Windows 7 - Media Center Home! Lets get started

[ian_solway]

Hello Everybody!

Been checking out these forums for a long time and wow some of you guys are impressive! Elootos - Genius!

So, what do i have planned? well basically im starting with my Lounge, which will include a wall mounted Screen and inset HTPC, i will also need to build some cupboards to hide a gas meter! I have a horrible, horrible fireplace to remove or hide! and i also have some problems with bendy walls & ceilings possibly a projector

first things first Clear the room and hoover up! followed by some head scratching and brainstorming!

(Oh... i don't actually live at this house at the moment as i gutted the house about 6 months ago to install a new kitchen (which is 90% complete - will post some pictures when i get back later on).

Pictures Promised later...

[apul]

Well...Havn't you finished yet?

[ian_solway]

Originally Posted by apul

Well...Havn't you finished yet?

Just about as you can see, lots to clear!

But getting there...

and finally...

So, any ideas what to do? im planning on removing the wooden cupboards and shelving, and replacing with a clean looking wall with inset plastered shelves, i will also have a mounted screen set back into the wall. If i decide to go for a projector i will have a pelmit which will house an electric screen running along the front of the room, but im not sure if its worth it as i will be sitting just under 3ms from screen and the throw will be about 3.5 meters? any suggestions?

oh as promised, some pictures of my kitchen which is 80% complete in these photos.

before

After

anyway back to work for a few days, then it will be finishing off the kitchen and getting rid of the fire hearth!

[rubenm]

my mom says to clean my room....if she see yours...

but looks nice hard work, wanna see wind7 working

[gunark]

Have a look for short throw PJs, there are plenty, and you'll get a healthy sized image at 3/3.5 metres. As I found with DLP, half of it is the size but half of it is the DLP image - very cinematic. You'll not regret it, even if the image isn't like 200". Just 90" odd will still look awesome and very different to a 90" TV. Plus 720p DLPs look awesome with HD and still really really good with upscaled SD-DVD. Go for it, it's a different class of machine, a whole other way of watching films (I don't use my 42" plasma for films, only TV, as films come alive more on the PJ). Plus it always impresses people who come over. Always!

[Mister Gonzo]

I agree with Gunark - you definitely have room for a PJ. In my last house I sat no more than 2.5-3m from the screen and found a 77" screen was nice and cinematic without making you dizzy.
In my current setup I've gone for a 105" screen and the seating position is 4-4.5m away.

No idea why you'd want to rip out that chimney - it's a beauty!

[ian_solway]

Excellent, looking at an 80" screen

should be some more updates by friday!

[ian_solway]

As Promised!

Removed the hearth and started a bit of framing up!

sorry about poor pictures, used my girlfriends camera, (she has it on a rubbish picture quality)!

going to be boxing out the appliance shelf, screen mount and the pelmit this week! also i need to think about the lighting. Don't really want that light bulb dangling in front of my projector screen

[godf]

looking good there keep up the good work. looks very profesional. i have the same chalenge drill as you from argos.

ian

[albriscoe]

Hi Ian

I think its a great idea to sink your panel into the wall as I`ve just done (see link).

Also def have to agree with all the others regarding a screen and pj, you will never want to go back to a plasma/lcd ever.

Where the hell did all the mess come from mate

keep it up and loads of pics as well like `em

Al

[ian_solway]

Originally Posted by albriscoe

Where the hell did all the mess come from mate

Al, tools, materials and general house clearance rubbish, i found out the hard way why you should take regular trips to the dump!!! loving your build! how is the ONKYO TX-SR576? thinking of getting one for my build

took some pictures of some equipment today.....

LG 32LG5700

Antec Fusion Veris Case (For HTPC - Will have Windows 7 installed, Currently running 2x S2 HD Cards with native H.264 (BBC, ITV HD)

Antec 300 series (Windows Home Server - Will be in the office housing around 5TB of HD/Blu Ray Films & DVD's along with around 700 Albums of music

Ian

More updates tomorrow....

[ian_solway]

well what a week, ended up working more than expected so no updates for a while.

however, i have manage to box in the av rack and have started on the lcd mount.

Oh, the postman delivered this aswell.

[ian_solway]

managed to get the screen surround built today, but forgot my camera, will post some pictures tomorrow.

also looking into an ambilight pcb board to create the same effect from my pelmit or from behind the screen!

[albriscoe]

Hi Ian

the 576 is very good mate, infact for under £200 it has to be the best AV reciever around.

If I had to pick fault it doesn`t have on screen display like my 905 but its very punchy and channel separation is fabulous.

Its really drives the Bose great as well, can`t see you being disappointed mate tbh

cheers and keep up with the pics Al

[sparkymarky]

lookin good ian! Which projector are you getting?