New Build, Plasma and AV into wall

[RichyF1]

Hi Guys
Recently moved into our house and expecting twins in 8 weeks so we have decided to redo the lounge.
The lounge is around 6m by 4m. The original plan was to build a FCB (False Chimney Breast) on the long internal wall. However we have noticed that the wall the other side of the room is actually hollow and some drilling has revealed there is around 14cm spare until we reach brick (Party wall between us and next door).

We are considering mounting the Plasma "Inside" the wall in much the same way I have seen done in FCB installs. We would also like to mount the speakers and some AV gear inside too.

Speakers we are considering are Orb Mod1's With maybe a mod2 center.
Sub I currently have is a Paradigm PD10 which I have always been happy with.

Questions I am pondering and would appreciate any advice.

Sound:
Sub, how well will this sub work with the Orb mod1's?
Do the Mod1's have a filter to drop below 200hz?
Could mounting the speakers into the wall effect sound quality?
What is the best height for speakers to be installed?

Plasma:
Currently planning on mounting the TV (Samsung 50") at eye level to the center of the screen as I find this to be the most comfortable position. However we feel this may look a little odd with it being so low especially considering we have reasonably high ceilings. Thoughts?

Will 2.5cm gap around the plasma be enough to let the heat escape, should I allow more? Also should use special heat resistant materials?

AV Gear
Planning to hide my Av equipment in the wall. Has anyone done this before in such a small space? I have a Multimedia PC, Broadband Router, Cable Box.

Thanks for any advice

Rich

[M.D. Klapwijk]

One question, eye-level, when standing or when sitting down? (If sitting down, have a look at my project: Building my own floating wall my ceiling is at about 2.60m)

About the 2.5 cm gap: I'm not sure, but I would try and vent it from behind/above the plasma into the false wall, using low rpm 120mm computer fans and some pvc piping...

[j4ck100]

Just a bit concerned as to whether you will be able to fit all of your gear in that wall! Definatley don't want to frazzle your PC - I'd suggest multiple low rpm fans if you are going to go ahead with the idea.

Jack

[RichyF1]

Originally Posted by M.D. Klapwijk

One question, eye-level, when standing or when sitting down?

Hey, Thanks for the advice, Yep eye level from sitting down. I have decided to make the hole slightly bigger (5cm either side) and raise it 20cm's also. Currently my measurements are:

Screen 79cm Tall, 123cm wide.
Hole 89cm tall, 133cm wide.
Height of Hole (base to foor) 70cm
Middle of screen to floor 115cm

Have been busy on it today, measured up this morning and marked up the hole and plasma position using masking tap, this game me a feel for how it would look.

I did a few test holes with the hole saw (funky drill attachment that i got 4 xmas ago, thanks mum).
Measuring around 12cm - 13cm depth. Also checked for struts and cables.

Cut the hole out using a stanley knife and a tub of elbow grease, hard work that bit. Then set at the struts with a saw.

I have decided to use MDF for the internal paneling. B+Q wouldnt cut plasterboard and it wont go in my car. They did however cut the MDF to the exact sizes I wanted FOC, this has been a godsend as the edging will be perfect.

Photos attached, hoping to get the panels in and the TV bracket up tomorrow. Camera doesnt do wide angle shots so best I could do.

I am considering the use of acoustic matting behind speakers to help cut down on the noise to next door. Does anyone know if this is actually worth doing?

Thanks for the PC advice, I currently have an Atom PC which should be ok, considering an upgrade to the newer Ion ones to give me full HD. Plan to have all the gear behind a false panel down to the left with trick BR drive, TV first though.

[M.D. Klapwijk]

Looking good so far!

One word of advice, before you start sanding the edges of the MDF you should paint them with MDF primer 2 or 3 times than sand them down to what they should be and paint them with primer again. That should give the best finish (for glos finishes anyways).

[KobeoneHD]

That is a really cool idea!! Actually putting everything in the wall rather than build a wall!! Good luck and keep the updates coming.

KobeoneHD

[RichyF1]

Havent had much time free today so only a little work done.
Struggled to find ways to attached the internal framework so decided to build it first outside of the wall then attach it pre-built which has worked out much easier.

Plasma Mounting next

[RichyF1]

Hey Guys
Made quite a bit of headway today.

Tested Plasma mounting, pretty accurate but as wall is uneven I will need to adjust wall mount in by 3mm. (One of those annoying things that only I will notice but it would bug me forever).

Ran HDMI and VGA cables behind the wall struts, luckily I tested the VGA cable beforehand, severe ghosting and extremely bad picture meant I had to pop out and get a better quality one. Can't test HDMI as dont have a source but it seems a thicker and better quality cable.

Ran front, mid and right speaker cables behind wall struts also. They are ready behind the wall for when I finally decide to go for the Orbs (A little worried about a lack of base).

Have screwed in the Plasma frame and made an internal back board.

Started on AV cupboard which also mounted inside the wall, 3 meters off to the left.
Have run power down left hand side, Audio and Video signal on the right.

Also Mounted HTPC, Modem and router.

Hope to get the cupboard door fitted, anyone know how I could hide the door seam?

Woohoo its starting to take shape.

Rich

[KobeoneHD]

This is really ingenious and cant wait for finished pics. What colours are you going for on the walls??

KobeoneHD

[RichyF1]

Thanks KobeoneHD
We are thinking of a magnolia or cream colour on the forward facing walls with maybe a black or chocolate feature wall at the rear.

Currently considering how I can get the amp into the wall too. Hmmmmmm

Hope to put the door on today and maybe start filling if I can test the HDMI lead.

Does anyone have any ideas how I can fill the gaps around wooden frame without the filler sticking to the frame? (Would be handy if the frame was removable if required. At the moment I am considering masking the outside of the frame.

Rich

[RichyF1]

Been ages since the last update but things have come on.
Purchased some Mordaunt Short Alumni's (5.1 setup). Fitted half in and Half out of the wall on the front. No vibration to wall, extremely pleased with their performance.

Things to do. Back lighting, tried to make my own system with LED's and its not working (You can probably see power adaptor hanging out of the Center speaker position). Fancy some of the new LED flexi strips you can get. Anyone have any experience with this?

Mount Rears. Planning to mount them a little higher so that the sound isnt blocked by the person next to you on the sofa, is this a good idea or does it ruin the sound field?

Adjust stand. TV is sitting forward at the bottom, just needs a few adjustments.

Overall pretty pleased, I have everything (HTPC, Modem, Router etc) hidden inside the wall apart from Amp, thinking of giving it a go but only have 13cm to play with. Would maybe require forced cooling. Alternativily i can place it in the dinning room next door! Hmmm

[KobeoneHD]

That looks really good there mate...you will love the alumni and the sub is awesome!!

KobeoneHD