Systems Showcase

Gallery

Here we are looking at the door in the family room I installed that leads all into an unsuspecting surprise...a dedicated home theater! The pull handle was a nifty idea I thought since the door will close automtically to prevent any outside disturbance.

Standing at the door way you can see the all the elements I used to duplicate a pleasant movie going experience. My whole thought was once the door closes you are no longer in a house but are at the movies in total comfort.

I had to raise the second row of seating as well as the monitor for a prime unblocked view for all seats. The front row is a little close for adults but a favorite of kids and kids at heart.

My wife assisted me with the curtains and my brother helped me fabricate the walls with some sound absorbing panels covered in inexpensive material. The panels are held to studs with industrial strength velcro tape. Only the carpet was installed by pro's but purchased from a remnant warehouse. I kept the original padding to increase comfort and absorb unwanted echoes. Note how the false wall hides all my components sitting on the monitor as well as all three front speakers.

I purchased the sconces and lights at our local home improvement store careful not to spend more than $10 ea. The frames come from a huge retailer for a bargain price. I also get my posters from the mall or frame shops. I did'nt want all the room to be absorbing so I carefully placed these frames to create some reflection and ambience.

I installed the lowered acoustical ceiling but first roll painted each piece so the cieling would not reflect or detract from the overall experience. Again all the wiring is hidden pefectly and inexpensively.

As the lights begin to lower the red covered walls take on a darker color and eventually fade off altogether. The rear projection three gun CRT monitor produces vibrant images and deep blacks. I had it calibrated to get the most from it. The picture it produces gives a true film like experience.

With the movie playing all things in the room seem to vanish and the screen appears larger than it really is. With the awesome sound you are automatically and magically transported to another place and time. It works magnificantly!! I recommend every true home theater enthusiast give it try. The sight and sound compete and in most cases surpass the local cinemas for presentation.

(New) An updated view of the entrance to the theater.

(New) Some detail of the seating and carpet.

(New) A view facing the rear wall, note the in-wall surround speaker.

(New) A closer view of that same speaker.

(New) A view of one of the front tower speakers facing the false, acoustically transparent, wall.

(New) A subwoofer to truly be proud of. I'm always glad to show it off to all my friends. She's a beauty! Debating on adding another identical sub to the right front corner for symmetry and to eliminate any standing waves but in all honesty this mighty sub is all and more than I need. It can rattle the walls down to the foundation!

(New) A simple rack holding some of our favorite movies.

(New) Lift the curtain on top of the Mistubishi and reveal my equipment location. Note the platform rubber feet added to the DVD player to give my Onkyo breathing room.

(New) A closer view of the surrounds.

(New) Close ups of some wall art.

(New) The opposite wall.

(New) A view of the entrance, note how the shape of the surround speaker allows it to be placed here without any interefence of folks coming in or out thanks to Polks clever design.

(New) As the lights dim a Sith Lord is born again, Superman takes flight, the Titanic sinks and little boy rides an Express train to the north pole....

(New) The reaction of the audience, young and old, is what makes all the effort of this room well worth it. Hope you enjoyed the look of our theater. When we decide on a name and add Lutron lighting I'll update some more pics. Thanks again!

(NEW) Family Room Pics Yup that's a good ol' 35 tube and after 10 yrs, she still works perfect!

All the components sit in rack I designed on CAD and made recently of 3/4" high grade plywood all held together by 2" counter sunk screws. She's sturdy alright. Even my wife was surprise how well it all came out.

Look closely all three front R15's are hidden in the rack behind speaker grills I made myself with the help of half inch wood and a staple gun. I also angled them up about 30 degrees to compensate for the level they are sitting at. No you're not seeing things, that is a turntable alright and she works perfectly. Yup I still spin vinyl for warm sound.

A wider angle shot of the family room layout.

The surrounds, note the AB755 in wall for 6.1 sound.

A close up of the surrounds. They are up and out of the way of traffic. This whole modest system works just fine for us. Nothing big and brassy, just a functional, yet reliable setup for everyday TV viewing or to pop in a movie incase our dedicated Theatre is unavailable. Well that's it for now. Thanks for your interest all.