CPA-ESQ.

Ok.. I'm almost finished bulding my new garage, which means I can turn my old garage into my dream HT room.

But before I started I wanted to seek out some advice from all of you that have done it.

Here is where I am..

1) convert a single bay of my 2 car garage into the room
2) I was thinking about redoing the walls in 3/8" firecode sheetrock (this stuff is dense and should help with the reverberation)
3) I was going to frame out a chase allong the wall so that I can access cables for the speakers and projector.
4) I put in a 50 amp breaker to power the room (that should be enough power


Now I need some help, advise, tips, books to read etc..

1) what have you all done that you wish you would have put in?
2) I would love to chat with any of you who want to share your experiences on the design and building of your rooms.


Thanks Guys !!

drmoze

Couple of thoughts: Good idea for the chase--will help with wiring and upgrades. I hope you're considering a front projector! SOunds like a great room for it.

Also, I'd recommend good indirect lighting--best way to go is upward-aiming wall sconces on a dimmer circuit. HT rooms should be dimly lit, not lightless! I'd also suggest curtains or other fabric on the walls, and perhaps a dropped panel ceiling to reduce echoes. Many folks also put in a raised platform to the rear for tiered seating.

Check some of the HT forums for HT rooms and more design ideas...

CPA-ESQ.

yeah definately a front projector! and lighting with sconces. light should not be an issue. 1/2 of the garage is below grade and there are only 2 little windows - I want to put in those black out shades.

Are there any specific websites that you would suggest.

thanks

cajun_junky

You are now doing what I hope to do in a couple of years. Good luck!

BTW, I often visit Home Theater Spot. Be sure to check peoples personal websites (in their sig) for ideas on what they have done.

LasVegasMichael

Another great place to browse for info is the AVS forum at www.avsforum.com

Here is a link to a masterfully planned HT, converted from a large basement, I believe. The link below is the finished product, but there are steps from the beginning to the end on the site. It started as an empty room and turned into something amazing, for lack of a better term.

He also lists all his equipment (the best that $$$$$ can buy).

http://theater.stevejenkins.com/gallery/complete/

You are very fortunate to have this opportunity! Good luck!

CPA-ESQ.

WOW !!! that looks like that club in Scarface!!

I wish I had the $$$$ and room to do something like that...

I have some more details:

layout of the room

10' 4" with
------------------------
-
-
-
- 20' 4" depth
-
-
-

hight floor to ceiling is 7' 4" (tight when you consider I'll loose about 4" to flooring)

Now given the dementions:

1) what size screen could I get away with?
2) how far back would the first row of seats need to be?
3) I want a good projector with HD and some sort of line doubling

Brian Shannon

Be sure to check over at AVS Forum. They were alot of help when I built my theater last year.

Check my link at the bottom for photos.
My room is 19X15 and my Berklines sit about 11' from my 100" screen.

Take your time, get some magazines, visit some stores and do lots of research and homework. I planned my theater for nearly a year and I still forgot to do some things even though they are not critical, I still know about them

Ask more questions when you have them and good luck!

gotapex

Use this to calculate your viewing distance/screen size:

http://www.myhometheater.homestead.c...alculator.html

What's your budget for the projector? How about for the screen? Have you viewed any projectors yet?

oldone

Ok, that room is just plain sick to look at. I mean who in their right mind would build that nice of theater and not have me over to watch movies on a daily basis. :lol

devynal

Wow heh, that is sick.

bfrank

use a stand wave calculator to make sure you dont set your seats in a peak or null.


There are many out there-
http://www.harman.com/wp/index.jsp?articleId=131

Knight76

Make sure you use flat paint. Obvious I know but its something.

Run all cabling through the walls and even though you may not have all the digital doodads available like high def stuff etc, run enough cables to allow for all this when it eventually becomes available. Basically get as good a projector as you can with as big a screen as you can fit.

The frame of my screen at home slightly overlaps behind my floor standing front speakers. The picture dosnt though so thats what matters. Bigger the better.