The Derelicte theatre...

[derelicte]

After lurking around here for a while and posting the occasional thought, here's my hat in the ring. Comments, questions, suggestions would be all greatly appreciated.

When we bought the house, this space in the basement immediately called "hoooomme theeeeeeatre" to me. Okay, maybe not that spookily - but you know what I mean.

When we moved in (late spring), there were many things to do (get rid of vermiculite in attic, redo driveway, paint all over, serious garden effort, etc) - but the first thing I did was put some holes in the wall and set up the home theatre. And with subtle variations - this is how it stayed for several months over the summer. Projector on coffee table, center channel on ... something... and "wires, cables and sh!t"* all over.

However, recently the weather turned cold and attention turned to indoor activities. And as such, the projector got mounted on the ceiling! Wires are running parallel to the joist and into the laundry room next door. Another hole in the wall brings them back into the HT room, right behind the AVR & PS3. I was optimistic and only ran the power and one HDMI cable. I'm hoping that by the time I need more inputs for the projector, I can afford a new AVR that can do the switching (and upconverting) for me. As it stands now, the only thing I use the projector for is glorious (oh, so glorious) HD movies (and the occasional DVD). Oh yes, and the screen is now also mounted to the ceiling and the viewing area is a bit higher. Since it's no longer holding the projector, the coffee table is now holding the CC - putting it at a better listening height:

...and with the lights off:


So, there you have it. What do you think?
Next up, I'm hoping to get a sub around Christmas time. I have my eye on a Paradigm DSP-3100. I'd also like to paint. As sexy as the plaid is <ahem>, I want it to be more "proper" with darker paints. I also want to wall-mount the surrounds, though I'm not sure I can hide the wires as much as my wife would like. Some thought will have to be put into it...

* - this is a summary of my hobby by my wife. It's actually what's written on the label on the box where I keep my various "wires, cables & sh!t"...

[Beta Man]

so far so good....

More more more

[HAMP]

I'm not sure if you know about posting your pic's in the Gallery also.

https://www.blu-ray.com/community/?a...lleries&page=1

[derelicte]

I think I need to take some more (and better) pics before posting in the galleries. But to answer your email - no, I was not aware of them. You'll see me in there soon!

[HAMP]

I didn't have the best pic, but posted. There are alot of none great photo's there.

I understand what you want to do, have the perfect pics for the gallery...

I wanted to do that also, but im learning how to use my camera. It's not a point and shoot, it has to many things to set and im kinda sorry I bought it.

[crazyBLUE]

BIG change from first pic. to last ! look's really good 1

[Deadset]

Very nice!

I really like it when people post before / after shots. It really shows how much effort you put into something.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

Very nice!

I really like it when people post before / after shots. It really shows how much effort you put into something.

I do too it shows most people creativity, something I kinda name "Have an eye for" and It's something I lack a great deal of.

[derelicte]

Originally Posted by HAMP

I wanted to do that also, but im learning how to use my camera. It's not a point and shoot, it has to many things to set and im kinda sorry I bought it.

What kind of camera is it? I took these with my wife's point & shoot, but when it's all done, I'll try to do a nice series with my Nikon D70. Those'll be the ones I post to the gallery. My theory is: you don't need the best equipment, just need to be able to show it off properly

That being said - thanks to all for the compliments! With BetaMan's advice, I may try making a larger screen over the holidays. For that sort of price, it certainly wouldn't hurt to try! And if the new sub passes the WAF (I've been working hard on it), it should be a spectacular little theatre soon.

Cheers!

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by derelicte

What kind of camera is it? I took these with my wife's point & shoot, but when it's all done, I'll try to do a nice series with my Nikon D70.

It's a Fuji FinePix S9100

[Uniquely]

I like it...... but the plaid wallpaper would be distracting to me.

[derelicte]

What, you're saying plaid isn't all the rage in home theatres these days? Once the lights are down you don't really notice it - but yes, it's on it's way out. I hate removing wallpaper (can I get an amen?), so it's being procrastinated. But before the theatre's done, it will be removed and re-painted.

[Uniquely]

Originally Posted by derelicte

What, you're saying plaid isn't all the rage in home theatres these days? Once the lights are down you don't really notice it - but yes, it's on it's way out. I hate removing wallpaper (can I get an amen?), so it's being procrastinated. But before the theatre's done, it will be removed and re-painted.

Good deal. The FIRST thing I did when I bought my house was remove wallpaper with blue flowers and bows. It was HIDEOUS and it ran below the chair rails in my entire game room and down the hall. Then there was ugly floral fruity boarders at the ceiling throughout my kitchen and living room. And in a brand new house. WHY do builders put wallpaper in houses?

I used a system that comes with this roller/hole poker deal and then a gel type deal you rub on. It came off pretty easily in most places.

[derelicte]

So, minor setback. I'm told by the Boss that there are other projects that demand my attention before much more effort gets spent on building something that we already have something adequate of (aka: the new, bigger screen).
However, since Home Depot has a sale on paint, I think I can pick up a darker color for the walls at least. I'm thinking dark blue above the chair rail and something like a lighter blue below (in place of the wallpaper)? Any thoughts/opinions?

Also, I've come across a picture of someone who's got subtle backlighting behind their projector screen. Provided it doesn't reflect off the walls and wash out the screen, I think it has the potential to add a dash of quality to the proceedings (and reduce some eye strain).
Anyone ever tried this? Thoughts?

Cheers,
Derelicte

[Beta Man]

My only thoughts....

Go F L A T with the paint..... REGARDLESS of color....


and as far as back-lighting a projection screen.... I haven't found ANYTHING that says it's a good idea.



Good luck!

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by derelicte

What, you're saying plaid isn't all the rage in home theatres these days? Once the lights are down you don't really notice it - but yes, it's on it's way out. I hate removing wallpaper (can I get an amen?), so it's being procrastinated. But before the theatre's done, it will be removed and re-painted.

Go to Walgreen's and look in their "As seen on TV" section. The $19.99 steamer is your friend.

edit: Just saw your from Toronto, Do y'all even have Walgreen's?

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Go to Walgreen's and look in their "As seen on TV" section. The $19.99 steamer is your friend.

edit: Just saw your from Toronto, Do y'all even have Walgreen's?

I'll tell you what.... I had to remove a bunch in our new house, and they put a skim-coat (plaster) over the top of it, and painted it...... No steam/fancy tiger blade/harsh chemical would do ANYTHING for it..... ALL BY HAND.......geez that sucked!!! I don't know why people put wallpaper ANYWHERE, but I guess it's all personal taste. My parents have wallpaper in a few locations, and it works out really well for them....

Same thing for textured walls..... they look good to "some" people (works in my theater ) but if you don't like it, it's a real pain to remove!

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I'll tell you what.... I had to remove a bunch in our new house, and they put a skim-coat (plaster) over the top of it, and painted it...... No steam/fancy tiger blade/harsh chemical would do ANYTHING for it..... ALL BY HAND.......geez that sucked!!! I don't know why people put wallpaper ANYWHERE, but I guess it's all personal taste. My parents have wallpaper in a few locations, and it works out really well for them....

Same thing for textured walls..... they look good to "some" people (works in my theater ) but if you don't like it, it's a real pain to remove!

Sometimes heat works(an actual heat gun not a hair dryer). Most of the time though it takes a case of beer and a week-end. I agree though, in most cases wallpaper sucks. Some of the better vinyl or fabrics look real good if done by a professional. My personal opinion though, nothing beats a prepped then painted wall.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Sometimes heat works(an actual heat gun not a hair dryer). Most of the time though it takes a case of beer and a week-end. I agree though, in most cases wallpaper sucks. Some of the better vinyl or fabrics look real good if done by a professional. My personal opinion though, nothing beats a prepped then painted wall.

Funny you say that..... I used a heat gun, and the "T-Handle" scraper deal, and it managed to take it all off over FOUR WEEKS

Afterwards we had the plasterers come in and smooth everything out (we didn't want them to simply skim-coat over all of the wallpaper....it was worth it in the end.)

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Funny you say that..... I used a heat gun, and the "T-Handle" scraper deal, and it managed to take it all off over FOUR WEEKS

Afterwards we had the plasterers come in and smooth everything out (we didn't want them to simply skim-coat over all of the wallpaper....it was worth it in the end.)

I've seen some shots of your place, definitely worth it.