home theater

new theater - main page --jump to-- spec page page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 4/20/07 - Picture Update (lightboxes) After nearly two years of theater enjoyment, I felt the need to finish the exterior look by building the remaining poster lightboxes. (Actually, the wife pressed me to get them done, but once I started, I was on a mission.) Around the time I had originally finished the theater, I had purchased a poster lightbox off eBay from a company called RiverCity Theaters. The RiverCity lightbox basically sandwiches the poster between a sheet of clear plexiglass and a white plexiglass diffuser, and then slides into the frame and rests in front of a couple fluorescent bulbs. The RiverCity boxes also use a spring loaded side panel to make opening and changing the posters a relatively simple task. These boxes cost approximately $265, shipped. In the spirit of DIY, (and saving $$, of course) I set out to duplicate these boxes as best I could. I had settled on building four additional boxes to match the remaining outlets our electrician had already installed. Building the frames were relatively simple. I first had to cut groves in each plank for both the plexiglass and the backer board. Not wanting to have any indication of screw or nail holes from the outside, I needed to strategically use supports to ensure the backer board and planks were secured to each other. I also needed a way to allow the box to open and close for changing out the posters, but didn't want to use springs like the other box, as the side panel ended up marring the wall whenever I opened it. Instead, my dad had the brilliant idea of using cabinet magnets. Once the frames were assembled, I proceeded to paint them. I used a metallic silver for the inside, and a semi-gloss black for the outside. A few coats later, the boxes were ready for hardware. Initially, I had planned on using fluorescent bulbs similar to the RiverCity boxes, however, I had been reading other people's accounts of their lightbox building experiences and they all decided to use standard ropelight. After installing the ropelight in the first couple boxes, I mounted them on the wall, and inserted the posters, but was sadly disappointed at the end result. The light output wasn't very bright, and there was an orange glow, making the posters looked washed out and dull. I decided to rip out the ropelight and go with fluorescents. Now the posters are bright and colorful! Amazingly, this whole project only took me a couple weeks to complete. The boxes look great, and I saved quite a bit too! I've included my supply and cost list below, but the bottom line was that each lightbox cost approximately $130. Material Cost Quantity Total Cost Location Purchased Framing Wood $5.48 17 $93.16 Lowes Corner Braces $1.89 1 $1.89 Lowes Screws $2.87 1 $2.87 Home Depot Magnets $0.88 8 $7.04 Home Depot Glue $4.97 1 $4.97 Home Depot Qtr. Round $6.74 1 $6.74 Lowes Silver Paint $3.79 3 $11.37 Home Depot Black Paint $3.12 4 $12.48 Home Depot Backer Board #1 $9.85 1 $9.85 Lowes Backer Board #2 $8.94 1 $8.94 Home Depot Rope Light Clips $2.97 2 $5.94 Lowes Ballasts $20.38 4 $81.52 Lowes Bulbs $5.37 8 $42.98 Home Depot Sockets + Wire $21.02 1 $21.02 Harrington Lights Plexi Glass $188.30 1 $188.30 eStreetPlastics Total Cost w/tax: $519.35 Cost per lightbox(4): $129.84 10/03/05 - Picture Update (chairs) (posters) (FINAL PICS) The theater has seen many hours of use these past few months and its been great. We did get a replacement chair that matches the first one, and we picked up some mushroom seats for the nieces and nephews that like the front row. I've also included pictures of some of our movie posters. I've got a few more to get framed and couple more lightboxes to build or purchase and install, but for now it looks fantastic. 6/24/05 - Picture Update (fabric) (chairs) (trim) (FINAL PICS) After some long nights and weekends, I have finally completed the Lipszyc Home Theater. A big thanks to the AVSForum, without whom I would've never gotten into this crazy hobby! Also a big thanks to those who lent me tools or helped me lift over a ton of sand (Meesh). Now I can finally enjoy the fruits of my labor. For those who actually read these pages and are curious how it all came together, keep reading. While installing the trim, I found out the hard way that I didn't cut some of the pieces correctly. After rereading that chapter on using a mitre saw, I recut the pieces and painted them to match. For the steps I needed to hand cut the curves to fit the bullnose of the carpet, and some used some patch as well. I planned the screen delivery perfectly, as it arrived just as I finished filling, sanding and painting. I made a few last minute adjustments to the center speaker, covered the bottom section with black fabric and installed the screen brackets. Stretching the screen material over the frame was quite a task and took me longer than expected. Once snapped together, I promptly mounted it on the brackets and sat back to enjoy the view. This all happened in the past week. To my surprise I received a call this morning that my chairs had arrived and were to be delivered this afternoon. Unfortunately, after dragging them down to the basement, I opened one up to find it was the wrong color. A quick call to Paul at Leather Direct had a replacement ordered. Another 5 weeks, but I can enjoy the existing chair until then. Oh well. First movie? Not sure yet. I'm torn between Star Wars Episode IV and Fifth Element...the wife wants to watch Jurassic Park. Either way, I've already logged about 10 hours on the PJ watching the fabulous demo disc from Clarence. (click here for the torrent!) Of course, nothing is every really completed. I still want to program some additional scenes into my X10 light switches, and I need to revamp my Pronto remote to better control my new components. Plus, I have some space in my rack for another changer, or perhaps an HTPC. And it looks like I need some more shelving soon. For now, I'm happy where its at, but I'll continue to tweak as I go! 6/08/05 - Picture Update (shelving) (columns) (trim) After a couple week hiatus from the theater due to a trip to St. Louis and fighting with the builder, I'm back on track to be completed no later than June 25th. (My wife is throwing her first get together at the new house and wants everything done.) Over the weekend I managed to construct the second set of shelving and install it in the wall. After a couple coats of paint, it will be ready to stock with our movies and memorabilia. With that out of the way, I moved onto installing the speakers in the side columns and securing them to the walls. The trim that I cut a few weeks ago, also got a coat of paint and I was able to get a small section of base trim installed last night. A few modifications to some of the pieces, a couple brads and the trim will be done. The last thing for me to do is fix the 2x2 in the screen wall and install the screen. 5/17/05 - Picture Update (fabric) (columns) (equipment) Had the weekend to myself and boy did I need it. On Friday I was up until 2am trying to reroute some cables through the conduit from the pj to the equipment room. If you look at my construction pics you can see I had to put a couple bends into the conduit so that made things especially tough. I managed to get them all through, thankfully. The next morning, with the new 6" pipe, I was able to get the pj mounted in its final position and connected. Of course I spent some time (couple hours) making sure all the inputs and cables worked fine. Since I was borrowing a co-workers mitre saw for the weekend, I needed to get back to task. I hoisted the side columns into place so I could measure and set about cutting my base trim and chair rail. With that out of the way, I went back to working on the fabric and finished the majority of the sections remaining. On Sunday, my wife helped me with the final sections of fabric and finished installing the rest of the sconces. All that is left now is to repair a stud in the proscenium, install the speakers into the columns and secure the columns to the wall, order and mount the screen, finish the screen wall fabric, and paint and install the trim and chair rail. One positive note - the chairs have been ordered and are on their way! 5/12/05 - Picture Update (fabric) (columns) (equipment) (furring strips) Huge update for today! The biggest accomplishment has been finalizing the columns. After building and installing the speaker supports and shelves, I wrapped each rear column in fabric, stuffed the non-speaker section with insulation and hoisted them into place. I originally held off on the side columns due to the differences in height between the colors, but after doing one, it actually was easier than I thought. I'll need to devise a better way to secure the columns to the wall, but for now they're ok. Managed to get all the fabric sections completed that I could. I was trying to figure out a good way to attach the furring strips near the front wall access panel, and the idea to use speaker grill grommets hit me. Installed the grommets last night into the strips and the receptacles in the wall, and now I can finish both sections of fabric. I am still waiting for the door area to see if I have enough fabric to cover the whole section. If not, I'll need to come up with a way to hide the staples above the doorway. Purchased and installed the new projector extension, and now the image is too low. I had figured on a 7" custom size pipe, but when I got to Lowes, they had a 6" and 8" pipe pre-cut and threaded. I chose the 8", so it looks like I'll need to exchange it for the 6". The 6" will work out better anyway since I was scraping the top of my head on the bottom of the projector. 5/10/05 - Picture Update (equipment) (fabric) (chairs) Only a few new pictures from the weekend, but quite a bit more done. Unfortunately, I was reminded the hard way to check that all the proper parts are in place before taking things apart. After pulling out all the wiring and old switches, I realized I needed a couple parts to be able to install the X10 dimmers. That wasn't going to stop me, however, and with the main lighting off and only a small lamp, I managed to get the mulberry fabric completed on a few sections. The mulberry goes much quicker than the midnight since I don't have to mess with back-stapling the top furring strips. Only a couple sections left. Later that evening I did stop off at Home Depot for the parts I needed and finished the dimmer install. Monday, I finally managed to mount the pj in its final home (I had been resting it on a box as a trial), and fire it up. The DIY mount is great in theory, but turned out to be a pain in the butt in reality. After a few minor modifications, the pj was up and running, but the picture is a few inches too high. Off to HD again to get an extension to the mount. Some of you will notice a new section added to page 6 - chairs! Although they haven't been ordered yet, we've made our final choices on model, fabric and leather. I've included close up pics of the fabric and leather selections. Once we do place an order, we hope to have them in 6-8 weeks. 5/6/05 - Picture Update (fabric) (equipment) (columns) On Wednesday, in between interviewing landscapers and supervising painters, I managed to get most of the blue fabric sections installed. Things are really starting to come together now. To make a rounded effect on the columns I installed some quarter-round on the edges. I also installed my first sconce after I had finished that section of fabric. Things look great. To help hide the large cavity in the ceiling, I mounted magnets to the bottom of a piece of plexiglass, painted to match the ceiling. Turns out 2 magnets aren't enough to hold it, so I've got to mount a third one. 5/2/05 - Picture Update (columns) (shelving) (fabric) Although I got quite a bit done over the weekend, I don't really have a lot of pictures to show off this update. Most of my time was consumed with building and cutting speaker openings in the columns that will hide the speakers. I did get the trim painted and installed for one set of shelves, and I've re-cut and painted the other set of shelves after learning the hard way of a small mismeasurement in the first set. The side wall fabric was delivered this past week as well and I hope to start working on that on Wednesday. 4/25/05 - Picture Update (fabric) Despite a trip to Toledo this past weekend, I was able to get a couple more sections done of the screen wall fabric. Each section went faster than expected and came out great. Since I'll need a way to get behind the wall if I ever need to adjust or change the speakers, I used velcro along the right-hand section. I'm also going to leave the bottom section until the very end so I can make any final adjustments, if needed. Waiting on the colored fabric for the walls. 4/20/05 - Picture Update (equipment) (shelving) (fabric) Between waiting for contractors and telecommuting into work, I managed to get quite a few more things done yesterday. After shifting each component around at least 3 times, I finally settled on an equipment rack configuration I liked. I had to keep in mind things like air circulation and heights of things like the VCR for little people. (nieces and nephews, not the other type of little people) Rope light behind the first row seating location went pretty smooth, and some jigsaw work was needed to fit the final mounting pieces into the ceiling. I also managed to assemble one set of shelves, but when I went to install them, it took some work due to some warped 2x4s. I also learned that I mismesaured one of the groves in the side panels, but it should be an easy fix. I'm going to reroute the second set of shelves so as to make those correct before installation. Probably the biggest accomplishment didn't come until late in the evening when I managed to get my first piece of fabric installed. I used some thin cardboard strips to make a straight seam along the ceiling and approximately 200 staples, and it looks great! I'm using a material called Expocloth for my front wall and GOM (Guilford of Maine) for my side and rear walls. 4/18/05 - Picture Update (acoustic treatments) (equipment) (shelving) Was able to work most of the weekend and got quite a bit accomplished. Friday night I unpacked my receiver and CD changer so that I would have some listening material while working on the rest of the room. I also managed to get all the polyester batting up on the walls. It went much faster than I anticipated. On Saturday I put the first coat of paint on my shelves, but somehow forgot to take a picture. Since I am using Antique White to match our trim, you wouldn't see much of a difference in the pictures anyway. I also painted the trim surrounding the equipment rack. (moving the receiver and changer first, of course) While those were drying, I worked on the rope lighting, low voltage wiring and the projector mount. The mount is cut from 1/4" plexiglass and will use a floor flange and pipe system to mount to the ceiling. The springs under the plexiglass are used for any minor adjustments to the skew and height at each location. I would've had it mounted on Saturday, but I can't seem to find the final piece that mates up to the floor flange. Off to Lowes I go. Sunday was more of a cleaning day around the house, but I did manage to get the second coat of paint on the shelves and moved them to their final location once they were dry. I also made my trip to Lowes and picked up the rest of what I need to hang the pj. I hope to have the materials for the columns all set to go and be ready for fabric very soon. 4/13/05 - Picture Update (speakers) (shelving) Trying to take advantage of the nice weather, I worked outside most of the night priming the shelves for the media storage area. I had previously routed groves in the side panels and put one coat of primer on each of the panels. One more side to prime for the actual shelves and then I can paint them to match the trim. Once the sun went down and it started to get chilly, I moved back indoors and worked on installing the rest of the front speakers and subwoofer. Some easy wire stripping in the equipment room and I'll have sound in no time. I also played around with rope lighting ideas, as that's the last thing I need to finalize before I start putting the black fabric on the proscenium. 4/12/05 - Picture Update (acoustic treatments) (speakers) (shelving) With most of the furring strips in place, I've been able to complete the OC 703 insulation around the room. I had some left over pieces, so I added it to the ceiling behind the proscenium as well as underneath the center channel shelf. I've also started to prepare the wiring and install some of the equipment behind the proscenium in preparation for black fabric. After cutting down the shelves, I actually like them better in black, so no need to repaint those. I do need to paint the surrounding trim before I install the shelves permanently. 4/01/05 - Picture Update (acoustic treatments) (furring strips) (shelving) As some of you may know, when you shop for lumber, a 1x3 is really not 1" x 3", but smaller. So when I needed to find 1" thick furring strips to match the 1" think insulation, I looked all over to no avail. Finally I convinced a nice young man at Lowes to rip down a bunch of 2x6s for me to get my furring strips. Unfortunately, a manager looking type came over and claimed that the cuts were "too small and would burn up his saw," so he ended my strip count at 30. So, for the past couple days, I've been pre-drilling, countersinking, gluing and screwing nearly 30 furring strips onto the walls. These furring strips are what the fabric covering gets stapled to, and they provide a place to attach chair rail and base trim. Now that the furring strips are in place, I have continued to install the acoustical insulation around the sides of the room. Per recommendation, the OC 703 is to extend from the floor to just above ear level. Since ear level is approximately 44-48", each 4' sheet of insulation is the perfect height. Regular polyester quilt batting will fill in the areas above the OC 703 to fill out the 1" space. Lastly, I also continued working on the equipment rack. With the shelf standards and support brackets in place, I cut one of my old Flexi-rack shelves to fit, and it worked out perfectly. I need to cut the rest of the old shelves down and decide whether to keep them black or paint them white to match. 3/24/05 - Picture Update (shelving) Installed shelf standards and brackets for the center speaker and equipment rack. I plan on re-using the MDF shelves from my old Flexi rack, but need to cut them down and repaint them first. I hope to start painting the shelves for the media storage this weekend, so I hope to paint them all at once. 3/23/05 - Picture Update (acoustic treatments) After a couple days of searching, I managed to find a local supplier of the duct insulation recommended for the wall treatments. The supplier actually had two of the many products that can be used. One product is called Owens Corning 703 Rigid fiberglass, the other, Johns Manville Linacoustic RC. Both provide similar acoustical qualities, but the OC 703 came in 2'x4' sheets vs. a 100' roll, making installation a breeze. I was able to quickly treat the walls behind the screen wall and installed standards for shelving to hold the center channel. Once I find (or rip my own) 1" firing strips, I'll be able to continue with the OC 703 around the rest of the room.  I've also started on the shelving for the equipment rack and media storage, so look for pictures of that soon too. 12/30/04 - Picture Update (stage) The stage and riser are complete and I'm ready to begin the proscenium wall. The framing for the stage and riser was completed last Thursday, but I didn't get to the sand until Sunday. With the help of my friend Amish (and a good friend at that), we lugged 72 bags (3600lbs) of play sand off a truck, through the house, down the basement stairs and around a corner. Unfortunately, I only ended up using 58 bags (2900lbs) of sand so I will end up lugging 14 bags (700lbs) back upstairs to be returned. Fortunately, and by total luck, my riser cavities were the exact length of each piece of insulation so I just pulled a strip out of the bag and into the cavity. The carpenters came by to complete the tops on Tuesday, and the carpeting began on Wednesday. I'd like to start the proscenium on Sunday, but we'll see how well I recover from New Years! 12/18/04 - Picture Update (paint) With painting moving forward in the rest of the house, the theater room has been completed as well. The color is called federal blue, and will be very dark with all the lights turned off. The stage and riser are scheduled to be built next week, so I'm on my way to Lowes to pick up some play sand and insulation. Once those are filled, the platforms and proscenium can be completed and then carpet installed. Click on "paint" above to go directly to the pictures. 11/14/04 - Picture Update With the drywall up and primed, we're at a stand still for now.  Once the framers have returned to build out the stage and riser, the rest is up to me.  In the meantime, click on each bolded title to jump to that section: specs - a list of my current equipment and possible upgrades plans - floor plan, wiring plan, etc. foundation - from dirt to block to beams framing - lobby and equipment room start to take shape wiring - wired all the low voltage by myself - 7.1 surround, DVI, component, IR distribution, cat5e, etc. drywall - we have walls Only a few things left to do now - stage, proscenium, riser, firing strips, linacoustic, cotton batting, GOM, carpeting, columns, and trim - just a few things... 1995 - The beginning... My first foray into Home Theater was back in 1995 with the purchase of my first A/V receiver and speakers. Back then, a VCR was my only source for movies, but things looked great on my 27" TV. In 1998, I purchased my first DVD player, and my dreams of a personal home theater began. Soon, I discovered AVS Forum and learned about Surround Sound, LaserDiscs, and Widescreen TVs. HDTV, HTPCs, and Projectors were next. In 2003, my fiancé and I decided to build the home of our dreams. With the canvas blank, I was set out to design the perfect theater. After months of research on AVS, I decided to mimic a popular design used by several others on the site. As with the house, the pictures you'll see in this section will follow the construction steps, and I'll try to update them as often as I can.