Is it worth investigating for our room?

[acritzer]

I've always wanted a projector. I've gotten my sound system to a respectable level (for now). But I'm really wondering if our room is reasonable for a possible projector. Any ideas?

-It's a family room addition. We have an entertainment center in place that we really like, which probably means any screen would have to be a pull down or motorized.
-It's got two windows on the left hand wall, as you look at the TV.
-Here's the kicker, two windows directly behind the viewer with a half circle window right on top of those. And two doors that are glass next to those, that lead out to our deck.

So, basically it's a room that we use for toys and such with the kiddies. It has an entertainment center in place and is generally a bright room. MOST movies would be at night.

Is it worth it? My only other option for the house would be a basement project...MUCH more involved, time and money. Also not sure about the sound bleeding into the area above that, where my 5 year old sleeps.

[PurpleJesus74]

I vote for the basement,it would be easier to control lighting and could be a mancave.But still could be enjoyed by the whole family.I put mine in the basement and its really not finished,so it can be done relatively cheap.Good luck,either way,its definitely worth it.

[acritzer]

Thanks for the input. I just don't know if I'm ready to renovate a whole room. Also, I like the equipment where I have it in the family room. Setting up downstairs would mean having to move it and leave almost nothing upstairs. Financially I don't think I can swing the basement.

Maybe I should investigate attractive, but functional ways to block the windows? Some kind of solid blinds or curtains? If I work with the upstairs, all I would have to do is get a projector and screen...hook them up.

Downstairs would mean, selling a pool table, probably painting, or putting up dry wall, fixing part of the ceiling, moving down the receiver, speakers, seating, and a host of other issues.

[PurpleJesus74]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Thanks for the input. I just don't know if I'm ready to renovate a whole room. Also, I like the equipment where I have it in the family room. Setting up downstairs would mean having to move it and leave almost nothing upstairs. Financially I don't think I can swing the basement.

Maybe I should investigate attractive, but functional ways to block the windows? Some kind of solid blinds or curtains? If I work with the upstairs, all I would have to do is get a projector and screen...hook them up.

Downstairs would mean, selling a pool table, probably painting, or putting up dry wall, fixing part of the ceiling, moving down the receiver, speakers, seating, and a host of other issues.

I see what you mean,i actually got a second setup to put in the basement,but i know thats not practical for most people,lol.You could get some dark curtains for sure,alot of projectors are plenty bright,so i think you could get it to work.

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by PurpleJesus74

I see what you mean,i actually got a second setup to put in the basement,but i know thats not practical for most people,lol.You could get some dark curtains for sure,alot of projectors are plenty bright,so i think you could get it to work.

Yeah, working on my wife now. It might be possible with opaque, or semi-opaque cellular shades. They make them for semi-circular windows. Of course, she doesn't think it's practical. Some creativity would also be needed for the screen mounting, but not having to buy another blu-ray player, receiver, speakers, etc. it might be worth a little compromise.

Ah...I'll keep dreaming for now. Meanwhile I'm also thinking about an eD sub.

[PurpleJesus74]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Yeah, working on my wife now. It might be possible with opaque, or semi-opaque cellular shades. They make them for semi-circular windows. Of course, she doesn't think it's practical. Some creativity would also be needed for the screen mounting, but not having to buy another blu-ray player, receiver, speakers, etc. it might be worth a little compromise.

Ah...I'll keep dreaming for now. Meanwhile I'm also thinking about an eD sub.

They do make dark blinds which are what i have,you might be able to put them beneath your curtains and pull them down when you need the most darkness.I think i have the basement for when i get something new,the wife usually doesnt notice.

[Disky76]

Originally Posted by acritzer

I've always wanted a projector. I've gotten my sound system to a respectable level (for now). But I'm really wondering if our room is reasonable for a possible projector. Any ideas?

-It's a family room addition. We have an entertainment center in place that we really like, which probably means any screen would have to be a pull down or motorized.
-It's got two windows on the left hand wall, as you look at the TV.
-Here's the kicker, two windows directly behind the viewer with a half circle window right on top of those. And two doors that are glass next to those, that lead out to our deck.

So, basically it's a room that we use for toys and such with the kiddies. It has an entertainment center in place and is generally a bright room. MOST movies would be at night.

Is it worth it? My only other option for the house would be a basement project...MUCH more involved, time and money. Also not sure about the sound bleeding into the area above that, where my 5 year old sleeps.

A projector is always a nice addition to any home, but there are certain things that you need to pay attention to before purchasing a projector and screen setup.

1) - Size of the room. Most projectors require a large room. I did not see what the specific dimensions were of the room, but size is critical. You will need a good 14 foot long room at least to project to a 100" 16:9 screen.

2) - Light control. You mention quite a few windows. That's fine, because it sounds like it will be a dual purpose room. You will find, even though you had indicated primarily night viewing, that you may want to invest in some good, room darkening drapes (that are also pleasing to the eye) as there may be times when you will want to watch your projector when the sun is shining brightly outside.

If your room is large enough, then a projector is a no-brainer. It truly brings the theatrical experience home. No TV can match the immersion of a properly set up large screen and projector.

[Blown 4.3]

Originally Posted by Disky76

If your room is large enough, then a projector is a no-brainer. It truly brings the theatrical experience home. No TV can match the immersion of a properly set up large screen and projector.

NO DOUBT

except, if ambient light cannot be controlled.

[Beta Man]

We have a "family room" addition on our home as well....... and we've thought about converting it to the movie room (since no bedrooms are above it or by it etc) We also have sliding glass doors leading to a deck and gazebo, and four other windows as well.......

Basically, if you are willing to part with the room (we have our kids' play-room off of it too) you can make it happen with curtains etc...... We are still using the attic for the "movie room" but four bedrooms are underneath it, so late-night viewing is difficult, but having a "T.V. room" in the addition for daily use is just a better use of our addition for us since it gets much more use, and we like the amount of natural light we get too.

If our basement was anything that could be finished without costing a small fortune, I would go that route...... but unfortunately it would need pretty much everything, including water-proofing.


EDIT:

not sure where your addition is situated on your house, and what it looks like from the outside, but if you do a quick search on the internet for "home window tinting" etc... you'll find ones that completely black out the light, but look like mirrors or silver, on the inside...... so if you put up window tint, then some more 'formal' looking curtains would suffice.

[DAK4]

Hi acritzer, I have a projector in my family room (see my gallery) and I love it. I also have windows down one side of the room. I mainly watch at night but if I watch during the day I'll just close the blind closest to the screen and adjust the projector brightness. It does really well with ambient light.

[acritzer]

Thanks for the continued replies. I've firmly decided to put this off for a while. I went ahead and ordered an eD A2-300 subwoofer. Between money and room issues I'm just going to bide my time for a better opportunity.

Thanks.