo Bowl last night and it almost felt like we were there!!
The reason that we did not go with a projector type set up is that the A/V guys all advised against it if it was going to be used for everyday use as we would burn out the very expensive bulbs fairly often..
Good luck with your project!! |
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| Warzau |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Great job, but where are the speakers? :confused:
Tim if you look up near the top of the back wall in picture 1 there are in ceiling speakers. What I dont understand if you have a dedicated room what not have a projection instead of a RPTV. Though I do like the seats. But they should be a nice color of maroon. |
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| hondacuraworld |
Okay, but what about the fronts?
Too bright of a room for an HT too. Should be a darker neutral color IMO. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Okay, but what about the fronts?
Too bright of a room for an HT too. Should be a darker neutral color IMO.
Fronts are behind 'acoustic curtains' and below the screen? ... punting here.
Room does look too bright, and not quite as comfy/warm and snuggly looking like a luxury theater. I know the old standard bolt-in theater seats are very popular among some HT buffs for realism. But for real comfort there are better choices IMO.
Echo brings up a good point on the lamps. Not sure how many hours they are good for. Would probably be watching nightly news in some other part of the house and save the best for the best. |
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| Warzau |
| I know one has a type where if you view it with movies it jumps up the brightness and if you view it as just a television it bumps down the brightness, same with the fan. |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Echo brings up a good point on the lamps. Not sure how many hours they are good for.
2,000 to 3,000 hours depeding on how often you use the power saving mode. Replacement bulbs gp for between $150-$500 depending on the projector assuming we're talking medium-level sub $10K models.
2,000 hours = 5.5 hours everyday of the year.
3,000 hours = 8 hours everyday of the year.
Given that a projector probably won't be your "everyday" viewing mode, I'd expect to get 2-3 years from the bulb. When you figure in the cost of bulb replacement into the cost of ownership it's still an attractive option given you have controllable light vs a plasma. |
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| Warzau |
| But if you think about if this is a true dedicated HT room that is all they will be using it as. I know I would. I have a nice full basement and plan, hopefully to put one in. |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Hey crmnsidol, know anywhere that has parabolic screens for sale? |
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| sushix |
| Anyone know where can I get theater chairs cheap? This one cost $1,500. I am trying to find one for under $1,000. |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by sushix
Anyone know where can I get theater chairs cheap? This one cost $1,500. I am trying to find one for under $1,000.
You may want to look into the Berkline Cinema Series. Berkline appears to pricefix to some degree with online sellers reluctant to provide pricing but if you contact furniture stores and especially Raymour and Flanagan they'll deal. |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Hey crmnsidol, know anywhere that has parabolic screens for sale?
No, sorry Tim. Are they they curved screens from the early projectors with the large RGB floor "cannons"? |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Um......good guess :cool:
http://www.cedmagic.com/home/pfr100.html
Apollo Creed had one in Rocky II :)
My "rich" friend growing up had one in his living room. It was always on the blink and we rarely saw it lit up. I think it was around 1982 or '83 but they could have had the screen longer. |
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| Aggie76 |
quote:
Originally posted by sushix
Anyone know where can I get theater chairs cheap? This one cost $1,500. I am trying to find one for under $1,000.
We built a home theater room in our new home a year ago and installed chairs from Flexsteel that are similar to these in your post. There are a number of options for chairs, colors & different arm rests. They work fine for us and I looked at a number of higher priced chairs at home theater stores and other furniture stores. As I recall they were under $1,000 each. Ours were in the Reno collection at the url below:
http://www.flexsteel.com/home/HomeTheaterSeating.shtml |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by crmsnidol
2,000 hours = 5.5 hours everyday of the year.
3,000 hours = 8
So the lifespan of the bulbs is similar to DLP rear projection sets? |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
So the lifespan of the bulbs is similar to DLP rear projection sets?
Yes.
The only downsides to projectors I can see are controlled lighting and the owners technical skill level in setting one up. |
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| Echo2625 |
According to three different Audio Visual specialists in my area....
Projector bulbs do not last near as long as rear projector big screen TVs!
As a matter of fact, one of these "specialists" suggested that I would go through 4 to 5 bulbs compared to the life span of a good big screen TV... |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by Echo2625
Projector bulbs do not last near as long as rear projector big screen TVs!
I don't think anyone would argue that. |
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| DaleB |
The DLP rear projectors do have bulbs to replace, but even at that, some do an incredible job approaching plasma sets for picture quality.
But you would have to change a lot of bulbs to approach the price of a good plasma.
A decent projector runs about the same as a good DLP rear projection set. The advantages of RP of course, is good illumination under less than ideal lighting conditions compared with a FP.
There are lot of factors to be considered here. But it's fun window shopping. Some of these sets look incredible in showrooms, even before being properly calibrated. And things will only get better! |
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| Lance Crowley |
One of our friends has a large family and has setup their theater with 15 Berkline chairs and both a projection unit and a plasma set. The plasma set is a 60" Sony and then he can pull down a screen and use the projector. It's a 3000 lumen unit with a screen that's got to be in the 8' X 12' range. The sound system will rattle the windows and he's got a very good control of the lighting. Everything is setup on a Crestron wireless remote system. We've watched a couple of games and a movie or two there and it's like being "at the movies".
We're in the process of designing our new home and will use a similar two unit system without the dedicated theater. Will use the projector in the evening and a large screen unit during the day. We're about a year away so will decide which technology to use when the time's right. Things are changing so fast that we're not sure whether it'll be DLP, LCD or whatever. |
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| sushix |
| One of my concern is that the sound level maybe too loud. I don't want to upset my neighbor. How expensive is soundproofing wall? |
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| nytflyt |
Sushix,
You really need to make some basic decisions on your H/T idea. Before you can start with the design of the room you have to decide on what type of display you are going to use, rear or front projection. This decision will dictate how the room will have to be designed. As previously reported the front projector system requires complete light control while a rear projection setup can be more of a multipurpose room. I would not consider a dedicated H/T room without going with front projection. The screen size for viewing pleasure with front projection just can’t be ignored. I wouldn’t worry about the bulb life on the projector as it is a minor expense compared to cost of setting up your room. Sound proofing the room is something that you will need to consider both to keep the sound in the room as well as keeping the outside sounds from interfering with the movie enjoyment. You might want to consider regular recliners or couches for the seating. I tried most of the custom H/T chair and didn’t find anything that was very comfortable for long movies. I chose 4 Lane recliners for the first row and 2 Berkline couches for the back row in my H/T and have been very happy with them. Here are some old pictures of my setup.
http://nytflyt.mystarband.net
Earl |
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| renov8r |
I notice that a) this is your "old setup" (or old pictures??) b) you have both couches and "individual" seating. The thing I like least about "going to the movies" is that I have to sit in the chair like I'm in a classroom or something.
I really rather have a nice couch to sit it, but then I'd want to lay down and then I'd be kinda turned 90 degrees to the screen.
Have you ever seen a HT with couches set up the other way (lenghtwise instead widthwise) or have you done that in your HT? Any problems?
Thanks
quote:
Originally posted by nytflyt
Sushix,
You really need to make some basic decisions on your H/T idea. Before you can start with the design of the room you have to decide on what type of display you are going to use, rear or front projection. This decision will dictate how the room will have to be designed. As previously reported the front projector system requires complete light control while a rear projection setup can be more of a multipurpose room. I would not consider a dedicated H/T room without going with front projection. The screen size for viewing pleasure with front projection just can’t be ignored. I wouldn’t worry about the bulb life on the projector as it is a minor expense compared to cost of setting up your room. Sound proofing the room is something that you will need to consider both to keep the sound in the room as well as keeping the outside sounds from interfering with the movie enjoyment. You might want to consider regular recliners or couches for the seating. I tried most of the custom H/T chair and didn’t find anything that was very comfortable for long movies. I chose 4 Lane recliners for the first row and 2 Berkline couches for the back row in my H/T and have been very happy with them. Here are some old pictures of my setup.
http://nytflyt.mystarband.net
Earl
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| nytflyt |
I have seen several H/T setups with couches for all seating. I prefer the individual seating for the front row and the couches for the back row because I like the recliners for comfort and can pile the couches full of children when necessary. What I meant by old pictures is that these were taken when I first finished the room. I have made some changes with wall treatments and such but have not changed the basic seating.
Earl |
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| Lance Crowley |
| There's sound deading material available, some of it is a combination of foam and a metal foil. It's used extensively to lower the sound level in high end motor coaches. It really works well. I'll see if I can dig up the article. |
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| Lance Crowley |
| Can't find the article on sound control yet, but, seems to me they talked about foam for reducing the higher frequencies and some type of metal foil for the lower end. I'll keep digging. |
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| sushix |
quote:
Sushix,
You really need to make some basic decisions on your H/T idea. Before you can start with the design of the room you have to decide on what type of display you are going to use, rear or front projection. This decision will dictate how the room will have to be designed. As previously reported the front projector system requires complete light control while a rear projection setup can be more of a multipurpose room. I would not consider a dedicated H/T room without going with front projection. The screen size for viewing pleasure with front projection just can’t be ignored. I wouldn’t worry about the bulb life on the projector as it is a minor expense compared to cost of setting up your room. Sound proofing the room is something that you will need to consider both to keep the sound in the room as well as keeping the outside sounds from interfering with the movie enjoyment. You might want to consider regular recliners or couches for the seating. I tried most of the custom H/T chair and didn’t find anything that was very comfortable for long movies. I chose 4 Lane recliners for the first row and 2 Berkline couches for the back row in my H/T and have been very happy with them. Here are some old pictures of my setup.
Thanks for the advice. I am going to get a front projector, possible Infocus 4805. My budget is about $3,000 for everything. I noticed you have a white wall in your room. I am thinking of painting the wall in dark color. Is it necessary? |
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| crmsnidol |
| [post removed since it did not address question.] |
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| nytflyt |
The walls in my room are actually painted medium gray; they look lighter in the pictures because of the flash. I really need to take some new better pictures and update the web page.
Earl |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by crmsnidol
If you're going to use a painted wall vs. a screen, the color you choose depends on the gain or brightness of the projector you're using.
I could be wrong, but I think he is planning to paint the wall to darken the room, not use it in place of a screen.
:4: |
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| nytflyt |
quote:
I could be wrong, but I think he is planning to paint the wall to darken the room, not use it in place of a screen.
That’s what I assumed also. I use a Stewart screen not a painted wall.
Earll |
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| sushix |
quote:
I could be wrong, but I think he is planning to paint the wall to darken the room, not use it in place of a screen.
Yes, that is what I am going to do. I'll either buy a screen or custom made one myself. The $1,000 Infocus 4805 from Costco does come with A 76" screen but I think it is too small for me. I'll probably get 100'" or 120'" screen for my room. |
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| crmsnidol |
After 10 1/2 weeks I recieved my Berklines today. Two of the three are peftect but the other one is damaged. I sent a letter to my online salesman and expect it to be resolved promptly. It's not his fault but he is my contact with Berkline Corp in TN where the seats were manufactured.
Note: the chairs are not placed in the room in their final spot. Just set up for inspection. |
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| G. COLTON |
I haven't seen anyone mention them here, but to me the most comfortable and well built chairs are the Bradington-Young. They make nothing but recliners if you are OK with that.
G |
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