Phansson-- Haven't been around a while so I thought I'd pop in. Nice job on the new theater digs-- I'm sure you must be loving the new darker walls with improved contrast.

Cheers mate!

Thanks Brain,

Again, nice to see you back! The updated theater has been great. Contrast has been improved about 3 fold. When I went to a 2.37 screen, the screen size was to big for the color of the room. Meaning that with the light colored ceiling and walls, the light reflection back onto the screen was washing out the image. I got really lucky that the interior decorator could talk my wife into the black ceiling. I think the ceiling and blacking out the front stage (thanks for the idea) were the best improvements.

I also never had doors into the room. So now with the doors, I have the volume a little closer to reference at night without disturbing my wife or kids. Having the doors also improved the bass.

Like your new "avatar". Great minds think alike, that exact picture has been my background on my iMac/iPhone for about 3 months.......

Anyway, it was a big project but we have all been very happy with the result.

You know phansson, I never really thought about the contrast when I put up the curtains around my screen. I put them there purely for aesthetics purposes. But now that you mention it, the one screen shot really is quite dark around the screen. I guess you could say I "stumbled" upon an improvement to my screen's PQ. I think I want to check this out closer when I get home today. If I only had a better camera, the one screen shot I have in my gallery would be much truer to the real image you see when you are in the room.

Hey forsberg,

That was one of my original goals with the re model. Perceived contrast really boosts when you darken the room. Think of it his way, if you try to watch a movie with your lights on, the image has very little contrast and "washes" out. This is because of the light reflected off your screen. Darker paint that absorbs reflected light helps out quite abit. Your front stage looks nice with the darker curtains and the sound absorption that you have above the screen (on the ceiling) probably absorbs a lot of that first reflected light.

In a perfect world, you would want the light from your projector to go to the screen and back to your eyes without ANY light coming from anywhere else in the room, including reflected light. While that is hard to do in the real world, that is the goal.

Glad you "stumbled" on your improvement. I bet it is a bigger improvement than you thought it was.

Hi Patrick,my Friend.
I hope your Saturday has been a Good One.

Sorry havent been around much earlier today.
I noted and noticed yesterday that I was slower mentally and having some trouble spelling.Went to bed earlier last night and sleep better.

But still just feel slow.Nothing wrong at all,other then feel like its the end of a long day.So,if I am slow to reply or anything similar,thats why.

I did change my Avatar Again(Though good chance I will keep this one for a while)I was inspired by the Imperial Symbol you use as your Avatar,and decided I would go with the Rebel Alliance Symbol.
And found out for the first time how many more symbols there were related to Star Wars.

So the First Symbol of the Jedi Order caught my eye.
So,I plan to give this a go around for a while.

Hey Todd,

Sorry, been busy today so I haven't checked the forum. I am also sorry you haven't been feeling good, hopefully you were just a little tired.

My son had a basketball game this morning and then had to go to work. I will be here until 6pm CST.

I haven't read any of the Jedi Order books but I have seen that symbol before. The Empire symbol is just cool in my book, plus it shows other "star wars freaks" that I am a fan. We had some friends over last night and their kids were pretty impressed with the Stormtrooper costume. It is all ways a big hit.

Keep your head up and I hope you feel better.

No Problem my Friend. I hope everyone had a good time.

Just wanted to drop in and let you know on my Profile Page I added some more meteorite pics.
Still just a small sampling but thought it would be enough to garner your Interest.

Hey todd,

I have been out all day and this is the first time to get on the forum.

Those pics of your meteorite collection are really cool. How did you start collecting them? I have so many "hobbies" that I can't start anymore but that one would be a lot of fun.

Like I told you last week, my wife gave me a nice telescope last year and I have never had a chance to put it into use. It is a Meade 125 etx. Maybe you can give me some pointers on the time of year to go out and set it up. I would prefer to wait until it gets a little warmer.

Hi Patrick,Buddy.
I wanted to stop by before I called it an Evening.

But I wanted you to Know,that Most Defintely Your Wife made an Excellent Choice in the Telescope she Bought You.

The Meade ETX-125 & ETX-125PE are Both Exceptional scopes.5 inch Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical System(which is a very High Grade Performer)

And if it included the #497 Hand Controller with the Full Numeric Keypad and the #884 Round Legged,Chromed Steel,Adjustable Tripod,its all one can dream of.

Exceptional Performance for Lunar and Planetary Work.Asteriods,Comets,and several Moons of Jupiter and Saturn(and possibly Uranus). Mars will be an Exceptional sight with the 125.

But its Fully Computerized.Set it outside,enter your nearest large city or latitude and longitude co-ordinates.Get a chart of the Brightest Stars Visible from your home.
Hit align and it will go to 2 or 3 stars to align itself.And then it will automatically find and track 30,000 objects.

And it is also a great scope for AstroPhotography.
So,With an Emphatic Yes, you have a Very Nice and Capable Scope.Powerful and Portable.

Have a Wonderful Evening,my Friend.
Just wanted to let you know before the day was over,Buddy.

Hey Todd,

I need to get that ETX-125 out and put it into use! It came with the hand controller and the deluxe field tripod so I guess I got lucky.

It is a shame to have that kind of telescope and to never use it. It just takes time to get out (I would like to live the city if possible) and my son goes to bed early(I would like for him to be with me). I will break it out this spring hopefully.

Glad to hear from you, I hope you have a great night.

Good Morning Patrick,my Friend.
Shame you cant leave the scope assembled somewhere in-house.Just grab and carry it out if and when needed.

And I had said a couple of Months ago that Mars would be here in March.I need to remember what year this is.That was the 2008 Mars Approach.This approach comes to its closest next week(January 27th).Though it will still be large enough to see detail with your scope until early March.

But Mars Only comes to a close approach every 2 Years.
And now thru the next 3 weeks many of the Dark Markings,along with the Polar Ice Cap will be Visible.

One of the Most Amazing Sights I have Ever Seen.
So if you have a chance try to give it a look before March.If not it will be 2012 before it returns.

And each close approach will make it appear slightly smaller(as it made its closet approach since the 1800's in the late 1990's/early 2000's.) So in 2012 at closest approach it will be smaller then this close approach next Wednesday.

But the 29th of January it reaches opposition.
It is already visible in the sky when the Sun Sets and is still visible until the Sun Rises.So you have early evening thru early morning to take a glance.

If nothing else grab a pair of Binoculars or just the Naked Eye and head outside. Its the Brightest object in the sky(not counting the Moon)and glows steadier then stars(Planets glow steady while Stars twinkle)has to do with distance and atmospheric refraction.

But it will be Bright Red and Unable to be overlooked.Go to Astronomy.com or Sky and Telescope.com.
You can print out a map of the nights sky showing everything visible from your area(not counting trees or other objects that may block views)

With a pair of 42mm and larger binoculars you will see it as a disc instead of a pinpoint like a star.

Just thought I would let you know,Buddy.
Have a Great Wednesday,my Friend.

Here is a couple of useful links,Buddy.

The first and last two, I recommend looking at seriously.
And the others are extremely helpful as well.
Just trying to find one that may work for you the best.

So Please give them All a Try,what works for one may be better then another(Just like the sound of Speakers).

First Image from a Large Amateur Scope with high power and a high dollar CCD Imager.

Second Image about what you can expect to see thru your scope looking at Mars.You have to look for a minute to really pull out the detail.

And your view could be actually clearer,sharper,and more detailed.Especially since Mars is several million miles closer now then in that image.

And I have owned an ETX-125PE.So its Very Capable of incredible images and views.
I will post a gallery of my scope now and others I have owned.Along with the Images of the Moon I have taken with the scope I have now.May give you an idea of what is possible.

MarsBase dot net - Mars Finder Chart - Where is Mars in the sky ?

Astronomy.com - Stardome

The Position of Mars in the Night Sky: 2009 to 2010

Your Sky

Night Sky Network: Night Sky Planner

The Space Place :: Make a Star Finder

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...09_WebDanL.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...28-0043mdt.jpg

Hey Todd,

I had the Meade telescope sitting in my home theater for about 6 months and got tired of dusting it, so it was stored in the case.

Your right, I need to just set the thing up and have it ready in case I get the urge. I will try to take a look at Mars in the next couple of weeks.

I just seem to never have time. With the kids, wife, work, watching movies and golf, it is hard to find time.

I promise I will try to bust the telescope out soon......

Hey phansson...thought I would drop in and see what's up. Any new developments on any collectibles?

Dont feel bad,my Friend.
Mine is sitting ready to go at a moments notice.But I havent touched it(other then to move it to a different room once in many months)

I need to see if I plan on using it much,or at all anymore.If not,time to sell it.I have an incredible amount of accessories for it.All in Mint Condition(like the entire Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl Eyepiece Set)which the 2 or 3 eyepieces that came with your scope are a part of.
Along with filters,adapters,CCD Imagers that provide Live Video Feeds to a computer screen.

So much invested in it I cringe every time I see the scope or the 2 Cases that store and keep all of the Accessories.

Almost as bad as having my Rotel Amp and Pre-Amp sitting un-used for a few years now.
But I did open both up a few months back and gave them a complete and thorough cleaning.They are like new internally and externally.

Just waiting to finish the closet so I can move my DVD storage and use that wall for my Audio Rack and set-up my Seperate 2-Channel System.
But the closet may get pushed back about a month.

I have a Futon in the room and its great to sleep on,since I have a seperate Memory Foam matress I place on top of the Futon Cushion.But when its removed and the Futon is in couch position,its not as comfortable as I need.And its keeping me from watching as many movies as I could because of the comfort level.

So,I want to do something the first week of February with that months check,to help the comfort level.
I dont know if its a New Futon,New Futon Cushion,or what.But if you have any suggestions on increasing the comfort level,Please feel free to share them.

And I Hope you are Having A Great and Enjoyable Day,my Friend.

Morning Fors*,

The Indiana Jones Fertility Idol should be within the next couple of weeks. Hopefully it will sit on top of my cd cabinet. I didn't measure it, but it should work. The idol to me is one of the most recognizable props of the past 30 years. It is our generations "Maltese falcon".

What are you looking at next?

That sounds cool...how much does it weigh?

I am looking at 2 more LOTR busts eventually, but right now I am currently in the running for an older SVS cylinder PC-12 sub. It has a bad amp and needs to be replaced. I contacted SVS already and they have them for $200, so hopefully I will get this thing. I will end up saving a lot of $$$ than buying a new one.

I feel the same way about that telescope, I have to much invested in it to not use it at all.

As far as the comfort of a futon, I probably can't help you with that. I will say that my berkline theater chairs are pretty comfortable and they are electric so you have "unlimited" positions for you to find that perfect fit.

I am sorry that you are uncomfortable on your futon, I am sure it is frustrating.

I think around 15lbs with the stand. It has a cool stand that looks just like the one in ROTLA. Looking forward to getting it.

My son is 6 and we watched all 3 of the LOTR movies over the last three weekends. He liked it, but he asked a lot of questions. It must have been pretty confusing for him....

sorry about your SVS sub. I replaced an amp in one of my old Klipsch mains (they had subs built in) and it was pretty easy. So that is probably easiest fix. $200 isn't that bad either.

My sub is fine.:) I am bidding on what would be a second one that has a bad amp. I will know this weekend if I get it or not. If my current SVS sub's amp went bad, it is under warranty, so no issues. However, I am bidding on adding a second cylinder SVS sub with a bad amp, so the price of it is majorly discounted, thus my interest in it!

All you multiple sub members are driving me crazy! I would like to add another sub but my processor only has one sub out. So for me to do it, I would have to upgrade more than just one piece!

Y-splitter!!! That's how most of us do it. No need to upgrade everything else.

Yep, I have 2 Y-splitters running from my Sub-Out on my receiver making it 3 LFE runs.....1 for each of the subs and a 3rd that goes to my Buttkicker's amp!

That would be too easy! I need a reason to upgrade my processor.

Actually, I run my front L/R at full so bass is never a problem, especially after I installed the great gramma underneath my sub.:D

With those speakers, I believe you. So you leave it at Full band for all of your movie watching?

The paradigms I have are rated down to 33hz, I think. I leave the main front L/R full all the time, for movies and music. The processor still sends the LFE channel out to the sub.

I should try to set the fronts at 40hz and give it a try. that might take some load off of the fronts a little.

I'd be curious as to what you hear and if there is a more "balanced" sound with the lower frequencies or not.....

I have to give it to you,Patrick,my Friend.
You have some incredible taste in Movie Collectibles.

I wasn't aware that there was as large of a market for Collectibles from the Indiana Jones Movies until,I became interested in collectibles very late last year.

I look forward to seeing the pics of the New Indy Piece you are expecting.It sounds amazing.

And I have not forgotten about what I will be sending you.I will be sending that package out the first week in February.And I will try to allow for some variety in the pieces(as far as size,shape,overall appearance)And of course the Actual Main Mass from which they arrived from and what they are composed of and classified as.

And if it is Acceptable with you,I would Love to include an extra piece for your Son.
One thats documented and something he could add to a Multi-Layered Collection,his Father may already have him started on.
It will include its certification and a container that it can be kept in without fear of misplacing it,if it were loose.

And if you feel he is too young at this time,then perhaps you can look over it until he is ready.If they still have Show and Tell at school it may be something ,some of his classmates may find very interesting.

But again,that is entirely up to you ,my Friend.As many young boys may consider a small piece of a space rock cool.Until he is to an age and point where he really grasps what he has and where it has been,over the countless ages.

But depending on what necessity purchases I make in February,I still plan on getting Four Different 45 scale lightsaber hilts from Master Replicas.
At their low price and smaller size and Base Plate imprinted with the Sabers information(not to mention the nice boxes they arrive in which also allow them to be displayed in), they are too good of a value to pass up.

As they were the specific reason I placed the Four Black Floating Shelves on my Star Wars Wall for.I would Love to collect all of the 45 scale lightsaber hilts(not taking into account the gold issues,chase issues,or exclusives)
Its not to taxing financially except for Qui-Gon Jin's Hilt and Darth Sidious' Hilt.(These two run up to and at places over the $100 mark)

Then I have 1 or 2 Busts I would Love to add if Possible.Not just of Star Wars but also the Matrix.

Gates70 sent me a Bust of Neo produced by Gentle GiantsG.Giants also produced a nice variety of the figures from all the Matrix Movies.So Agent Smith,is one I would like to add.

And with the Star Wars busts(I Dont Know Why)But they have recently produced both a Larger Bust and Smaller Bust of an Imperial Tie-Fighter Pilot.
And if I have an oppertunity,that would probably be my choice for February,all things being equal.

But ,as a Bigger Goal and Larger Investment.
More Force FX Lightsabers and Full Scale Helmets(like you have,that are so Beautiful and simply amazing in their detail)Full Scale "Blasters", and One of the Life Sized Yoda Pieces would be an Ultimate Goal.

But,I will start small and see how things develop over time.
Though I am curious if you are aware of any high-end Ship Replicas like a Tie-Fighter or Y-Wing(as Models and Mini-Titaniums)seem to be what I locate,when I search.

But again,I would like to say Thank You for the Help on showing me a Great Way of getting my closet put together.That will look amazing and would suit my needs, almost Perfectly.

Also Thanks for the Great Information on Collectibles(including Star Wars)And in getting to know you,I have found out many things dealing with the Star Wars Universe,I was never aware of before.

So,Thank You Sir.It has indeed been an honor to get to know you and to have another individual,that I can share my passion with.

I have looked at the full size Yoda pieces a couple of times. I thought he would look cool just "standing" in a corner of the room. So I am with you on that one.

The .45 scale lightsabers are pretty cool, plus like you said, they are pretty reasonable on price.

For a full scale helmet, the efx clonetrooper helmet can be purchased for a good price right now, here is one on ebay for $219. They are incredible looking, heavy and very accurate.

efx Clonetrooper helmet ebay

I have all ways liked the full size replica helmets because of the detail and finish. The Master Replicas Boba Fett helmet is awesome in person, it isn't perfect but by far the best on the market without doing the yourself.

Hopefully, I can find a Vader helmet eventually that I would like to have in the room. Sideshow is making a full size bust of Anakin with a reveal 3 piece helmet and mannequin underneath. It is really sharp but retails for around $1200. I almost pulled the trigger on that one but couldn't justify the cost with the way my business is going.

Good morning everyone, I will be out of town this weekend. I am off to "duck camp" for three days. So not much in the way of posting.

I did get the great gramma installed under the center channel last night but I didn't have time to test it out.

I hope all of you have a nice weekend.

Have fun phansson.....I hope the weather will be better than being "fit for a duck." :D

Have a Safe Trip and a Great Time,ph,Buddy.
We will be looking forward to your return.

And,I also want to say Thanks for the Link to the Full Size CT Helmet and the other Collectibles,linked to the Helmet.

And I am 100% Positive that the Great Gramma under your Sweet Center Speaker will get rid of any and all vibrations that may be effecting it.

So,when you return,you should notice that your Center Sounds Better.With Crisp,Clear Dialouge that doesn't find itself blended in(or lost)in the Rest of the Audio Tracks Sounds.
Also the Male Voices and Bass that the Center Reproduces should sound tighter and and have a little more punch to it,as well.

So,Enjoy Your Weekend,and May It Be All You Were Hopeing For,my Friend.
We look forward to Your Safe Return,Buddy.

Hey everyone,

I got back last night around 5pm and was so tired I didn't get to check anything on the forum. What did I miss? Any new exciting news? Any new equipment?

Duck camp was fun. The routine is kind of taxing, get up at 5:30 am, out of the house around 6am, go to your spot, setup decoys, hunt until about 11am. Then go back to the house, eat and then you go back out around 2pm and get back at 5:30. Eat dinner and drink a couple cocktails, then repeat.

So it was a pretty long weekend. This was my first time to duck hunt and over all it was a lot of fun. We were in Stuttgart Arkansas, which is a known for its duck hunting, and saw tens of thousands of birds (not that many close enough for a shotgun). Overall it was a really neat experience.

Glad to be back home though.....

I'm happy you had a nice time phansson. I can't say I have ever gone hunting.......I totally understand why people do it. I think I would end up drinking too much with the guys and never be able to get up and hunt the next morning if I did go hunting. :)

I got the wife's OK for my second SVS PC12 sub. I had to make up a "story", but it all should work out fine in the end. I should have the new sub in about 2 weeks.

Hey fors*,

I am not a big hunter, at all. I have two very good friends that hunt deer a couple of times a year (not interested) and one of those two has a duck lease. During duck season he is down on his lease for about 8 times during the two months. I am sure the lease is very expensive so he must enjoy it a lot. I am not a good "shot" so the ducks were pretty safe with me down there. I shot two boxes of shells (about 50 shots) and only had one kill. I did have a good time and would enjoy going again.

Glad you got the ok on the second sub. Was this the used SVS sub that you are going to have to replace the amp? If it is, that sounds like a good deal. Hopefully it will work out as planned. I will be looking forward to your impressions!

No, the bidding got up to $300 and I said forget it! But I came up with a good "story" where my wife thinks I did win it for under $200. However, I will be ordering another PC12-NSD new sub from SVS instead. Because the amp was bad on the other sub, I told her the seller would send it to SVS for replacement and then SVS would ship it to me directly. This would explain why the box would look new and have my name on the label....she'll think it is the used sub with a new amp....but instead it will be a brand new sub! ;)

Small "lies" about home theater are game in my book. The big joke with me and my wife is everything in there costs $500 or lower. She will ask me "how much was that new screen?". I will reply "it was around $500."

You guys do realize that you've opened yourselves up to some "blackmailing" opportunities by every member on blu-ray.com, right?! :D

Hey Tal,

How was your weekend? I look forward to tweaking my center tonight. It will be the first time to actually mess around with it.

That efx helmet on ebay is a really good deal and it is a great looking helmet. You need to start saving up! It would look great in your room.

Yes, I do realize that. My wife gets about 4 boxes a week in from some sort of clothing/shoe company, so I have ammunition back! She also thinks we are just a bunch of A/V nerds on here, which is pretty much on target.

She calls the BluRay forum my "other family".:D