My new home cinema - newbie!!

chalkstorm · 14-08-2005, 4:26 PM

Hi all

I've been lurking here for months - but am about to start building my cinema. Bought an old house 3 years ago with a barn attached - and have spent much of those 3 years replacing walls, roofs and windows. Have just installed new remote control lighting - almost finished the re-wire and the zoned central heating will be in next month. Once that is in I am dry lining it - building a small 'subtle' bar and a small stage with curtains (sad I know).

I have posted some photos here - http://thehawthornes.fotopic.net/c652609_1.html - and will continue to update it as the project progresses - and will also be here needing some advice.

I have chosen my speaker system - a 6.1 setup - using Monitor Audio RS Silvers. Projector will probably be the Screenplay 5700 - the amp is still to be decided upon - and will initially use a decent DVD player - but will change that for a PC based system.

I welcome any thoughts/suggestions - my email is simon@thehawthornes.org

Regards

Simon

Kenny Glasgow · 14-08-2005, 5:17 PM

Simon

Best of luck and keep the piccies coming

chalkstorm · 15-08-2005, 5:25 AM

Hello again

Now I've broken the ice, wonder if I could slip in a few questions....?

I'm planning to use Monitor Audio RS FX speakers for the two side and one rear speaker. I know the angles I plan to fit them at in relation to the viewing position - but I want to mount them near the top of the wall - next to the ceiling. Should I attach directly to wall or use speaker brackets to angle them slightly?

I'm also undecided on receiver/amp. Current hot list includes Denon AVR 1905, Denon AVR 2805 and Pioneer 2014i. Any thoughts.... - the Denon's seem to win awards in the magazines - but my local specialist store recommended the Pioneer. I'd ideally like one with an automated sound calibration setup.

Finally, the projector is likely to be the Screenplay 5700. I plan to use a DVI cable to connect to PC - but I will also want to use my sky+ box. While the room is in it's current state, what other cable (if any) would I need to connect the two, and would the projector accept more than one input.

Thanks in advance

Simon

Les E · 15-08-2005, 9:51 AM

The Screenplay 5700 will accept more than one input. The route I am going is that I am throwing up a HDMI cable (with Infocus M1-DA adapter) and a componemt cable and a S-Video.

The HDMI will be from my DVD Player and the Component will come from my Amp. I can then put SKY + and a PS2 in into the Amp and throw one component cable up from the source. The S-Video will serve just in case I need another input that may take that.

Eventually I will get an Amp with a HDMI in and out and the way things are going (with SKY HD, PS3 etc.) it's going to be the standard. Get yourself a good cable, not an ebay cheapo version. It will cost you a few pennies (£160 for a 10 metre CHORD), but it's worth it.

For a full Spec of the 5700 and what inputs it has go to: http://www.infocushome.com/emea/eng/...lay/sp5700.asp

chalkstorm · 15-08-2005, 9:58 AM

Thanks for your reply Les

Sounds like a good plan - take the opportunity now to run the 3 cables - doesn't matter too much if I don't use them then. I've been quoted about £150 for a DVI cable - not HDMI - as I will eventually run the proj from a PC - and I haven't seen any HDMI cards (yet).

Forgive the stupid question (another) - but the SKY+ box - that'll use the component of s-video...?

Cheers

Si

Les E · 15-08-2005, 10:15 AM

I was originally thinking this, as SKY + does has an S-Video out, so no, it isn't a stupid question.

But for better picture quality run a RGB Scart (from the Scart enabled output) from the SKY + box to a RGB Scart to Component Converter.

Then from the converter use Component to the PJ/Amp. You can then have SKY via Component.

You can get the converters at: http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/homeci...s_rgbtoyuv.htm

chalkstorm · 21-10-2005, 6:39 PM

Hello again
Just an update on my HC - wiring is complete - and the plumbing carcass is in. Just working on the design for the bar and type of insulation - and then (from Monday) - the plasterboarding starts. Plan is to skim it by the middle of November - and decorate/carpet up to Christmas. Then the fun starts - and the serious money spending commences!

More photos - see my signature.

Kind regards, Simon

chalkstorm · 25-10-2005, 9:40 AM

Guys

Got some questions about kit - not sure where to ask - so I'm going to drop them in here...

1 - speakers. Looking at Monitor Audio RS range - either the RS6 or RS8 fronts, LCR centre, 4 x SFX rears and the SUB. This I am pretty sure about

2 - Receiver/Amp - should I go for the Yamaha AX757SE, the Pioneer 2014i or the Denon 2805?

3 - DVD player - either the Pioneer 868AVi, the Yamaha S2500 or a denon 2910

4 - Projector - BENQPE7700 or Screenplay 5700

5 - Screen - have given little thought to - other than a 16:9 motorised - with a 9' diagonal.

My considerations are (other than the speakers) based on magazine reviews..

Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Si

Les E · 25-10-2005, 10:48 AM

Hi there,

Good to see your install developing nicely!

For my 5 pence worth, I would go for the Screenplay 5700. I have heard a lot of not so good comments with regards to the BenQ PJ. Plus the Screenplay seems to be a mid-range cinema projector compared to the BenQ series who I gather are more display/office projectors trying to break into the HC range (I've been looking into these for the same reason).

The 5700 was the first PJ I demoed, and it has always been a favourite of mine.

I really want the Screenplay 7205, which is a bit more pricey but I have just seen the spec for the ThemeScene H79, which on paper sounds superb and isn't much more price-wise. Really need to demo one of these!

You could try the Denon 1920 DVD Player, which is alot cheaper and still has Component and HDMI sources (you can get an adaptor for DVI cables).

chalkstorm · 25-10-2005, 2:34 PM

Thanks for the info Les.

Another worry... I've bought shielded speaker cables - and Chord Silver HDMI cable. They all run in a bundle around the top of the room - next to the power cables. I am assured by my local specialist shop that it will be OK - but I've read elsewhere on here that I could have problems with noise from my speakers.

Any thoughts? Tonight is the last chance I get to re-route them all before they are covered with plasterboard!

Cheers

Simon

Les E · 25-10-2005, 3:31 PM

I couldn't really go with a yes or no on this. Suffice to say that the Sparky who has installed all my speaker/AV cables has kept them away from any mains sources. My cabling is shielded to make sure there isn't any interference though.

It was commented in a previous post of mine with regards to Monitor speakers which have there own power source, that it would be best to run the mains cable away from the speakers cable!!

TBH I would keep them away from each other as much as you can just in case!

chalkstorm · 31-10-2005, 1:58 PM

Just bought a Pioneer 2014i and DVD-868AVi from my local dealer - he matched the best price I could find - which is top news as I really wanted to buy from them. Once the room is finished they are going to come out and do the soldering on all the wall plates.

Haven't felt like this since before I realised Santa wasn't real!

chalkstorm · 16-11-2005, 6:53 PM

Hi all

Well, my room is about 3 weeks from completion. The walls are done (got to repaint in matt and not silk - I bought the wrong stuff - didn't notice until I'd painted it all!).

The bar (B&Q kitchen) will be done this week - the radiators are in on working (it was down to 10 degrees last night - now sitting at 20). Once the room is empty I'm going to paint the floor with some 'damp proof paint' - epoxy stuff.

Ordered an 8' Owl screen with 12v trigger box today - along with the full Monitor Audio RS kit including 4 of the sfx speakers - 7.1 setup - and a Screenplay 7205 projector. The guys from the local store have done me a cracking deal - got a new 7205 with 3 yr platinum wrty and the MA set up for £4600 - £1k less than RRP. They are also coming round to solder the wall plates for the speakers onto the cables.

Can't wait -

What should be the first film (or collection)? Star Wars? LOTR? I haven't seen the last ones on purpose so I can enjoy them in my own cinema!

Kind regards

Simon

stevegreen · 16-11-2005, 7:16 PM

If you have the extended LOTR then i'd go for that

Your room looks like it's going to be very nice

chalkstorm · 20-11-2005, 5:29 PM

Few more photos guys - http://thehawthornes.fotopic.net/c652609.html

Sparky due this week (along with soldering man for speaker plates) - then damp proof floor paint next weekend - followed by carpet man the week after.

Si

**inzaman** · 25-11-2005, 8:59 AM

That does look like it will be an excellent room, it is a very nice size as well

chalkstorm · 26-11-2005, 5:34 PM

Brett (expert solderer!) has just done most of the soldering work. Just got to sort out the sub wiring - and add some component and composite plugs on the end of the green multi-core cables. Got the Screenplay 7205 - but no screen or mount - so can't try it yet! Brett is back on Friday to finish off the work - give me time to finish the painting.

Si

martian1 · 26-11-2005, 9:58 PM

excellent job..nice to see it finished, keep going m8t

MrLOL · 27-11-2005, 1:56 PM

couple of questions and a few comments

first, Wow. Looks amazing, cant wait to see the finished article !

Also, did you do all the work yourself ? and how did you find the wiring ? i would love to try doing this sort of thing, but i have the horrible feeling that as i cant even mount speakers without getting the hole either too big or too small and f**king it up that i wouldnt stand a chance with something like this.

chalkstorm · 27-11-2005, 5:45 PM

Hi MrLOL

Thanks for the comments! To be honest, I laughed when I read your post - read it out loud to my better half who asked "Did you post that yourself?" . I have honestly done very little myself other than plan it. I ran the speaker wiring round the top of the bare room - using zip ties to tie it to the electricians wiring. I sat down with the sparky and explained where I wanted isolaters and 12v feeds - and went as far as laying some multi-core cable behind the plasterboard - as recommended by my local specialists - just incase I wanted to add semething later.

Anyway - just finished for the day - given the floor it's first coat of damp proof epoxy paint stuff - after spending a couple of hours rehanging the wall speakers with some proper cavity wall fixings. The wall plugs that came with the speakers were for solid walls - and the holes I'd drilled were too big (back to your earlier comments!)

I should have sound by next Friday - and the projector and screen will be in the week after. Last purchases will be a 42 or 50" plasma to sit behind the screen for daytime viewing - and either a laptop of media PC to play MP3s and the like.

Catch you soon

Si

chalkstorm · 02-12-2005, 9:33 PM

Got a few more photos...
Just painted the floor with some epoxy resin stuff - just to be sure I get no damp. Carpet goes down tomorrow (although just found out one of the doors leaks when it rains heavily - so it needs urgent attention!). I get Brett the sound engineer finishing off the soldering tomorrow morning - and making up all the other cables I need. Should have sound tomorrow - and hopefully have my War Of The Worlds SACD to play with...! Now just waiting on the screen - due any day.... and of course the long wait for the sofa from Harveys!
Si
PS - sorry about the flashing disco ball light thing - had to keep my better half (Sarah) happy...

chalkstorm · 04-12-2005, 5:59 PM

Well, Brett the sound engineer made up all the cables and got the system making noise. Got to say guys, I am bowled over by the quality of the sound. Listened to Holst - Mars - bringer of war - and it was truly amazing...!

Anyway, the carpet is in - the 'temporary sofas' are having the covers washed (I've shrunk them all so far - so hurry up Harveys and get my recliner delivered!) - and Sarah has put the Christmas tree up.

Only the screen to go - should be here this week so have roped in my dad to come and help me hang it.

Few more photos on my fotopic site - sorry if this is boring anyone - but I love looking at other peoples installs...

Si

chalkstorm · 10-12-2005, 7:58 AM

Morning
Spent many hours last night fitting the screen and PJ (ended up watching Top Gun which was aweseom in DTS!). Anyway, after fiddling around trying to get the image to fit the screen (I had triple checked all the measurements) - I figured out I have been supplied the wrong screen. I picked it up today after a 3 week wait - should have been a 110" Owl Jago - turns out it is a 92" Draper Baronet! That 18" doesn't half make it awkward to get the image to fit the screen when everything has been measured for 110". The mount has been used to push the PJ forward by almost 18" - but it is not ideal. I'll call the shop today.
Anyway, all that being said, I posted a few photos of the setup - and a couple of screenshots of Madagascar. All in all I'm thrilled at the quality of the image - and the sound system.
Si

nathsea · 10-12-2005, 8:38 AM

Si

Your setup is great, something to aspire to.... you should be well chuffed with what you have achieved, it`ll also be great for parties with xmas coming up!!!

Nathan

Les E · 13-12-2005, 12:20 PM

Hi Si,

Really looking great matey!!

Where did you get your chrome speaker faceplates from? I have been after these type for a while!!

Really nice set-up and a great sized room for the HC!!

chalkstorm · 13-12-2005, 1:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Les E

Hi Si,

Really looking great matey!!

Where did you get your chrome speaker faceplates from? I have been after these type for a while!!

Really nice set-up and a great sized room for the HC!!

Thanks Les

I bought the blanking plates from www.tlc-direct.co.uk - didn't cost much - but then spent £100 having them drilled and made up (ouch!). They are, I'm told, stainless - so got through a few drill bits. I know I could have done it cheaper - but I really am pleased with the finished look. The guys at the Sound Academy in Bloxwich (West Mids) did the work (and supplied all of the kit at great prices). I'd recommend them anytime....

Regards

Si

chalkstorm · 24-01-2006, 7:19 PM

Finished at last! Just got the right screen installed - and got Sky running through my HTPC - using MCE. Big learning curve - but well happy...

Got a tiny bit of soldering to do - and will probably change the HTPC>PJ from component to DVI - but need to buy a switch box.

Got lots of films to watch........!

Si

LFCRules · 24-01-2006, 7:31 PM

Very, very nice setup, what a HC room should look like

Although checking the latest pic with the light's up, you need a good universal remote to replace all those on the foot rest

**inzaman** · 25-01-2006, 8:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFCRules

Very, very nice setup, what a HC room should look like

I agree it looks very smart

chalkstorm · 25-01-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFCRules

Very, very nice setup, what a HC room should look like

Although checking the latest pic with the light's up, you need a good universal remote to replace all those on the foot rest

Thanks guys....

The remote solution is next on the agenda - so weeks of research ahead I suspect! The remote for the amp is a 'learning' one - but out of all, I favour the Hauppauge MCE one - which works nicely. Suppose I'll be living in one of the other forums for a while!

Si