My Home Cinema in My Attic

chrish16 · 24-11-2008, 4:06 PM

Eventually i can start my thread and get to work on my Home Cinema in my attic.

The old stuff has been moved out by my girlfriends dad so i can get to work now, although i need to work around the stuff that we have in there.

I've taken some pictures of how it looks now. I have taken the carpet up and removed part of the old workbench/desk.

I will be getting a new workbench in the dorma in front of the window, this will be used for a desk basically, put my computer/laptop on there, filing etc. Underneath will be for storage, i will probably just put curtain/material around here so that i can pull it around to get under. I was thinking of putting a fridge under here also for my lovely refreshing drinks

Further around i will put my couch against the wall of where the stairs come up and the opposite wall will have my screen - hoping for a 50"

The other side of the wall has two cupboards, one needs new lourve doors. Behind the one nearest screen wall will house my equipment on an equipment stand i've already bought, can't remember the mark of it but is a good one. Got it off ebay supposed to be £250+ but got it for about £80 with postage so good bargain.

The other cupboard will be used for storage and the middle alcove (which yo ucan just see behind the old workbench) will probably used for shelving for my media, or i may place my guitars in here and put the media in one of the cupboards. Not sure whether i want them on show yet or not.
I'm going to get blackout blinds for the window and i've got a new 6 light halogen light, one of those bending ones so that can go around the ceiling. I've got two new halogen spots for on the stairs so that should light the stairs better than they are now. I've also got a matching chrome remote dimmer for these lights. I'm also hoping to get some of those strip LED lights so go up either side of the stairs for when the lights are dimmed, I've priced them up and they are going to be about £130 for 8 metres in total, so if i do do this it will be one of the last things (least important).

I am going to hopefully take all that horrible wood panelling off the wall and paint it a creamy colour and the TV wall I've got some wallpaper with a large modern pattern.
Anyone please feel free to give any ideas or comments.

MarkP80 · 24-11-2008, 10:04 PM

Looks like you've got a room there that will make an excellent cinema! Good luck with your project, and keep the regular pics coming. Any particluar issues - just let the forum know!

MarkP

Kenny Glasgow · 25-11-2008, 6:31 AM

Nice space you have there

Good luck with the project

chrish16 · 25-11-2008, 10:28 AM

After looking at other people's conversions a lot of people seem to be putting those patition walls in so they can hide their cables behind etc. Do you think i need to do this on my screen wall or just channel the plaster out to put a HDMI cable in and replaster?

chrish16 · 28-11-2008, 1:44 PM

I've started taking the wood paneling off the walls, but I'm not sure I've done the right thing. The walls are so much more cold to the touch than with the wood on, and i'm wondering if the wood would act as a kind of insulation. It is already really cold up there, so I'm thinking of trying to put the paneling back on and paint over the top instead of painting the walls.
The thing that put me off was the pattern of the grooves, and i can't be bothered to smooth them myself or to pay for a plasterer, but i might just have to.

Any ideas anyone? I need persuading i think.

**inzaman** · 28-11-2008, 2:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

I've started taking the wood paneling off the walls, but I'm not sure I've done the right thing. The walls are so much more cold to the touch than with the wood on, and i'm wondering if the wood would act as a kind of insulation. It is already really cold up there, so I'm thinking of trying to put the paneling back on and paint over the top instead of painting the walls.
The thing that put me off was the pattern of the grooves, and i can't be bothered to smooth them myself or to pay for a plasterer, but i might just have to.

Any ideas anyone? I need persuading i think.

Would your eyes really be drawn to the gorves though once they are painted over - assuming a dark/darkish colour?

Zef · 28-11-2008, 2:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

I've started taking the wood paneling off the walls, but I'm not sure I've done the right thing. The walls are so much more cold to the touch than with the wood on, and i'm wondering if the wood would act as a kind of insulation. It is already really cold up there, so I'm thinking of trying to put the paneling back on and paint over the top instead of painting the walls.
The thing that put me off was the pattern of the grooves, and i can't be bothered to smooth them myself or to pay for a plasterer, but i might just have to.

Any ideas anyone? I need persuading i think.

you could use the battens that the T&G panels used to fit some platerboard - put a bit of insulation in the gap and seal up the joins - no need for a skim of plaster if you dont want, plus you can route all your cables in the void.

aggallim · 28-11-2008, 4:16 PM

wish I had a dedicated man room

good luck matey!

The Prof. · 28-11-2008, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

I've started taking the wood paneling off the walls, but I'm not sure I've done the right thing. The walls are so much more cold to the touch than with the wood on, and i'm wondering if the wood would act as a kind of insulation. It is already really cold up there, so I'm thinking of trying to put the paneling back on and paint over the top instead of painting the walls.
The thing that put me off was the pattern of the grooves, and i can't be bothered to smooth them myself or to pay for a plasterer, but i might just have to.

Any ideas anyone? I need persuading i think.

chrish16..My advise would be to cover the front wall with 2" thick semi-rigid fibreglass, and then build a false screen wall approx. 2' out from the wall..
That way, you'll have your insulation against cold again and the fibreglass acts as an acoustic absorber..The best of both worlds really..

chrish16 · 29-11-2008, 10:11 AM

Thing is it is on all walls so can't do the plasterboard thing all over, and it won't be painted dark it will be a cream colour.

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 11:28 AM

Prof
Where can i get this fibreglass from and how expensive is it?

IWC Dopplel · 01-12-2008, 1:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

Thing is it is on all walls so can't do the plasterboard thing all over, and it won't be painted dark it will be a cream colour.

Are you sure about cream.......... I assume you will not be using a projector ?

deefadog · 01-12-2008, 1:26 PM

Hi mate, saw you questions on the other thread. I have the planar 7010 projector (which is awesome for sun £500) and have attached this just through the plaster board and it's fine, i used the metal sprung clips, which spread the load over the plaster board and it's been up for 5 months with no problems! Not to say that the first month, the first thing i did every morning was slowly open the door with my fingers crossed hoping it had not fallen down LoL.

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 1:42 PM

Hi
What are the metal sprung clips?

Well i didn't want a dark room, i wanted to brighten it up and the lights will be dimmed. I still can't decide whether to go for a screen or projector. Just been reading the reviews of the Sony HW10 and Panasonic AE3000, i just can't decide what to go for, i wish i could just go home tonight and someone has chosen everything for me, much easier that way

deefadog · 01-12-2008, 2:09 PM

spring toggle manufacturer and spring toggles supplier--China Ningbo Johson Industry Co., Ltd.

Like this one

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 2:18 PM

Hi
Do you need to get to the other side of these to tighten them, because i am doing it in the attic so i wouldn't be able to get to the other side of the ceiling for example.

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 2:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWC Dopplel

Are you sure about cream.......... I assume you will not be using a projector ?

All other threads on here that have a projector have cream walls, a light colour in any case.

deefadog · 01-12-2008, 2:29 PM

Confused, you mean, you can't get to the other side? if so, you don't need to get to the other side, they grip to the plasterboard so you can pull on them and tighten the same time!

IWC Dopplel · 01-12-2008, 2:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

All other threads on here that have a projector have cream walls, a light colour in any case.

Chrish I would say that light coloured is usually the exception for performance reasons. You can fit removable dark curtains, panels etc, if aesthetically you want a light environment when not watching a PJ. The performance difference for a PJ set up is substantial. If you have a flat panel and don't intend to use a PJ this is not a real issue

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 2:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deefadog

Confused, you mean, you can't get to the other side? if so, you don't need to get to the other side, they grip to the plasterboard so you can pull on them and tighten the same time!

Yes sorry I've edited it now. Do you need to make a large hole then to get the grips through or just a standard hole?

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 2:56 PM

IWC maybe that decides for me that i should go for a panel instead of a projector?

I will be sitting 4 metres max from the screen so maybe a 50" would be more suitable?

IWC Dopplel · 01-12-2008, 3:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

IWC maybe that decides for me that i should go for a panel instead of a projector?

I will be sitting 4 metres max from the screen so maybe a 50" would be more suitable?

Chrish worth seeing both. I have a 42" panel in another room, looks great but it's nowhere near the same experience for film. Check this out for room ideas and light control it doesn't have to look like a batcave all the time if you want a PJ and a larger screen than 50"

Room improvements and light control

If you watch a lot during the day then probably a panel (espcially if you can't justify both) for me panel's are for every day Projectors are for film and uninterrupted watching

IWC Dopplel · 01-12-2008, 3:06 PM

Here is another enthusiasts dedication to PJ performance

http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-...j-upgrade.html

chrish16 · 01-12-2008, 3:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWC Dopplel

If you watch a lot during the day then probably a panel (espcially if you can't justify both) for me panel's are for every day Projectors are for film and uninterrupted watching

Well it wouldn't be for normal viewing, although i would like sky i would probably want it for HD material, normal viewing would be in the bedroom on 32", and the attic for movies and special events.

Manni01 · 01-12-2008, 4:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

All other threads on here that have a projector have cream walls, a light colour in any case.

Hi Chris, nice space indeed!

I agree with IWC, I have both Panel (37" Pana) and PJ, Panel is in the play room for the kid, to watch the news, and whenever family wants to watch something during the day. PJ (and bat bin) is for evening TV but mainly to watch films, hence optimised for PJ...

Once you're used to watching flms on a PJ screen (mine is "small" at 88" diag), you can't watch movies on a smaller screen anymore...

50" from 4m will look fine for TV, but to my taste would be to small to watch films. I'm watching my 88" screen from around 3.5 meters and it feels all right for movies (even if I'm craving for BIGGER).

If you want to keep practicality/light decoration, and watch a variety of content with ambiant light, I would strongly suggest to go for the biggest panel you can afford (or at least go for a PJ that would perform well in such an environment). If, on another hand, you can have a nice TV in the living room, and make your dedicated room more of a bat cave (with controlled light and darket decor), then you would make the most of a PJ.

Best would be to watch both PJ and panels in the same environment you plan to use them. You would be REALLY disappointed if you buy an AE-3000 after viewing it in a light controlled, bat cave like demo room and then watch it at home with ambient light and light walls.

If you don't want to reproduce the movie experience in your dedicated room (lights off, dark walls), and there is nothing wrong with that, I would strongly advise to go for a panel (and possibly put some shelves on the back wall and move your sofa closer to the screen), you'll be much happier!

IWC Dopplel · 01-12-2008, 5:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

Well it wouldn't be for normal viewing, although i would like sky i would probably want it for HD material, normal viewing would be in the bedroom on 32", and the attic for movies and special events.

I think a demo will answer a lot of questions. If you really crave the projector experience you need a PJ !

Just remember the room is an integral part of picture quality. If you get the chance to see a room like PJHiFI's dem room and see a good projector there it will make the point. Then go to an average dem room with shop lights drifting in at the back (A sevenoaks or similar) and you will think the two projectors are worlds apart. The truth is the pictures really will be worlds apart....

The Prof. · 01-12-2008, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

Prof
Where can i get this fibreglass from and how expensive is it?

Most Insulation Specialists would have it, or ducted Air Conditioning Installers..
It comes in 1200 x 2400 sheets, 2 inches thick..
It would cost you about 27.00 GBP /sheet..

It's yellow in colour, and the sheet is rigid enough to support itself..

chrish16 · 02-12-2008, 9:14 AM

Prof how much does it insulate, because at the moment its really cold up in the attic, yet in the summer is really hot. Any ideas of the cause of this and how best to fix it unless you have already given me the fix with the fibreglass idea.
I'm not sure if anythign like that is goign to be practical to do as it a bit weird shape having the dormer window and it is going to make the room even smaller. I think i will paint hte wood paneling and make do with a heater, it is going to need one anyway so i think i will just make do with a heater.

chrish16 · 12-12-2008, 3:31 PM

I think i have decided on getting a projector. Probably goign to go for the Sony VPL-HW10. I think i would prefer the Panasonic ae3000 but cannot afford that one unless it comes down in price when i come to purchase it around April time, but i doubt it with the recent price rise annouchments.

I have also been given the go ahead by the other half that she doesn't care what i do up there so i could have it black if i wanted, although i dno't as i want it to be able to look neutral if required.
My thoughts are that i will have it the neutral colours etc. as i previously wanted but i am going to get some black material like other people on here. Can people remember those old curtain wire things that the curtains hung on? Wel i am thinking of getting these or some wire at least and putting two lengths along the room on the ceiling from the projector back wall to the screen front wall and then two lengths on the side walls where the apex of the ceiling/roof changes to the vertical walls and then thread the material over the wires and push the material to the front or back which ever (basically bunched up) and then when i want to watch a film i can pull the material along the runners/wire to make a bat cave like tunnel. Just not sure yet whether i will just get enough material to do this around the front 1 or 2 metres or whether to get enough to pull the whole length of the room.
Now can anyone suggest what kind of material to get? I know velvet is a favourite because of its absorbant properties but this is probably too expensive and too heavy for the amount i need.

The Prof. · 13-12-2008, 1:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrish16

.
Now can anyone suggest what kind of material to get? I know velvet is a favourite because of its absorbant properties but this is probably too expensive and too heavy for the amount i need.

Chrish,

I used a suede material for my side curtains..It's lighter than the velvets but still looks very classy..it's also generally a bit cheaper..

Curtains hanging from ceiling to floor can be quite heavy..even with the lighter grades of material, so I think you'll need something more rigid than wire..
I used the standard curtain rods..the plastic coated type..and they also sagged in the middle, just with a span of 6'..
Since my curtains didn't need to open or close, I just fitted another bracket in the middle to prevent them from sagging..

I would suggest you use the channel type track that has a pull cord to open and close the curtains., or you can get them with just manual push and pull if you don't need the cord type..
They're a lot stronger than the rod type and I think you can get them in different weight capacities..