Help Me Create The Dream System

[obriensg1]

Ok, so right now I have 7.1 channel surround, 55 inch Samsung, HD channels, Blu-ray etc... yada yada.

I've been looking at these home theater rooms on here and I'd like to do that one day. First I'll need to be in a new house because the shape of my current one (See photos of my setup linked through my profile) don't allow for much.

Now what do I need if I didn't want to buy a TV? Consider that I already have a sound system I'm happy with. I want to know how the projectors and canvas screens work (or whatever else people have done that looks nice). Can I project any network onto my wall? If it's HD, how's it look? Does Blu-ray or a HD station lose any clarity this way? How does an HD TV station look when blown up to say 120 inches or so?

I know that's a lot to throw at you. I'm just looking to learn more about that angle of home theater design

[Beta Man]

Even standard Def t.v. broadcasts can be watched via projector.... of course HD broadcasts would look better.

As far as how they look, a lot will depend on the projector you get of course.

You can project ANYTHING that you can output to the projector..... like 8-bit NES for example, or a VCR, or even a Blu-ray player The only thing to remember, is Projectors (most, I guess, as I've never seen one with one) don't have T.V. tuners, so you must run cable/satellite to them to get T.V.... you can't just connect an antenna.

as far as screens.....

I used Black-out-cloth, but others have used Wilson-art laminate (made for countertops I think.... found at Home-depot etc) and others have painted screens onto the wall. Of course, the more traditional thing would be to buy a screen.... but you can still get very good results from these DIY screens.

What one works best for you depends.

Aside from needing a new house...... what budget would you set for this project?

READ All of the stickies in the projector section..... that will give you LOTS of info.

[Disky76]

Originally Posted by obriensg1

Ok, so right now I have 7.1 channel surround, 55 inch Samsung, HD channels, Blu-ray etc... yada yada.

I've been looking at these home theater rooms on here and I'd like to do that one day. First I'll need to be in a new house because the shape of my current one (See photos of my setup linked through my profile) don't allow for much.

Now what do I need if I didn't want to buy a TV? Consider that I already have a sound system I'm happy with. I want to know how the projectors and canvas screens work (or whatever else people have done that looks nice). Can I project any network onto my wall? If it's HD, how's it look? Does Blu-ray or a HD station lose any clarity this way? How does an HD TV station look when blown up to say 120 inches or so?

I know that's a lot to throw at you. I'm just looking to learn more about that angle of home theater design

Never say never!

What are the dimensions of the room? From the photos, it seems like it's long and narrow. I saw a sofa and a loveseat on the wall next to each other - with some additional space before some windows in the far corner. Is that a dining room?

If the room is L shaped, you could set the screen on the far wall in front of the window (you would have to sacrafice that window) and then project from the opposite side of the room. With some furniture re-arrangements, it just might work.

You might not be able to get a huge screen from the get go (a 100" 16:9 screen is 87" wide) but you might be able to do it. I would say minimum width of the room would be 10 feet. But you might be able to do it in a skinnier room.

Mitsubishi's HC1500 and 1600 are both fantastic HD projectors that can be had for less than $1000 - and with a pull down screen (manual screens can be found for less than $100) you can put it in front of your TV.

From the pictures, it was really hard to tell, and if you say it can't be done in your space, maybe it can't. But...from what I was able to see...it MIGHT be able to work. Throw distance for a 100" screen is approx 13 feet...if you don't have that space, you could always go with a smaller screen.

And, as we all know, don't put something off for later that you can do today...because tomorrow may never come.

Good Luck!!!

[obriensg1]

That is a dining room that isn't used. The problem with sacrificing the window is it's not our house and we'll probably move out within two years anyway. I'm a 22 year old college student who lives at home and the house belong to whoever is the full time groundskeeper/repairman for a religious group (and that would be my dad)

[ditch-digger]

my room is a very odd shape..

took some time, but got my projector for under $750

got my 106" screen for under $100

and then built from there....

as far as image, everything looks better on the screen, pre-season football looked awesome last nite...

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Originally Posted by obriensg1

Ok, so right now I have 7.1 channel surround, 55 inch Samsung, HD channels, Blu-ray etc... yada yada.

I've been looking at these home theater rooms on here and I'd like to do that one day. First I'll need to be in a new house because the shape of my current one (See photos of my setup linked through my profile) don't allow for much.

Now what do I need if I didn't want to buy a TV? Consider that I already have a sound system I'm happy with. I want to know how the projectors and canvas screens work (or whatever else people have done that looks nice). Can I project any network onto my wall? If it's HD, how's it look? Does Blu-ray or a HD station lose any clarity this way? How does an HD TV station look when blown up to say 120 inches or so?

I know that's a lot to throw at you. I'm just looking to learn more about that angle of home theater design

If I were you, I wouldn't get comfortable; especially if you're planning on moving out within a few years. Just wait until you move out, then make your arrangements.