Berty's livingroom setup

Bertychewster · 03-10-2009, 7:00 PM

I've been reading this members gallery for years and often thought " yeah once I get my room done I'm going to post on here and share my efforts", that time has come and now I don't know what to say....
here goes.

My wish for my room was for it to still look like and be a functional living room, but try my best to get a decent quality home cinema setup in there without being overwhelming, but at the same time not compromising the kit.

I had a decent start already with a 42" Kuro, Panasonic BD55 and my trusty old Denon amp and Mission 752f's. This upgrade was all about getting a big screen and my first PJ.

I re wallpapered the room with a dove paper and the ceiling has a homebase ultra flat matt paint. Not too dark but way darker than it was before. I got some dim out blinds front and back and a set of black out curtains if ever needed.

I decided I would like to get a in ceiling screen early on but never realized that would cut my options of manufacturers and options as much as it did.I went through dozens of changes of heart before eventually choosing. I settled on a Beamax In-ceiling projection screen 220x128 1.2 gain in the end, not the cheapest option but have to say I'm pretty happy with it (although it does really smell very chemical), I'm hoping that it wears of after a while, saying that i'm on around 50 hours and it's not getting much better so far, on the bright side it's cheaper than drinking

First I had to lift part of my bedroom floor above and check there wasn't anything in the way. Cut the hole which was uber messy. Attach the 4 brackets for the screen and attach the bolts etc. This would be a lot easier if Beamax supplied you with a template of some sort.

I wired a RF receiver to the screen (easy) and then the extender to a plug in the bedroom above. I forgot to take pics, I think the amount of plaster I had inhaled had an effect on me

Bertychewster · 03-10-2009, 7:09 PM

Next up was fitting the screen to the bolts I had installed. These screens are pretty heavy and I had to abandon my first attempt as Mrs Chewster was having a wobbly arms moment and I thought I'd wait for the next unsuspecting visitor. Sure enough next day it was in place.

Really chuffed with the end result

Bertychewster · 03-10-2009, 7:12 PM

Next up was running HDMI under the floor, up between the ceiling and installing my shiny white JVC 350.

Bertychewster · 03-10-2009, 7:19 PM

These pics have come out a bit yellow but look okay for the dark PJ snaps.

50 hours on the clock and i've got to say i'm still pinching myself that it has all worked out so well, i'm no DIY expert by any means.

Oh I almost forgot to thank everyone who has given me advice whether it be on screens, PJ's, HMDI switches or anything else. Without the help and support from AV Forums I would have never attempted installing a setup like this.

chienmetallique · 04-10-2009, 9:03 AM

Berty,

Great work!

These screenshots are the 1st proper example, where room reflection can be seen to impact the 2:35 Black Bars. Notice the difference between pics 5 (POTC) & 7 (Wall-E).

This is the most convincing post I've seen to justify room treatment as my next upgrade.

Cheers for sharing

Carl

alz2605 · 04-10-2009, 9:27 AM

Nice job mate! Your room looks great. I know what you mean about the smell of a new screen. Its really unpleasant and takes a good few weeks to go. The things we have to put up with for the love of our hobby!

Bertychewster · 04-10-2009, 6:25 PM

Ran some Cat5 from my router under the floor and up behind the TV stand. Next job is a HTPC. I bought a Seagate 1.5tb ext hard drive and so far have around 120 films...only about 200 more to rip. I'm thinking a Asrock Ion330 or maybe the new popcorn.

Bertychewster · 05-10-2009, 3:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alz2605

Its really unpleasant and takes a good few weeks to go. The things we have to put up with for the love of our hobby!

It's getting better alz

Watched the Incredible Hulk last night on Blu-ray and it was only him turning green during the movie.

The Snake · 05-10-2009, 4:01 PM

I really like this, you've kept the lounge looking comfy and whacked in a TV and PJ at the same time.

Bertychewster · 05-10-2009, 8:55 PM

thanks for the kind comments guys. Here some more brighter snaps( bit too bright). I'll get it right yet.

deefadog · 06-10-2009, 9:49 AM

Mate that's one great install! That living room looks so comfy like it should

One thing i missed is the surround and bottom of the screen, is that a kit or was it something you made? as the stealth install is amazing! - I reckon i can convince the misses now

to bring the PJ up stairs top the living room!

swaz · 06-10-2009, 1:41 PM

Excellent

nwgarratt · 06-10-2009, 2:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chienmetallique

Berty,

Great work!

These screenshots are the 1st proper example, where room reflection can be seen to impact the 2:35 Black Bars. Notice the difference between pics 5 (POTC) & 7 (Wall-E).

This is the most convincing post I've seen to justify room treatment as my next upgrade.

Cheers for sharing

Carl

The POTC scene is brighter so the black bars look more grey than with a darker scene.

Nice setup and excellent job with the screen.

What PJ is it? It looks like a JVC?

I have always wanted those speakers as rears.

Bertychewster · 06-10-2009, 3:15 PM

deefadog I might be picking you up wrong, but do you mean this Beamax | In-ceiling projection screen 220x128 16:9 . If so it's an all in one unit that uses just 4 bolts. Pretty easy to fix, but a bit messy.

Bertychewster · 06-10-2009, 3:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwgarratt

The POTC scene is brighter so the black bars look more grey than with a darker scene.

Nice setup and excellent job with the screen.

What PJ is it? It looks like a JVC?

I have always wanted those speakers as rears.

Thanks

The PJ is a JVC DLA-350. Got to say I'm really happy with it. I swithered between this model and the Panasonic PT-AE3000 for quite a while. I wasn't sure I'd get the benefit of the better contrast due to my room not being a batcave, but I've got to say it's worked out really well.

The rears (B&W DS6) I've had for about 8-9 years, got them not long before the were discontinued. I had winced at the price I paid back then, but they have been a great buy. The only problem with them being cream is the grilles are needing a good scrub, I'm wondering if getting them dry cleaned might be the way to go?

deefadog · 06-10-2009, 3:37 PM

Quote:

deefadog I might be picking you up wrong, but do you mean this Beamax | In-ceiling projection screen 220x128 16:9 . If so it's an all in one unit that uses just 4 bolts. Pretty easy to fix, but a bit messy.

No your correct

I just can't read

How many notes did the screen set you back, if you don't mind me asking

chienmetallique · 06-10-2009, 3:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwgarratt

The POTC scene is brighter so the black bars look more grey than with a darker scene.

You're right!

My point was, this is a good example of why room reflections make a difference. Or is this light leakage?

Given the room conditions Berty has done an excellent job

nwgarratt · 06-10-2009, 4:13 PM

I have biege (peanut colour) on three sides with a dark red on the other. I don't have any problems with light and I even have framed glass front posters on the walls. I did want to have the ceiling around the screen black plus more walls red but was told "not happening"

Light leakage usually happens in the corners of the picture.

Bertychewster · 06-10-2009, 5:10 PM

I was watching Mist(yaaawn!) last night (mrs choice) and while my mind was wandering from the movie I noted that i just might be getting as much light reflection from the light beige carpet as from the light ceiling. I might try experimenting with some dark coverings to see how much perceived difference it makes.

chienmetallique · 06-10-2009, 7:23 PM

Berty,

If you haven't seen it already, may I refer you to Albriscoe's thread. Specifically his Ikea black rugs. I'm not sure how they would go in your rather stylish gaff, however for not alot of money you could at least try it out.

Carl

Bertychewster · 07-10-2009, 9:44 AM

Albriscoe's thread is LEGENDARY

The research/work he's done is unbelievable. Your right though, even though I can't get anywhere close to the light control he's got, there is some food for thought.

Suave · 07-10-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bertychewster

thanks for the kind comments guys. Here some more brighter snaps( bit too bright). I'll get it right yet.

Hey Berty!

Great stuff there matey!! It looks really grand!! What wallpaper is that & where did you get it?

Suave!

Bertychewster · 08-10-2009, 10:54 AM

Hmm i'll need to check with the mrs for that info. It's a bugger to hang, that's all i know

Bertychewster · 10-10-2009, 4:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suave

Hey Berty!

Great stuff there matey!! It looks really grand!! What wallpaper is that & where did you get it?

Suave!

Here you go. Belgravia Decor Cicilia Texture Dove Wallpaper 73553 Heavyweight Textured Vinyl