Media/Theater Room Setup Help

vadang

Hello all,

My house is being built as we speak and I thought I had everything figured out, but now I am not sure how I should configure the room. I have attached the room layout, the only difference is that the room will actually be the mirror of the attachment across the top side (bathroom and storage wall side).

Initially I was just going to have the screen on the same wall where the RG6 and CAT5 outlets were and have my minifridge and other complementary theater stuff on the wall with the windows (which I will be blacking out). But now I am wondering if I am better off with it on the inside adjacent wall? I would gain 3 additional feet.

This will be a ongoing process and I am just trying to plan ahead.

I plan on getting a projector, screen, and build a "box" for a taller 2nd row seating soon, but it might not be right after moving in. I don't plan on having a dedicated hiding A/V rack. I am okay with using my existing low profile tv stand and use it as my A/V rack and center speaker stand. I might cover it with tinted glass/plexiglass later if the lights bug me that much.

Here is my list of stuff I have to use right now. I plan on using the RT800i for rear surround until I buy the matching rti or fx surrounds.

-RTi12s
-CSi5
-RT800is
-CS400i
-61" samsung led ldp
-SVS pb12 plus2
-HSU MBM
-pioneer vsx-9040txh (aka elite vsx-21)
-behringer 1500 to run RTi12s
-Seating: reclining loveseat and couch

Bottom line: What wall to have screen on so I can beg my project manager to switch some cabling around and not charge me for it. Oh and they are running speaker and sub wires for me which are placed in reference to the rg6/cat5 outlets.

THANKS!

Sherardp

Looking at your drawing I would keep it as is. As mentioned you will want blinds (Matte Black) with black out Curtains for complete darkness. You could install the TV rack in the back of the room and use an IR blaster box up front to control on the components. This would look rather nice, no bright LEDs in your face sort of speak. I actually ran mine like that, using speakercraft's IR blaster on CAT5. My mini-fridge is also in the back of the room with all the equipment, so it's out of sight. If your building tier seating, I would suggest using rope lighting to prevent you or your guests from falling and breaking their neck. You can also put everything (lights) on dimmers, which I would suggest the Lutron Spacer system. I mentioned this setup because the dimmers are relatively inexpensive and they work very well with the Harmony Remotes. They also allow for lighting scenes, meaning you can dim some lights down lower than the others on a different dimmer switch.

Screen wise you'll want to max that room out. If your on the short end you could probably do 110 or so. On the longer end, you could do roughly 120-126 inch diagonal. You could move the screen wall to the longer throw end which would be the bottom wall, windows to your side but you will then have to mount your side surrounds above those windows. I would also plan to have a media rack built and attached to your wall. Just some place to store your movies, games, etc. If you keep it as is though, I think you'll still be fine.

Some other pointers:

Run dual HDMI cables and Cat 5 up to the projector mounted location.

Run dedicated circuits for this room, you'll want at least two or three. Mine runs off six which could be overkill but it's done now.

CAT5 cable to the rack's location. You can use a switch if you like, but you'll want at least one hardwire lan drop. I would even recommend hardwire lan drops to every room in your house including the kitchen and make sure this supports 100/1000.

Power outlet for projector in ceiling if your mounting it. I would even say outlets in your tier seating ( convenience if your like me, nice to plug in a laptop near your theater seat or charge a cellphone)

And try to paint that screen wall/ceiling black or something dark. By far the best thing in a dedicated room since sliced bread.

Other than that, keep asking questions and I'm sure the guys who have taken this journey will assist you. You can see my pics/write up in the showcase.

PSOVLSK

I have something similar to these over the window in my HT. With the blinds and curtains closed, there is basically zero light entering the room.

I like the "or here" option better. Same reason anonymouse gave...any light that does enter will not be bothersome because it will be behind you. Also, I've had it both ways and I prefer walking into the room and seeing the picture as opposed to entering the room by the screen.

Some excellent "other pointers" from Sherardp

Sherardp

+1 on the "or here" option, my comments were made in that regard. Sorry, didn't notice it earlier on.

vadang

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I do plan on having a complete black out of the windows so I am not too worried about the light coming from the side. I'll see what I can swindle out of my PM. They charge you for every ticky tack thing when building a house. Relocating the RG6 and cat5 was something around 200 bucks...why it costs so much, I have no idea. If worst comes to worst, I will just re-run the wiring myself.

Oh and I do have an outlet being installed in the ceiling as an "upgrade" option...pffft.

Again, thanks for taking the time and giving your thoughts.