Ask Cheap Dave: Stefan 2
Thanks for replying so fast. These are some great tips!
Okay, you told me you would like to know if I have any equipment at the moment. I actually do.
For soundsystem I have bought a THX-certified 5.1 system with a 10” subwoofer, Logitech Z-5500 Digital, with following specs:
Thanks for replying so fast. These are some great tips!
Okay, you told me you would like to know if I have any equipment at the moment. I actually do.
For soundsystem I have bought a THX-certified 5.1 system with a 10” subwoofer, Logitech Z-5500 Digital, with following specs:
· Total RMS power: 505 watts RMS
· Satellites: 317 watts RMS (2 x 62 W front, 2 x 62 rear, 69 W center)
· Subwoofer: 188 watts RMS
· Total Peak power: 1010 watts
· Maximum SPL: >115 dB
· Frequency response: 33 Hz — 20 kHz
I must say that this sound is GREAT! At least for my room, I mean my couch is vibrating cause of the bass. And it have made 2 of my neighbours move out and 1 to complain like he has nothing else to do. So I would say that it is really a good system. So that would be the least I have to worrie about at the moment. And another good thing is that it’s working with almost everything, PC/Mac, CD, MP3, DVD, Playstation and Xbox.
I also have a Xbox. Not the 360, the old one. It’s not chipped or anything, yet. The DVD-player I have is a crappy cheap one that can’t play all the regions, Technica AMS-100. It’s for kareoke too, but it’s really just a piece of trash.
So for me it sounds more that I have to get a new DVD-player or to chip my Xbox and make it work like a HTPC, if that is something you can recommend?
That is the equipment I have atm.
And of course I need to get a projector. If I’m about to buy a used one what should I look at? Just so the lamp is ok and how much they’ve used it? And what models can you recommend?
About the screen, I have to either buy one or build one by myself since I have a dark-blue wallpaper in my room. And last but definitely not least; The room planning. How should I furnish my room? I have to find a solution for a bed, my computer and everything. I actually got a solution for my bed, then if it’s good or not is something else, hehe. Maybe if I build a bedcabinet that fits in to the rest and that is in front of the screen towards one of the sidewalls?
Looking forward to hear from you again. Oh yeah, don’t mind my signature. It’s just a business I’m trying to get into. ;)
Stefan:
It looks like you are well on your way. Did you see that I posted it? In fact I created a spearate section for questions called Ask Cheap Dave.
In a small space that needs to serve more than one function you definitely have to get creative.
In out first and second HT we used a daybed as our couch. We had a trundle underneath. This gave a lot of seating options. We could pull the trundle about half-way out and rest our feet on it or a little further out and seat more people on it. We loaded the daybed with big pillows and it was very comfortable. So that takes care of your couch/bed problem.
I built a high shelf all the way across the room and put my projector and all of my components up there. That makes running wires to your projector easy. You only have to run wires from the back to you front speakers.
My wife had an idea for you. What about building a high bunk bed? Hang you projector under it and put your couch under that.
As far as decorations, movie posters are always a nice touch for a home theater. You can buy them on-line, but your local video store might have some they could give you for free or cheap.
For your screen check out this article: http://www.projectorcentral.com/diy_screen.htm. they made a screen for under $100 using white photographers paper. I still recommend getting the projector first before you settle on a screen size. Hang a bedsheet on the wall if you have to. Then take measurements and make your screen fit.
As far as projectors that really depends on your price range. If you have at least $800 I would suggest looking at new projectors. If you want to spend less you are going to have to look for a deal. Used projectors are one choice. Don't immediately rule out business projectors. The technology is basically the same but they may not have some of the features that you expect in a HT projector.
I would suggest you only consider projectors with at least 800x600 resolution. From almost 12 feet back you should be able to do a picture somewhere between 60"-100" (diagonal).
I would look at projectors from Sharp, InFocus, Sanyo, Panasonic, Sony. There are a lot of good brands and I would suggest using http://projectorcentral.com to compare specs on any projector (even older used units) that you are considering.
If you buy used do check on the bulb life and how much might be left. Also make sure you can get a rpelacement bulb for it if you have to. (online is about the only choice for hard to find bulbs).
So adding a big picture to you sound system will give you that WOW effect.
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