Home theater has been a major hobby of mine since the early 1990s when I hooked my first stereo VCR up to a 2-channel receiver. In college, my roommate start his co-op job and purchased at 20" TV — my experience was as complete, or so I thought. A couple of years later, Dolby Pro-Logic receivers became available, and I upgraded to 5.1 sound. The addition of a DVD player shortly after they were introduced made a significant impact on sound and picture quality. My next phase was acquiring one of the first 720p 16:9 projectors to be released, which replicated the big theater experience for the first time. The next major revolution was add HD capabilities with a TiVo HD Satellite receiver. Next came the addition of a Blu-ray player and a 1080p projector. I can't wait to see what further improvements will come my way and fight my resistance to upgrades. . .
My Home Theater Photo Gallery:
I've created a home theater construction photo album showing my current (version 2.0) and my previous (version 1.0) home theaters in various states of progress. The album includes a brief description of each picture, so you can get an idea of how everything was designed and constructed. Here a some pictures of the completed project:
My Movie Collection:
I use My Movies Collection Management to catalog my movie collection and I have it published and viewable online.
Home Theater Personal Computer (HTPC):
I've been a Home Theater Person Computer (HTPC) enthusiast since about 2000, when I borrowed a VGA projector to display movies on the wall but found the lack of a line-doubler intolerable. So I used PowerDVD to play the movie and purchased a high-end sound card to achieve Dobly Digital audio output. I later tried XLobby v2 (by Steven Hanna) as a movie browser interface, in hopes of repliating the $40,000 Kaleidescape system I'd seen demoed at the CEDIA home theater trade show. I also tried TheaterTek DVD player software. But I ultimately settled on a combination of Windows Media Center and the MyMovies client to browse and play my movie collection from any HTPC in the house. I now use Windows Media Center and the Media Browser plugin as the client and My Movies for Windows Home Server as the back-end movie description provider for all of my DVD and Blu-ray discs backed-up using Slysoft AnyDVD HD.
My Current Home Theater Equipment:
| Component | Model | Vendor | Manual | Potential Upgrade |
| Preamp / Processor |
Anthem Statement D2 |
Audiogon |
Anthem Statement D2V upgrade |
|
| Amplifier | Sherbourn 7/2100A | SoundVideo | Owners manual | none |
| Projector | JVC D-ILA HD750 | eBay.com | none | |
| Screen | Stewart Firehawk 123" diagional | ProjectorCenter.com | Install Manual | none |
| Projector Mount | Chief RPM-223 Elite, CMA-006, and CMA-115 | ProjectorCenter.com, avalive.com |
Chief RPA Elite | |
| TV converter box | TiVo HD (off-the-air broadcast networks only) | Direct Connection | none | |
| OTA HD Antenna | Channel Master 3020 UHF/VHF Antenna Channel Master 9023 Wall Mount for attic mounting |
WarrenElectronics.com | none | |
| Remote Control | Philips Pronto Professional TSU9400; RFX9600 IR/RS-232 Base Station | eBay.com |
none | |
| Front L/R Speakers | PolkAudio RT16 | Ovation B&M | TBD | |
| Center Speaker | PolkAudio CS350-LS | Ovation B&M | TBD | |
| Side Surround Speakers | Sonance Cinema Ultra II SUR | AudiophileLiquidator | none | none |
| Rear Surround Speakers | Sonance Cinema Ultra II SUR | AudiophileLiquidator | none | none |
| Subwoofer | Velodyne HGS 15 | Audio Video Today | second subwoofer? | |
| Video Game Console | Microsoft Xbox 360 | Circuit City Black Friday Sale |
none | |
| HTPC | Self-built, Atech Fabrication 4000 case, Vista Ultimate 32-bit, Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H Thread (NVIDIA 9400 mATX HDMI 8 channel LPCM) motherboard, Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, Blu-ray drive | AtechFabrication.com NewEgg.com |
Asus K8N-e Deluxe | |
| Media Server | Self-built, Coolermaster Stacker case, Windows Home Server, Tyan motherbaord, Areca ARC1230 RAID card, 14 x 1TB hard drives max | NewEgg.com | ||
| Tactile Transducers (8 total, aka bass shakers) | Aura AST-1B-4, 50 Hz low-pass FMOD crossover | PartsExpress.com | ast_1b_4_a.jpg ast_1b_4_b.jpg |
none |
| Amplifier for Tactile Transducers | Old Sony receiver | |||
| Seating | Bass Industries Executive Lounger x 9, Mustang Brown color, motorized recline | 4 more for the back row | ||
| Power Protection | Panamax Max 5300 | LetsGoDigital | Owners ManualOverview | none |
| Lighting Control | PCS SmartSwitch (Black) x 4, X10 IR543 IR Receiver, X10 Pro PHC02 Maxi Controller | Worthington Distribution | PCS SmartSwitch Manual | none |
| Video Calibration | Video Essentials [DVD], Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray] | Amazon.com | none | |
| Audio Calibration | Rives Audio Test CD 2, RadioShack Analog SPL Meter | RivesAudio RadioShack | OME33-4050.pdf | none |
| Seating | Bass Industries Executive-series home theater chairs; motorized recline, Mustang Brown color. x9 | Bass Industries | none |
List of my Old Equipment:
| Component | Model | Vendor | Manual | Use / Disposition |
| Projector | Marantz VP12-S1 | SoundVideo.com | Sold | |
| Satellite Receiver | DishNetwork 4000 | Sold | ||
| Satellite Receiver / DVHS Recorder | JVC HM-DSR100U | Sold | ||
| Television | Toshiba CX35f60 35" television | Circuit City | Family Room | |
| Remote Control | Pronto TSU-1000 | Worthington Distribution | Sold | |
| Remote Control | ProntoPro TSU6000 | Sold | ||
| Surround Speakers | PolkAudio LS f/x | Sound Seller [info] | Kitchen "abmience" speakers | |
| Receiver | Pioneer Pro Logic | Crutchfield | Stolen when moving | |
| Television | Panasonic 32" | Circuit City | Stolen when moving | |
| VHS VCR | JVC 830u | Crutchfield | Sitting in closet | |
| DVD Player | Toshiba SD2108 | PCMall.com | Gave to my mom | |
| Receiver | Onkyo TX-DS939 | The Sound Approach [info] | TXDS939om.pdf | Died a loud and painful death |
| Satellite | Philips DSR6000 TiVo | Direct Connection | gave away on TiVoCommunity.com | |
| Satellite HD | Hughes HR10-250 TiVo | BestBuy B&M | in closet gathering gust | |
| Amplifier for Tactile Transducers | Samson Servo 120a | Sweetwater.com | link | sold on Ebay |
| Projector | Sony VPL-HS51 | ProjectorCenter.com | VPLHS51.pdf | TBD |
| Projector Mount | Chief RPA-102 for Sony VPL-HS51 | ProjectorCenter.com | TBD | |
| Remote Control | Philips ProntoPro NG TSU7000 | GoPCPlus.com | My detailed commentary | TBD |
| Video Game Console | Microsoft Xbox | BestBuy B&M | Next Door Neighbor | |
| VHS VCR | JVC 830u | Crutchfield.com | in closet gathering dust |
- Room Treatment: 50 custom-made 2'x4' audio panels; Ownens Corning SelectSound Black Acoustic fiberglass panels, 45-degree beveled MDF 2" frame, Guilford of Maine (GoM) fabric covering (Style: Spinel 3582, Color: 021 Obsidian)
- The fiberglass acoustic panel room treatment was by far the single largest contributor to audio quality.
- 60% room coverage; 2 layers installed on the front wall and corners
- Projector: JVC HD730 1080P projector w/Stewart Firehawk 123" diagonal screen and Chief micro-adjust projector mount
- Custom Home Theater Personal Computer
- Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
- Media Browser Plug-in
- Arcsoft TotalMedia Theatre Blu-ray player
- VMCPlayit client for Windows Media Center
- HAI Home Control plug-in for Windows Media Center
- Intelliremote remote control software
- LogMeIn remote desktop client
- Xenarc touchscreen installed in Atech Fabrication rack-mount case
- Griffin Technology scroll/select wheel
- nVidia 9400-based chipset for HDMI video and 7.1 channel LPCM HD Audio, Gigabit Ethernet
- Lite-On Blu-ray drive
- TiVo HD TV tuners: not directly controlled by Windows Media Center so no live TV; web-based recording scheduling; automated script downloads recorded shows from TiVo HD, runs commercial-skip, and stores files on the Windows Home Server shared folder for playback in Media Center
- TiVo HD
- 1 TB internal drive upgrade
- Over-the-air antenna HD content
- Netflix WatchNow, Amazon VOD
- Anthem Statement D2 Preamp Processor with Room Correction, HD video switching and processing
- Sherbourn 72100A 7-channel amplifier
- Panamax Max 5300 surge protector
- Velodyne HGS15 subwoofer
- PolkAudio front speakers RT16 (x2), CS350-LS (all hidden behind floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall frames with speaker grill cloth covering)
- Sonance Cinema Ultra II SUR (x4) side and rear surround speakers (in-wall, hidden behind fabric panels)
- 9 Bass Industries Executive-series home theater chairs; motorized recline, Mustang Brown color
- 8 Aura bass shakers; Sony 4-channel receiver for amplification
- Middle Atlantic Equipment rack and custom rack shelf for TiVo HD, retractable light
Peter, thanks for the kind words. The equipment is behind the seating area. I use a Radio Frequency (RF) remote control, so I don't actually have to point the remote. Philips and Harmony both have RF remotes, as do many other manufacturers. But when I do use the individual remotes on occasion, I can usually bounce the IR signal off of the screen, but occasionally have to point backwards for components low in the rack.
The seating is from Bass Industries. It's the Executive series of seating in a Mustang Brown color. I'm not sure of the current cost or sure exactly what I paid, but I do know that those 9 seats are the most expensive "component" in the room.
Hey Carlton, that's one truly beautiful home theatre. I look forward to reading the rest of your blog. I'm in the process of building a home theatre myself. It's always good to see other people's places.
How tall is your ceiling? For a ceiling mount projector, how far down on the wall should the screen start.
Ceiling is 8' above the screen, 9' where the projector is installed. Projector height depends on the amount of vertical lens shift of which the projector is capable. Many projectors can be up to 1/2 screen height above the screen, some even more. Consider this when picking a projector.
I have the panasonic AE2000U. It has 100 percent vertical adjustment and 40 percent horizontal adjustment, my ceiling is 8.6', and im wanting to mount my projecter @ 8' Thinking i should be good. My projector will be 15'7" from screen, screen is 119" dia.
You must have missed my first post above. Same questions. Thanks!!
Is the sofit / ceiling painted the same color as the walls? I see the crown molding is the same as the trim.
Also, how well does the flat brown paint you used hide wall imperfections? I painted mine a dark brick red, but it is easy to see imperfections. I believe I used flat paint, but I can not remember.
What screen would you recommend?
Ambient light is very minimal.
Using Panasonic AE2000U.
Room color is dark brown.
Looking between 119 and 123".
Fixed screen the best?
HDTV 16:9
Im guessing a matte white screen, would you agree?
Thanks
Peter: The sofit / ceiling is the same color as the walls, and the crown molding the same as the trim. The flat brown paint somewhat hides will imperfections, more so when applied with a thick nap roller, but it no substitute for drywall work (sanding and filling.) When the lights are directly above a wall shining down it, you are going to see imperfection regardless of the paint used.
Chase: In general, I think most screens are more similar than different from one another. The fixed screens with the frame coated in a black, light-absorbing material is the best value for the cost. As far as brands, I think Carada and Da-Lite offer great performance for the cost. With a screen that large, consider going with a higher gain material; check out my Home Theater Calculator for specifics.
Carlton,
Great site.
I have just put a down payment on a house which will be finished in 5 months, but have only 2 weeks more to submit special wiring (conduit) choices.
My room will be 12 x 19 1/2 and I want 2 rows of seats.
1. How much clearance do you have for people to get past the 1st row to get to the back of room?
2. I don't see the surround speakers mounted. I would assume you want them perpendicular to the 1st row or between the 2 rows. Would you mount them on the wall just above ear level and hope people don't hit their head on them as they walk to the 2nd row of seats or mount them near the ceiling and angle them down?
Thanks
Milt:
There is about 14 inches between the wall and the front row, which is plenty for someone to turn sideways and walk into the back row. Since the back row isn't used as frequently and since it only takes about 1 second to walk past the front row, I see no need for more space.
My surround sound speakers are in-wall. I really need to update these photos. Basically, they are about ear level when standing, so well above ear level when sitting. You don't want the sound from the surrounds to be too directional, you don't want to be able to pinpoint each surround. If you have a narrow aisle and on-wall speakers, I'd recommend mounting them a little higher and possible angling them down slightly if possible.
Hi Carlton,
So far your site ahs been the most helpful in laying out my home theater room in the new house I am building. The room size will be 14 X 23 X 10 with two rows of seating and a third row on bar stools at a railing table.
I currently am running Vista Ultimate as my home theater system to drive my 50" plamsa. I plan on looking to the DVD software for storing the DVD on my storage array.
A couple of things I am not clear about are video output for the projector and audio output from the HTPC. What are the cards you are using and is there anything else I need to be aware of as I move toward the new home and its theater room.
In addition, have you looked into any wireless options for video and audio.
Thanks,
Glenn
PS. I know I will have more questions as I start the construction.
Great set up. I found your site while looking up lighting control devices specifically pcs and ir543. I'm trying to control my HT lighting with a recently purchased Harmony one remote. I'm stuck trying to find information on the web to program different scenes using my PCS light control dimmers. I found the programing manual but I'm an extreme noob to this and need help. I have a x10 pro maxi controller. My recently purchased ir543 is on a truck somwhere between california and wisconsin. How long have you had the pcs dimmers and are they worth keeping or replacing with newer technology like Insteon or upb? If you could shed some "light" on a few simple programming steps I'd really appreciate it.
Shawn, I'm considering replacing the X10 with UPB dimmers because of the better reliability, but I have no immediate plans.
Viery nice home theater there! That couch looks really confortable. Looks like a nice place to sit back and relax why watching some movies.
Hi Carlton,
The way you equipped your home theatre is superb.
Can you help me in suggesting the complete home theatre setup for a room of dimensions 15.6 ft * 13 ft.I want to go for an LCD tv not a projector.
I'm afraid this is not a simple answer. There are a huge number of factors, such as price, features, performance trade-offs, room aesthetics, design, etc. So I can't really recommend one specific system. For flat panel LCDs, I recommend you look at the largest 1080p panel that fits your budget; LED backlighting, in general, gives a fantastic picture. As for audio, there are way too many speaker and receiver options for me to offer a specific suggestion. Be sure to try some out in person and see what fits your preferences.
Carlton, incredible system. quick question about Media Browser and MyMovies on your server – is there any tie in between the two programs? i understand you use myMovies to pull movie information, does this feed into MediaBrowser or are they completely separate. I'm working on my WHS machine and starting to build and organize my media library and trying to figure out the best way to organize everything. Any suggestions on how to think about organizing videos (both dvd rips and downloaded files), mp3s, etc? Thanks so much!
Don, MyMovies saves the cover art (front and back covers) and the metadata (title, description, actors, year, etc.) in files that are stored in the same directory as the movie file itself. MediaBrowser uses these files for the movie information.
So it is very important that each movie be in its own sub-folder. At minimum, you directory structure should be /movies/movie1/movie1.iso or /movies/movie1/video_ts/files.vob, for example. Beyond that, it's up to you how you separate the main folders; the different top-level folders will be your main categories on the main MediaBrowser screen. My main folder groups are as follows: All Movies (DVDs, Blu-Rays, Rented), Blu-ray, TV Show, Music Concerts, Rented (i.e. watch once and delete).
For music, I put it all in a Music folder on my server using the following directory structure: music/artist_name/year-album_name/track#-track_name.mp3 . This gives most all information need to identify any song. I don't use genre because it is difficult to get the consistent and repeatable.
I'm looking forward to the new version 3 of MyMovies, which will be out in a couple of months. It will have a MediaBrowser-like user interface. Unlike MediaBrowser, which relies on folder structure for navigating movie groups, it uses the full MyMovies database, which can give more flexibility in grouping, sorting, and filtering videos dynamically. It may surpass MediaBroswer in some ways, but it's nice to have both available.
What type of case is that holding all of the components? It looks awesome. I didn't see it in the list of components you have.
Thanks. It's a Middle Atlantic equipment rack. All of the components are either rack-mount (from the factory) or have custom-cut Middle Atlantic rack shelves.