A Huge Undertaking

[Mantis128]

Ever since I was around 12-13 I've always dreamed of having a top quality display to play games and watch movies on. Now for the longest time a fancy home theatre just seemed too out of reach, something that I just couldn't get. So for years I just stuck to TV's.

EDIT: Fell really behind. Still planning on doing this. Learnt and reconsidered a lot over the last three years

Expected start: January 2021

Expected finish: 2023-26

Now right now this is only a thought in my head but here's a rough blueprint.

Screen: OLED.
Player: Sony UBP-X700
Receiver undecided, most likely 5.1.

Consoles:
PS3 Slim
PS4 Slim
NTSC-J N64 with UltraHDMI mod
1-Chip Super Famicom
Analog Mega SG (Sega Genesis clone)
NTSC GameCube with Gameboy Player (Game Boy Interface used)
HDMI modded Wii
Nintendo Switch
NES with RGB mod.
NTSC-J PS2 Slim
NTSC Original Xbox
NTSC Dreamcast
Analog systems will go into an OSSC.

[nikita70]

Sounds great. Obviously you have put a lot of thought into it.

[Mantis128]

I've decided to get a desktop computer to put under the desk with a monitor next to NEC. If I want I should be able to hook the PC up to the projector.

Ok, that's enough planing for now. I need to start saving up money to fund this.

The amount of money effort this is going to take is staggering but I need to tough it out; I'l try and give an update next year.

[Mantis128]

Ok since I'm studying music I've decided to put a small FL studio setup next to my retro gaming setup. As for the layout I still love the idea of having a desk in the back corner of the room and using wood panels for the walls to give it an inviting log cabin look. I've drawn up some (really bad) sketches and I love how it looks so far.

Anyhow, this is probably the last update until I actually start this.

[Drew664]

That much retro on that big of a screen might have pixels the size of playing cards, lol. Unless you are sitting back far enough that is.

Have you tried playing any consoles with a projector before? May change your mind on it. I was surprised at how bad a 720p game can look on a projector compared to a 1080p game.

[Mantis128]

There should be enough space to even it out especially if I use artificial scanlines. And my experience with projectors goes back to when I was 10 when I played Halo at my friend's house on his HT. Also playing retro games on the projector will just be a once in awhile thing since I plan to use CRTs.

[Kevinicus]

Don't plan the room around screen size. Plan the screen size around the room/seating.

Find out where you want to sit, figure the distance to where the screen is, and that will help determine your size.

In most cases a 150" is going to be too big, unless your room is a pretty good size and you're sitting pretty far back.

Also, the bigger screen will require more Lumens from the projector. I might not work well putting the projector all the way back (again, depends on the size of the room).

And this is just personal opinion, but I suggest going with an acoustically transparent screen and putting the speakers behind it. My opinion is also in favor of a 2.35:1 (scope) screen.

And if your expecting to finish in 2023-2026, I don't think you should really have too much thought into what equipment you'll have. At that point you might be looking at a PS6. Of course it looks like you'll have lots of older systems, so what's a PS3, PS4, and possibly PS5 added to the mix?

[Mantis128]

After doing more research I've found that I should be able to play my retro consoles on both CRTs and the projector by using switchers that have multiple outputs.
I think I've finally decided on the most ideal setup.
All HDMI systems will be sent to a switcher that will be sent to a splitter that will send one signal to an audio receiver that will send the signal to the projector and another that will be sent to a capture device for the PC. All retro systems will be sent to SCART, component and JP21 switchers that will send one signal to my planned CRT setup and another to the XRGB which will send it to a splitter which will feed the projector and capture device.
I'll also try and get a really basic TV to occasionally watch broadcast TV on. I plan to also use the awesome CRT I have now, occasionally by using the component switcher. Biggest thing I'll have to look for is a way to easily keep everything off. All that in standby mode would be a nightmare for the electricity bill.

Originally Posted by Kevinicus

Don't plan the room around screen size. Plan the screen size around the room/seating.

Find out where you want to sit, figure the distance to where the screen is, and that will help determine your size.

In most cases a 150" is going to be too big, unless your room is a pretty good size and you're sitting pretty far back.

Also, the bigger screen will require more Lumens from the projector. I might not work well putting the projector all the way back (again, depends on the size of the room).

And this is just personal opinion, but I suggest going with an acoustically transparent screen and putting the speakers behind it. My opinion is also in favor of a 2.35:1 (scope) screen.

And if your expecting to finish in 2023-2026, I don't think you should really have too much thought into what equipment you'll have. At that point you might be looking at a PS6. Of course it looks like you'll have lots of older systems, so what's a PS3, PS4, and possibly PS5 added to the mix?

I plan to hold off on getting a 4K display for as long as possible. But I'll probably get a small 4K monitor for when I get around to buying a PS5. Eventually when UHD takes over my set up I'l add a 4K projector. I'm currently trying to saving up for a home loan which I'll use to get a decent sized room. I know I can't afford a mansion but I'm confident I can find a room that will be big enough to be converted without breaking the bank.

[Mantis128]

OK I've after a month of research I have it planned out perfectly. This should be the last update for awhile.

Turns out you don't need JP21 cables for Japanese consoles, so I'll just use SCART.

If I can't find a big enough room, I'l try the speakers behind the screen thing.

Instead of a table/desk, I'll see if I can find a good 2nd hand entertainment cabinet.

I'l have the projector hanging from the roof and have the HD consoles and audio receiver with the retro setup with the HDMI cables running through the wall.

Here's the schedule I've planned.

Now-2018 start saving for home loan and other things

2018 Buy basic projector, screen etc

2019 Set up basic prototype in rented house.

2020-2022 Keep saving for home loan.

2023 purchase simple home and start converting living room into HT.

[Mahatma]

Wow!Someone's planning ahead