Building a new theater/Basement-New pics page 3 (jan28)

[Dr Lecterr]

We are getting close to getting this house here in Utah. It still may not work out, but we are pretty close to a deal. We are within $2-3K of working it out.

SO - A new theater is in the works. I am completely open to the design and location. The only thing I am set on are the items I already have, which are:

Polk Tower speakers
Polk Center
Polk Sub
Polk surrounds
(Model # Rti 10, Fxi 5, Csi 5, Psw 10)
Panasonic Blu-Ray (BD-30)
Sony 400disc DVD/CD changer
XBOX 360
Panamax power conditioner (4300-EX)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9978/img08172.th.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/i/img08172.jpg/)
(The TV is gone - I am thinking of doing a 100" projection screen)

I believe that this is pretty nice stuff. This stuff rocked my old theater so I am not hesitant at all to use it for the new place.

Here are a couple pics of the area I have to put the Theater -

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6206/img1078.th.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/i/img1078.jpg/)
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6656/img1084.th.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/i/img1084.jpg/)

The first picture shows the general areas I have to put the theater. I can eaither put it in the main center room in the basement (which is bigger than it looks) OR off to the side where you see the two windows. That area is about 11' wide (I forget the length). The second picture shows the front of that side room where the screen would be. That piece of wood is a support beam and I guess it needs to stay. It would help to hide any mounting hardware for the screen AND I may actually use it as some kind of accent peice. Maybe cover it with some nice looking wood with some nice stain??? I'm not sure, just thinking aloud... I would basically close up that room and make it a seperate theater area. Being that the whole area is unfinished, I can do pretty much whatever I want. The insulation on the walls is temporary until the framing begins.

Budget - Not sure,,,,,, I guess if I stayed under 10K that would be best. I would prefer 7k but can go to 10K if needed.

Budget breakdown (rough idea) -

New Receiver $1200-$1500
projector $3000
screen$1000
Cabinet for components $500-$1000
cables & wires ( I have a few already) $600
Finish the room (carpet, lights, insulation, drywall, window covering)$3000

Thoughts?????

[CRAW]

First, let me say I'm JEALOUS! I can only wish I had a basement big enough to build a dedicated theater. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but it's fun work! ;)

I recently bought a Pioneer Elite AVR and I love it! It's the VSX-01TXH, and they can be had for far less than what I paid almost six months ago. The top tier Elites are very nice and presumably get great reviews. I would highly recommend Pioneer Elite as your AVR.

I don't know much on the topic of projectors and/or screens, but there's plenty of reading to be had (if you haven't already) at AVS forums.

I'm sure this goes without saying, but keep us updated with what you decide, and keep the pics coming.

[Quads]

copying to Theater / Man Cave forums for viability.

[Rocksport33]

If you need to save a few bucks on equipment, please let me know. I can hook you up. I am an custom AV installer and Dealer. Or even if you have any questions about it, feel free to ask!

[Dr Lecterr]

If you need to save a few bucks on equipment, please let me know. I can hook you up. I am an custom AV installer and Dealer. Or even if you have any questions about it, feel free to ask!

Then you are my new best friend! Welcome to the forum.

Not for the theater room - but today I bought the 8000 series Samsung 55" LED for above the mantle in the upstairs family room. It is one sweet TV!

I picked out a screen - The Da-Lite Cinema contour with the high contrast cinema vision screen. It is 119'' diagonal. The throw distance is going to be 15'7" mounted on the ceiling. Do the numbers look good? Is a $1475 price tag ok?

Also, what type of celing mount do you suggest. I have not begun researching them yet.

Thanks for your input

[SniperD5]

Do the numbers look good? Is a $1475 price tag ok?


15 bills for a piece of fabric that you project the image onto???:eek:


Paint the wall white ........... $ 60
Sniper's fee for advice.........$ 1000
-------------------------------------
Savings.............................$ 415


:shipit:

[Dr Lecterr]

15 bills for a piece of fabric that you project the image onto???:eek:


Paint the wall white ........... $ 60
Sniper's fee for advice.........$ 1000
-------------------------------------
Savings.............................$ 415


:shipit:

Add 2 1/2 minutes with your wifey and I will consider the proposition:D

[SniperD5]

Add 2 1/2 minutes with your wifey and I will consider the proposition:D

Hey, watch it now. Thats more than double the time I take!

[Dr Lecterr]

Hey, watch it now. Thats more than double the time I take!

Not to worry, I was including the time it takes to beg and plead

[Magic Rat]

Check out Carada screens. I'm about to get the 104" one. The precision series seems a bit more reasonable cost-wise.

www.carada.com

[Dr Lecterr]

Check out Carada screens. I'm about to get the 104" one. The precision series seems a bit more reasonable cost-wise.

www.carada.com

I am looking at Carada as well. The problem was that I could not find a decent number of reviews. Please let me know what you think. I would also be interested in your lighting conditions, throw length and type of projector. Thanks Magic!

[Dr Lecterr]

OK, I am actually getting started on this. I have hired a framer, drywall guy, electrician and HVAC guy. My brother and I are doing everything else ourselves.

So Far - We have wired the rooms with Cat6 cable
and... I have started insulating the ceiling between the floor joists

I have the project plan setup and the entire basement should be complete the 3rd week of Jan 2010.

I have a couple pics of progress, but it isn much so far. Up to this point, a lot of planning and budgeting has happened. I am super excited to get this basement finished. It is 1500sq ft that is just basically wasted right now.

Progress reports and pictures coming soon.....

[IgotDANUTZ]

Get a better projector and dont waste money on hte screen, I have a z4 projector and project onto a 110 home made screen. ($40). I was not a believer that it would look good until i did it, saved 400 by not buying a screen and bought a better receiver for the room. just a thought

[Dr Lecterr]

I have some pictures to share. We worked last night Drylocking the basement. I dont think we will have any water issues, but.... I did in a previous house and I want to try and eliminate the possibility here. Heck- Why not, it's just a few bucks and a little work.

Here we go......

Here comes the Sheetrock! The crane thing was pretty slick
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4118/img1452l.th.jpg (http://img260.imageshack.us/i/img1452l.jpg/)

I had the sheetrock delivered and stocked, but my brother and I moved all the wood in ourselves. We have about 220 sticks here.
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3817/img1462r.th.jpg (http://img265.imageshack.us/i/img1462r.jpg/)

Here is the ceiling of the Theater. All the floor joists were not insulated at all. I am adding sheets of styrofoam first, then R-25 insulation, then double layer 5/8 sheetrock with green glue between them. Here is how it looks at the moment
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/5153/img1472.th.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/i/img1472.jpg/)

Here is the front of the theater
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4096/img1476h.th.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/i/img1476h.jpg/)

The rear of the theater
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9549/img1459y.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/i/img1459y.jpg/)

Side view. This wall will be completed and a door installed.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1859/img1458n.th.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/i/img1458n.jpg/)



OK - So I have a question

?? This support beam you see here. Is it really needed? It is going to hinder the angle of my projector and make me lower the screen more than I really want. The beam is about 6'' wide and 9.5'' tall. You can see that it is supported by some 2x4's. Right above this beam is the dining room upstairs. There is a room on the other side of the basement that is a little wider than this area and it does not have a support beam. What's the deal here? Is it needed? Can it be reduced to some 2x6's instead?
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3167/img1473o.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/img1473o.jpg/)


This is a rough sketch of the entire basement. The Theater is 11.7' x 22.5'.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6439/roughlayoutofbasement.th.png (http://img524.imageshack.us/i/roughlayoutofbasement.png/)


Let me know what you think! Thanks

[Trann]

Here comes the Sheetrock! The crane thing was pretty slick

I had the sheetrock delivered and stocked, but my brother and I moved all the wood in ourselves. We have about 220 sticks here.
Huge envy. I had to haul it all inside myself. My arms were rubber!

This support beam you see here. Is it really needed? The beam is about 6'' wide and 9.5'' tall. You can see that it is supported by some 2x4's.
That puppy is strapped to four 2x4s on this visible end alone! I have no doubt that it's load bearing but I would never presume to know better than an engineer. Get it checked. Sometimes you can replace it with a steel beam but that may not solve your problem anyway.

Work with it.

I've heard stories of people removing tele-/jack-posts because they didn't fit the decor!

[JumperJeff]

This support beam you see here. Is it really needed?

It sure looks load-bearing to me too. I suggest you don't just take a chain saw to it... If you want it removed, hire an engineer to come and see what can be done.

NICE WORK! I'm jealous. I need to get my basement done this winter too. Getting anxious to start working with all the progress pics here on the site.

[huge1s]

If you are not done wiring and were thinking of putting AV equipment somewhere else....I just installed one of these (HDMI over Cat5e) and it works great for long HDMI runs.
http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/61771.jpg

[Dr Beaver]

If you are not done wiring and were thinking of putting AV equipment somewhere else....I just installed one of these (HDMI over Cat5e) and it works great for long HDMI runs.


Please explain? you run HDMI to the outlet and then cat5 through the wall and HDMI back to the TV?

[Quads]

Please explain? you run HDMI to the outlet and then cat5 through the wall and HDMI back to the TV?

Yes, basically takes the HDMI signal(s), bundles it / moves it through Cat5/6 and back out to HDMI on the other end.

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/hdtocaad.html
http://forums.legitreviews.com/about13028.html


You can essentially run HDMI a couple hundred feet without any major loss in signal.

Monoprice has then for 50 buck
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10105&cs_id=1010504&p_id=4065&seq=1&format=2

[Dr Lecterr]

VERY COOL! Thanks for posting that. I dont have any long runs to do, BUT I have run about 800 ft of CAT6 throughout the basement. I might end up using some of these to provide movies to the guest rooms and the family room.

I'll have some progress pics very soon. I have been busting ass all week

[huge1s]

Sorry for the late reply on the HDMI over Cat5/6. If I remember from the instructions, use shielded Cat6 if you are running over 33 meters. Under 33 meters, you can use straight Cat5. You need 2 wires per connection (remember).

[Dr Lecterr]

Well.....I have some progress pictures. Hopefully I can get them up very soon. I have about 7 messicans in the basement hanging rock today. They said that they would be done in about 5 hours, which is lightning fast for 1500sf. Things are really coming together nicely. I hope to be done in the 3rd week of january.

[CRAW]

I have about 7 messicans in the basement hanging rock today.

Money well spent!!!

I wish I had enough room to build a theater... All in due time I suppose. :)

[Dr Lecterr]

Its not just a theater (although the theater is what I am most excited about). The basement also has 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large family room, storage area (5x12), and the mechanical room. Its a pretty large area

[Irish]

Well.....I have some progress pictures. Hopefully I can get them up very soon. I have about 7 messicans in the basement hanging rock today. They said that they would be done in about 5 hours, which is lightning fast for 1500sf. Things are really coming together nicely. I hope to be done in the 3rd week of january.

Wow yeah that's REALLY fast, especially if it's multiple rooms. Hope it all comes out well, looking forward to the progress shots.

[huge1s]

Well.....I have some progress pictures. Hopefully I can get them up very soon. I have about 7 messicans in the basement hanging rock today. They said that they would be done in about 5 hours, which is lightning fast for 1500sf. Things are really coming together nicely. I hope to be done in the 3rd week of january.

Well played. I finished my basement in 2 phases and decided to pay to have the second (smaller) phase rocked. Rocking is one of those jobs where you can easily do it yourself, but a "professional" will do it 5 times faster and with a lot less mess.

[Dr Lecterr]

~~~UPDATE~~~

First, sorry for not keeping my PMC bruthas updated with progress pics on a more regular basis. My brother and I have been busting behind. My original finish date was this week. Well.....that wont happen. It has just taken longer than I planned. Carpet for everywhere EXCEPT the theater will be here thursday. I am having a difficult time finding exactly what I want for the theater carpet. I picked out one carpet that I liked a lot...and... it was $2600 just for the theater!!! Damn - thats some expensive stuff.

Today- I finished hanging the remaining baseboard and door casing. The cabinet guy should be here tomorrow to sand and put on the last coat of shiny stuff.

ok - on to the pics!!

Here is a rough sketch of the basement
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6439/roughlayoutofbasement.th.png (http://img524.imageshack.us/i/roughlayoutofbasement.png/)

Here is a shot of the theater while standing in the family room
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/4854/img1027y.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/img1027y.jpg/)

Todays pic
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3383/img1715gf.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/img1715gf.jpg/)

This was taken while standing in the doorway area of the theater
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/1040/img1083k.th.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/img1083k.jpg/)

Sheetrock day
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5422/img1651xd.th.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/img1651xd.jpg/)

Todays Pic
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9442/img1716b.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/img1716b.jpg/)

Looking down the hallway. The room at the end is "cold storage". Turn that corner to the left and thats the stairwell from uptairs
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/6397/img1093fr.th.jpg (http://img32.imageshack.us/i/img1093fr.jpg/)

after framing and insulation
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6518/img1630x.th.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/i/img1630x.jpg/)

Todays Pic
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7765/img1714m.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/img1714m.jpg/)

Front wall of theater
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4096/img1476h.th.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/i/img1476h.jpg/)

after some sheetrock
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6266/img1645c.th.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/img1645c.jpg/)

Today
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/3278/img1718f.th.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/img1718f.jpg/)

Back all of theater
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9549/img1459y.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/i/img1459y.jpg/)

After sheetrock
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2134/img1644bi.th.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/img1644bi.jpg/)

Today
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/7726/img1717.th.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/img1717.jpg/)

and!!! my screen from Carada - arrived yesterday. It is 114'' and the criterion series. I wont open it until I am ready to mount it.
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/7453/012810034.th.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/012810034.jpg/)


Bring on the comments~~~~~

[Dr Beaver]

Lookin good. What are the details in the studs and insulation?
Did you use 2 x 6 and R20? anything else

[aceinthehole4212]

Very nice looking. Excellent job.

I love the colors you've picked, and the rich wood stain/finish looks great. Nice touch.

Did you paint the theatre room ceiling the same color as the walls?

[Dr Lecterr]

Lookin good. What are the details in the studs and insulation?
Did you use 2 x 6 and R20? anything else

The interior theater wall is a 2x6 wall. It does have R-20 on ALL the walls and R-35 in the ceiling. The 2x6 wall and the back wall are double layered 5/8 drywall with green glue in between. The ceiling is 5/8 mounted to sound channel which keeps the number of screws in the joists to a minimum...AND.. it creates a buffer between the joists and the drywall to reduce vibrations from going upstairs.

Very nice looking. Excellent job.

I love the colors you've picked, and the rich wood stain/finish looks great. Nice touch.

Did you paint the theatre room ceiling the same color as the walls?

Yep - the celing is the same color. I plan on breaking everything up with acoustic panels and a chair rail.

[Scuba_Dave]

I have about 7 messicans in the basement hanging rock today.

Hopefully they do a better job then this guys Mex crew:

http://www.diychatroom.com/attachments/f101/17143d1264700624t-problem-drywall-img_0128.jpg

Sorry for the late reply on the HDMI over Cat5/6. If I remember from the instructions, use shielded Cat6 if you are running over 33 meters. Under 33 meters, you can use straight Cat5. You need 2 wires per connection (remember).

Thanks for the info !

[Directional]

Looks nice ! Glad you chose a screen, IMO, they make a big difference in the quality of your video, especially with HD.

[Dr Lecterr]

Carpet is being installed today in the basement and tomorrow in the theater. I built the stage and the riser this weekend. It was much more of a pain in the ass than I expected!!

Here is the carpet going in the theater. The actual color I am using is a little darker, but you get the idea with the subtle diamond pattern. The store I went to wanted $51sy for this shit!! I went to another place and talked golf with the guy and ended up getting it for $31sy. What a f-ing difference.....
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1459/img1701.th.jpg (http://img713.imageshack.us/i/img1701.jpg/)

Here is the riser for the back row of seats

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6803/img1735b.th.jpg (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/img1735b.jpg/)
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/5456/img1766p.th.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/img1766p.jpg/)
Here is the front stage
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1613/img1765p.th.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/img1765p.jpg/)
Here is my brother and I (I am on the right). We posed for this pic about 4 hours after we had gotten into it. He was being pissy and I had enough - - it was ugly for a few minutes. I love him though.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/614/img1739k.th.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img1739k.jpg/)

[ErieCoBrewer]

I bought a refurbished fixed frame Focupix from http://www.htdepot.com/. I only had the throw for a 75" and I only paid about $150 for it. It was in perfect condition and was very easy to put together. Not sure what the price would be for a 116" though. Also, keep in mind that when you go that big, you better have a damn good projector. I picked up an open box Sony Bravia vpl-aw10 at Best Buy for $619. It is last years model, but has a crystal clear picture on my 75" screen. Hosted a Superbowl party this year and everyone was very impressed with the clarity. Geaux Saints! Who Dat?

[Dr Lecterr]

I bought a refurbished fixed frame Focupix from http://www.htdepot.com/. I only had the throw for a 75" and I only paid about $150 for it. It was in perfect condition and was very easy to put together. Not sure what the price would be for a 116" though. Also, keep in mind that when you go that big, you better have a damn good projector. I picked up an open box Sony Bravia vpl-aw10 at Best Buy for $619. It is last years model, but has a crystal clear picture on my 75" screen. Hosted a Superbowl party this year and everyone was very impressed with the clarity. Geaux Saints! Who Dat?

Sounds like you have a pretty good set-up for a great price. You should post some pics here.

My PJ is the Epson 8500, and my screen is 114" 1.78:1 BW Carada Criterion. My throw distance will be right at 20.5' and according to these calcs, it should be just fine. Do you see any problems with my up-coming setup?
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1864/8500throwdistance.th.png (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/8500throwdistance.png/)

Carpet was finished yesterday!!!
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1892/img1779u.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/img1779u.jpg/)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/1350/img1780yx.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/img1780yx.jpg/)