I'm addicted to this thread. That curved screen looks very nice, can't wait for more updates regarding the audio equipment and computer system you intend on using.
You mentioned that the 1000U wasn't bright enough for your room. Was this true in normal mode, or just cinema? Also, what kind of throw distance are you dealing with?
building a home theater is a long project, and can be frustrating for the inexperienced. I've read some horror stories in "home theater" magazine about money wasted on things that were later taken out. I'm surprised you're not going with a professional installer, though, given the complexity of your new screen set up.
I used to work in a theater while I was in college, and eventually got up to running the projection equipment. One theater I worked at has a couple of what they call the "HIT screen" or "High Impact Theater" which is a screen that is curved in two dimensions on the vertical and horizontal axis. It required a vacuum system to hold the screen in place which was kind of a drawback because the screen is no longer transparent to sound and the speakers have to be elsewhere. So while you can curve it in two dimensions, it's not very practical in a home system.
You may want to contact an installer for some advice.
You may want to go back and read all of Anand's home theater entries.
The cost for a professional installer is outrageous for most people and some people like DYI as it give you a real sense of accomplishment (especially when the final "product" is just a fraction of the cost of a pro).
building a home theater is a long project, and can be frustrating for the inexperienced. I've read some horror stories in "home theater" magazine about money wasted on things that were later taken out. I'm surprised you're not going with a professional installer, though, given the complexity of your new screen set up.
I used to work in a theater while I was in college, and eventually got up to running the projection equipment. One theater I worked at has a couple of what they call the "HIT screen" or "High Impact Theater" which is a screen that is curved in two dimensions on the vertical and horizontal axis. It required a vacuum system to hold the screen in place which was kind of a drawback because the screen is no longer transparent to sound and the speakers have to be elsewhere. So while you can curve it in two dimensions, it's not very practical in a home system.
You may want to contact an installer for some advice.
I have a couple of friends who painted a screen on their wall then put some chair railing around it and called it good. Compared to my 42” LCD the image looks monstrous and looks great.
I’d have to disagree with the previous posters although building your HT has been time consuming, it is addicting, I believe that is part of the fun of doing it. I’m sure once it is all done you will have a killer set-up that you will be proud of and eager to show-off. I’m very interested to see what audio gear (speakers, sub(s), and components) you are going to use.
I am currently collecting all my audio gear and using it in our family room/home theater for now. In several years when we finish our basement or move to a new house I’ll have all the gear and just need to get the room set-up. It is good to read your experiences and see what to do (haven’t decided on the anamorphic lens, maybe if they come down in price) and not to do (no curved screen for me, I like math but only basic math…that is why I’m an accountant ?).
Well, unlike these other poo poo'ers, I think it's lookin great. I was a little skeptical of the starfield ceiling, but it looked pretty good in the last one.
I do like to see all this work going on, and instead being discouraged, I'm caught up in the desire for a theater. I've worked in home construction before and it's always fun for me to see the various stages before the finished product is there.
I'm pretty sure I would have cheated and planted a stake out in the yard, measured out 40' of string, tie one end to the stake, the other end to a pencil, pulled it tight, and then drawn an arc on the wood which was lying on the driveway. Just like ye olde compass.
Granted, I may have been off a bit, but hopefully wouldn't have wound up with a 15' radius. Bwah ha ha ha ha. /snicker
So I would agree that it doesn't really seem worth it, mostly because I don't think it will be that much of a benefit. But of course you did seem to make it far more difficult than need be. I mean I know I certainly forgot that formula too, but a quick online search, (or looking at an old textbook) should have given it to you without much trouble. I wouldn't think you would have to curve the masking either.
So when are you gonna start up AnandTheater? Sure seems like there is room for a good Home Theater website out there. And if you're looking for editors... well I'd sure love to do it :)
I used to think that if I had the money it would be nice to have a home theater room. You have shown it would not be worth the time and money from my perspective. Thank You.
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9254at - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
Anand, check out Charmed Quark for your control system. It's DIY friendly, and will do all of the things you are looking to do.http://www.charmedquark.com/">http://www.charmedquark.com/
There are also some great threads at AVS about this in the automation systems threads. IVB has a whole thread about his system.
treehugger87 - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
I'm addicted to this thread. That curved screen looks very nice, can't wait for more updates regarding the audio equipment and computer system you intend on using.Deke6 - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
Anand,You mentioned that the 1000U wasn't bright enough for your room. Was this true in normal mode, or just cinema? Also, what kind of throw distance are you dealing with?
Chernobyl68 - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
building a home theater is a long project, and can be frustrating for the inexperienced. I've read some horror stories in "home theater" magazine about money wasted on things that were later taken out. I'm surprised you're not going with a professional installer, though, given the complexity of your new screen set up.I used to work in a theater while I was in college, and eventually got up to running the projection equipment. One theater I worked at has a couple of what they call the "HIT screen" or "High Impact Theater" which is a screen that is curved in two dimensions on the vertical and horizontal axis. It required a vacuum system to hold the screen in place which was kind of a drawback because the screen is no longer transparent to sound and the speakers have to be elsewhere. So while you can curve it in two dimensions, it's not very practical in a home system.
You may want to contact an installer for some advice.
Noya - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
You may want to go back and read all of Anand's home theater entries.The cost for a professional installer is outrageous for most people and some people like DYI as it give you a real sense of accomplishment (especially when the final "product" is just a fraction of the cost of a pro).
Chernobyl68 - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
building a home theater is a long project, and can be frustrating for the inexperienced. I've read some horror stories in "home theater" magazine about money wasted on things that were later taken out. I'm surprised you're not going with a professional installer, though, given the complexity of your new screen set up.I used to work in a theater while I was in college, and eventually got up to running the projection equipment. One theater I worked at has a couple of what they call the "HIT screen" or "High Impact Theater" which is a screen that is curved in two dimensions on the vertical and horizontal axis. It required a vacuum system to hold the screen in place which was kind of a drawback because the screen is no longer transparent to sound and the speakers have to be elsewhere. So while you can curve it in two dimensions, it's not very practical in a home system.
You may want to contact an installer for some advice.
punko - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
Just as a question, but is there any need for the screen to curve vertically?Or is the distortion so small that its to be considered negligible?
jnmfox - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
I have a couple of friends who painted a screen on their wall then put some chair railing around it and called it good. Compared to my 42” LCD the image looks monstrous and looks great.I’d have to disagree with the previous posters although building your HT has been time consuming, it is addicting, I believe that is part of the fun of doing it. I’m sure once it is all done you will have a killer set-up that you will be proud of and eager to show-off. I’m very interested to see what audio gear (speakers, sub(s), and components) you are going to use.
I am currently collecting all my audio gear and using it in our family room/home theater for now. In several years when we finish our basement or move to a new house I’ll have all the gear and just need to get the room set-up. It is good to read your experiences and see what to do (haven’t decided on the anamorphic lens, maybe if they come down in price) and not to do (no curved screen for me, I like math but only basic math…that is why I’m an accountant ?).
Best of luck and keep us updated.
evonitzer - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
Well, unlike these other poo poo'ers, I think it's lookin great. I was a little skeptical of the starfield ceiling, but it looked pretty good in the last one.I do like to see all this work going on, and instead being discouraged, I'm caught up in the desire for a theater. I've worked in home construction before and it's always fun for me to see the various stages before the finished product is there.
Keep up the updates!
Houdani - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
I'm pretty sure I would have cheated and planted a stake out in the yard, measured out 40' of string, tie one end to the stake, the other end to a pencil, pulled it tight, and then drawn an arc on the wood which was lying on the driveway. Just like ye olde compass.Granted, I may have been off a bit, but hopefully wouldn't have wound up with a 15' radius. Bwah ha ha ha ha. /snicker
Jaguar36 - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
So I would agree that it doesn't really seem worth it, mostly because I don't think it will be that much of a benefit. But of course you did seem to make it far more difficult than need be. I mean I know I certainly forgot that formula too, but a quick online search, (or looking at an old textbook) should have given it to you without much trouble. I wouldn't think you would have to curve the masking either.So when are you gonna start up AnandTheater? Sure seems like there is room for a good Home Theater website out there. And if you're looking for editors... well I'd sure love to do it :)
CurtOien - Thursday, March 20, 2008 - link
Anand,I used to think that if I had the money it would be nice to have a home theater room. You have shown it would not be worth the time and money from my perspective. Thank You.