Cellar Conversion - Home Cinema

[superdon]

Hi,

Recently moved into a new house and we are just about to have the cellar tanked, drylined, insulated etc. The reason we are doing this, is mainly because there is nothing else to do to the house to "improve" it and add value. We cannot extend.

We have been trying to decide exactly what to do with the room once its habitable, but our best idea is to have a small bar and home cinema.

The room is fairly small (about 4m x 4m). Do you think we would be able to set up a projector and screen in this size room. Would it be worth it?

Any input would be appreciated, along with anything we should consider with regards to the builders work.

Cheers!

[inzaman]

Yes it will be worth it imo, my cellar is a similar size to your and i am going to be going through the same pains over the next couple of months.

Depending on projector, if you look at the throw ratios, you should get between a 6ft and 7ft wide screen for a throw of about 10ft. The bass from the sub might be quite boomy in a smallish room especially with a low height but i would have thought it could be controlled.

As regards to builders ensure that you plan the electrics out, i am in the process of doing this, i.e plug point in the ceiling for pj etc. and any ventilation requirements as well.

[superdon]

Right. Ventilation will be sorted, but good tip on the power points. I'll have to have a think on that one.

Any recommendations on a good projector/screen for that size room and what sort of cost are we looking at?

I've just finished a loft conversion and, yes, the first thing to think of is your electrics, not only a power point for projector but remember and run your leads from pj to dvd/amp before doing any plastering.

Also bar, i've got one, just got a kitchen worktop from BQ, they come in 2 lengths 4ft and 6ft, i think.

Best of luck to you and remember, its all worth it in the end......

Oh, check Ebay for taps for your bar, they may not work but they look good

[superdon]

Cheers Scott - sounds good. I'll get the exact measurements of the room in a few mins and then you can all give me some more advice!

[superdon]

Right. Its going to actually be about 350cm x 340cm when completed. Not too much headroom either. Once the new floors in, and the ceiling done it will be about 180cm.

Any further ideas?

[inzaman]

For projector i have a Z2 and that can throw a 7ft wide image from about 10ft. The general rule of thumb is that you want to be sitting about 1.5 screen width away so 7ft wide should just fit nicely.

For powerpoints i just did a drawing of the cellar, roughly, and have put what power points i want where so the electrician knows once he arrives.

Also light switches and spot lights i.e number of spot lights and how many switches to control them. Also light for the steps into the cellar and a switch at the top and bottom so you can turn it off once in the cinema room.

Radiator points and where your equipment/screen will be in relation to these, and the furniture that you want down there. Very important to measure the width of the steps to ensure the sette will fit down because if they are anything like my steps they are only about 70cm wide.

[superdon]

Cheers again.

Any ideas on a good, but cheap screen? I want something that can be put away when its not in use.

Also, what about a ceiling bracket for the projector. Are these particualr to the projector bought, or are they universal? I would need something pretty "slimline" I would expect so I can mount the projector fairly tight to the ceiling.

[inzaman]

For projector mount if you do a few searches there are people who have made their own, i am in the same boat as i want one that is very snug to the ceiling and will probably end up making my own.

[superdon]

What do you think of this projector for my set up?

http://www.technoworld.com/productdi...0%2D260%2DT011

[superdon]

and these...

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=45168

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...=60582&_LOC=UK

[inzaman]

In that price range the X1 is getting all the praise although i havent seen one for myself. With it being DLP you should really demo first to make sure you do not suffer from rainbows.

[superdon]

Yeah, its difficult getting out for demos for various reasons. Perhaps one of the LCD's would be a better bet?

I thought I saw something about an online "test" for the rainbow effect? Am I making that up?

[cinesom]

Dont forget room acoustics! It's what everyone forgets and to do it properly get in touch with this guy:
www.greatsoundingrooms.biz
It will not cost the earth and turns a reasonable sounding room into an emotional experience

The Screen, I made my own one for about £25 (inc blackout material) ok, its fixed into position but nothing a nice pair of curtains would'nt hide....
Worth thinking about rather than splashing out on an expensive retractable one.