Moment of Weakness - Epson Home10+ or Infocus 4805?

[Yamaman]

I would welcome any input to my dilemna:

I was dead set on an Infocus Screenplay 4805. Then I hear and read about the Epson Powerlite Home10+ projector.

Both have similar specs as far as resolution, inputs (component video, composite video, S-video, RCA audio) and native 16:9, but a few differences:

1. DLP vs. LCD (which gets into the debate about lumens vs. contrast
2. 4805 has bulb life rating that is 1000 more than the Epson (mode per mode)

3. Price Tag: 4805 = $2250.00 (CDN) vs. Home10+ = $1800.00 (CDN)

I can get the Epson at company discount.

What makes the decision harder is that if I buy the 4805, the store will give me a package deal that includes screen, ceiling mount and A/V cabling such that I save over $300.00.

So, I'm still leaning towards the Infocus, unless anybody can tell me good things about the Epson Powerlite Home 10+. Btw, all user reviews from ProjectorCentral.com give the Epson a 5 star rating.

:confused:

[Rob Babcock]

I highly recommend you take try to get the chance to spend some time with DLP. I love DLP, but know people who get bad headaches from it. If this is already known to you, then I apologize, but DLP uses one chip to produce all three colors. A spinning color wheel creates the colors sequencially. This can lead to color separation artifacts, aka "the rainbow effect." I'm not the least bit succeptible to the effect; as a matter of fact, I have to move my head violently to even see it. None of my family sees it either, but it's definately real, and there's no way to know short of trying for yourself.

The Epson is a good value. I've seen it a few times, but never with proper light control, so it looked washed out. Of course, that's not its fault, it's a setup problem. I've never seen it blown up to the size you'd use as home, either, so I can't judge whether or not the pixel structure would be visible under actual use.

Let me complicate you search a little more: Plus Corps award winning Piano DLP projector is now being sold for $999. I've used one for years, and I'm extremely pleased with it. If you google for reviews, you'll find it's won a lot of awards including Product of the Year from several HT mags. With the price drop (it won all those awards back when it sold for $2700 :eek: ), it's a screaming deal. Assuming you can deal with DLP.

[Unregistered]

We bought a 7200 but we had to replace a bulb after a little over 500 hours (the bulb's warentee). Although it is rated for more hours when we went back to the distributor they were unconcerned and said that is only a guide line. At the expense of these bulbs, I am concerned about the ongoing cost.

[Rob Babcock]

Bulb life can be unpredictable. The Plus in my system had its first bulb burst at 500 hrs, half its rated life. Plus Corp replaced it at no cost, and the replacement bulb logged a tad over 2000 hours! Even then, it still worked, but it wasn't as bright anymore. We decided to replace it as we had a spare on hand.

I doubt the brand is relevant at all- bulbs just always have some variability. When compared to CRT projectors, solid state can be much cheaper initially, but you have to factor in the price of bulbs.

Personally, unless you have an HT room and a separate rig for simply watching TV, I'd be damned leery of any PJ with a bulb rated at 500 hrs! :eek: That's an unbelievably short life, and used for all veiwing would only last a few months. You'd likely need 2 bulbs to get thru football season! That would get expensive real fast.

[BMXTRIX]

I personally have been using the Panasonic LCD projector for a few years and have to say that a 2000:1 contrast ratio in DLP is nice, but you had better be putting it into a very, very dark room, as the InFocus has a calibrated light output of well under 500 lumens which makes it almost worthless once a little bit of light is added.

Brightness offers a lot of punch when a little light is in the room, but may not be of concern to you. I would have to say that I would be hard pressed to purchase contrast over light output after seeing what a little more light can do to an image to really add some punch. Really, 3 or 4 years ago, home theater projectors (non CRT) were lucky to see 1,000:1 ratios... now that is pretty standard for many LCD projectors. Of course, the new Panasonic is 2000:1, and the new Sony is 6000:1 in an LCD.

Bottom line is I don't think you will be unhappy with either projector, and if it is your first foray into HT projection, then you will be really psyched on having a big screen and you neighbors will all wonder how many thousands of dollars it cost you.

Why do people bother with rear screen projection anyways? ;)

[Rob Babcock]

You can go with a higher gain screen, too. I will say that while the Plus doesn't have as high a light output, it will still work okay with dim room light. But I'll state for the record that my room has 100% light control- total blackout. No matter how bright your PJ, you'll never get good blacks without light control.

[Yamaman]

Thanks for your responses.

In the end, I went for the InFocus. I've tested it on a non-white wall and I was very impressed! :)

I will have to wait until my basement is finished to really see it shine. But I believe I'll be very happy with this unit.

btw, got it for $2050.00 CDN. Not bad wheeling and dealing I think.

In my case, I felt the lower lumens will not be an issue as it would be in the basement- specifically for HT viewing. I have pots lights on dimmers to control lighting. Also, I prefer DLP over LCD.


Bottom line is I don't think you will be unhappy with either projector, and if it is your first foray into HT projection, then you will be really psyched on having a big screen and you neighbors will all wonder how many thousands of dollars it cost you.

I think BMXTRIX nailed it with that statement. I'll be the envy of all my firends and family :D

[Rob Babcock]

Were you bothered by the noise of the PJ? It seems to me that one's louder than most; could be an issue in a smaller quieter room. Or maybe not- just curious.

[Rob Babcock]

Just looked up that model at Projector People- pretty decent light output for an inexpensive PJ, a bit better than the 600 lumens the Plus puts out. I just realized I was thinking of the X1, not the 4805. The X1 is easily the loudest FPTV I've ever heard, but I don't know about the one you bought. Probably just fine, noise wise.

You're gonna love it! :D I can't fathom how I got by all those years with a puny box TV- even my old 55" Philips seems dinky by comparison. But the thing I was most unprepared for was how much better the sound got when I removed that big, hulking empty box from between my speakers. Makes sense when you think about it, though. I can't imagine ever going back after a couple years with the PJ.

[Unregistered]

Hi Rob,

Yes, the size of the image just blows away my 43" rear projection TV. Soon, very soon; I should be able to start painting the walls in the basement next week or so. I can taste it now......

The fan noise from the projector is fine. It won't even be audible when I have it mounted to the ceiling just ahead of a boxed ventilation duct. Seating will be a bit further back so when when I watch a movie, I won't even see the projector.

For pure HT viewing especially, I don't see why more people opt for a front pj. Plasmas are cool, I have to admit, but the cost per inch isn't worth it (at least for a salaried man like me ).

Cheers!

-Yama

[BMXTRIX]

Just an FYI Yama...

I went to front PJ about 4 years ago and have loved it. Started with an old 4x3 CRT Runco, then went to an Electrohome CRT and more recntly to a Panasonic LCD. I don't imagine I will ever live again without a front pj and a 10 foot screen.

But, viewing in non-light controlled rooms isn't an option, and we refuse to use half our basement for a dedicated theater. In fact, for 3.5 of the last 4 years we used the PJ as our primary television... and it worked until we moved into a place that didn't have good light control and we couldn't GET good light control - and didn't want to live in a cave.

A plasma (ours was $3,200) will actually cost less if you are part of a heavy TV family like I am. The PJ was on about 8 hours a day - and bulbs were being used at a rate that was no less than 2 per year. So, that's about $300 per bulb - or $600.00 a year in regular maintenance bulbs. Or, in about 5 years, the plasma has paid for itself and we still have the PJ for Monday Night Football, good movies, and Dead Like Me (Showtime HD).

It makes sense, sometimes financially and logistically to have that plasma... but never INSTEAD... just to supplement. ;)

Now, of course, I want the tab tensioned motorized screen and a between the joists projector lift so that when the PJ isn't on, it is invisible to the world. Meh, we'll see in a couple of years.

[Unregistered]

Yamaman:

I am looking at buying the 4805 in the next week or so and can't find it less than $2350 ($2399 at one place, but they throw in a cheap 100" pulldown screen). Where'd you find it for $2050 and did you have to bargain hard for it?

The only authorized place in Calgary is claiming too thin a margin to go below $2350.

Thanks
Gleonard

[Yamaman]

A plasma (ours was $3,200) will actually cost less if you are part of a heavy TV family like I am. The PJ was on about 8 hours a day - and bulbs were being used at a rate that was no less than 2 per year. So, that's about $300 per bulb - or $600.00 a year in regular maintenance bulbs. Or, in about 5 years, the plasma has paid for itself and we still have the PJ for Monday Night Football, good movies, and Dead Like Me (Showtime HD).

Yes, I agree. My 43" rear projection is fine for day to day TV viewing. But for those specialy movie nights, the pj will be they way to go!

am looking at buying the 4805 in the next week or so and can't find it less than $2350 ($2399 at one place, but they throw in a cheap 100" pulldown screen). Where'd you find it for $2050 and did you have to bargain hard for it?

Hey Gleonard,

I live in the greater toronto area (Thornhill, Vaughan be be exact). I bought my unit at Audio One (www.audio-one.ca)- my favorite A/V hangout. There was a bit of a catch to that- they sell a package bundle: 4805, 70" screen and a very good ceiling mount for $2350.00. I didn't need the screen, so they broke it down when I asked them for the best price they could give me:

$2050.00 for the pj
$150.00 for the screen

I'm not sure if they will sell the pj separately at $2050.00, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Also, I'm not sure about shipping costs since you live in Calgary. The lowest I've seen (other than audio-one) was $2250.00. The average price in Toronto is $2300.00, so they should be able to go lower than $2350.00 and still make some profit.

Did I have to bargain hard? No, I just simply asked them what the best they can do for me. That was it!

Well, good luck in you pj hunting.

[Unregistered]

The only authorized place in Calgary is claiming too thin a margin to go below $2350.



I've just begun looking at the same projector - I'm not sure if you want to go the webstore route, but online sites have it for 1499 USD - which converts to about 1900 CAN, I'm not sure what shipping and duty would add to the price.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/InFocus_Home-ScreenPlay_4805-prices.htm

the first 2 listed will ship to Canada, and I've sent an email to projectorpeople to see if the free shipping on orders over 999 count for us Canucks.

Where in Calgary did you go?

[Yamaman]

Yes, I was thinking the same- even buying directly from InFocus USA and with the conversion and shipping, I would still come out ahead. But, it worked out better for me to buy locally because I needed a universal ceiling mount, saving 100 bucks there.

[Unregistered]

I went to General Audio in Calgary - actually couldn't find anyone else who carried it . . . I thought about ordering from the U.S. but have been told that most warranties become void as soon as the product crosses the border???

Cheers
*

[Rob Babcock]

There is one issue I do have the the PJ: I simply can't play videogames on it. :mad: I experience extreme dizziness, nausea & vertigo from playing FPS-type games on a screen that large. Playing is easier than watching likely because my eyes are following my hands, but it gets so bad that the room still spins for me an hour after I shut it down! :eek: I had a little touch of this with my old 55" TV, but no problem on the 32" in my bedroom.

Too, bad for me. :( HALO is incredible on the 100" screen, and MechAssault is also mindblowing.

[Yamaman]

went to General Audio in Calgary - actually couldn't find anyone else who carried it . . . I thought about ordering from the U.S. but have been told that most warranties become void as soon as the product crosses the border???

Did you phone InFocus and ask them all authorized retailers in the greater Calgary area- that's what I did; it was very hard to find stores in Toronto until I phoned them- even then, I received a list of only 6 stores. I'd say Canadian InFocus retailers are pretty sparse in general, but there's gotta be at least one more store in Calgary :confused:

Too, bad for me. HALO is incredible on the 100" screen, and MechAssault is also mindblowing.

ooooooohhh, I gotta try that out. :cool:

[Unregistered]

I went to General Audio in Calgary - actually couldn't find anyone else who carried it . . . I thought about ordering from the U.S. but have been told that most warranties become void as soon as the product crosses the border???

Cheers
*

According to InFocus' website -

HOLMES THEATRE & AUTOMATION #3 -2015- 32 AVENUE N.E. CALGARY AB 403-291-2929

is also a certified reseller - but their price is the same as general audio 2350... I've sent an email to infocus regarding the warranty question - hopefully have an answer within a couple of days...

[Unregistered]

...and I've sent an email to projectorpeople to see if the free shipping on orders over 999 count for us Canucks.



here is the response I got from projector people:

"Thanks for emailing. We can ship to Canada however we would have to charge you shipping. Typically not more than $25. There will be taxes
and duties however I can't answer how much that would actually amount
too. You best option is to contact your local customs department"

rk

[Unregistered]

Hi everyone:

I found it in Edmonton for $2399 at Universal Karaoke and they throw in a 100" pull-down screen from a company that I've never heard of (maple or maypole?).

I did contact Holmes theatre in Calgary (infocus put me onto them) who told me that since I was only looking at spending around $5000 and they were busy that it wasn't worth their time to help me. I'm not making this up - they actually said that. Even though they carry the exact same lines that I was looking for at General Audio - Infocus Screenplay projector and paradigm speakers.

Bruce and Rod at General Audio have put together a very nice package for me and have spent at least 3 or 4 hours putting together different options and letting me demo. They came in within $100 of my $5000 budget and only went over because I asked to go to the Paradigm Focus instead of staying with the Titans.

· Infocus SP4805 16:9 native DLP projector.
· P Mount for Projector custom made.

SPEAKERS (all v.3)

· Paradigm Focus Bookshelf/Stand Speaker 1pr)
· Paradigm CC-170 center channel speaker
· Paradigm SM-60R Dual Tweeter (1pr) - ceiling mount (due to WAF unable to mount speakers on ceilings or walls)
· Paradigm PDR-10 subwoofer

RECEIVER
· Harmon Kardon AVR 130 Reciever (5.1 - but room is open to back so perfect)

CD PLAYER
· Newcastle CDC-690T- 5 disc CD player. (wanted 5 disk capability for the bar/theatre - already have a Rotel/B&W 2 channel audio system upstairs)

DVD PLAYER

Panasonic DVD S47S

CABLES (electrician friend is running a 2" pipe for me so will be easy to add new cables)

· Titanium AVT-56 S-VHS 9M. Receiver to projector.
· RG6 coaxial cable 32' X 3 terminated with component.
· AVC 64 Sub Cable 4.5M
· Titanium AVT-51 S-VHS 1m. DVD to Receiver for video
· Titanium AVT-31 Digital Coax 1M. for 5.1 playback
· Titanium AVT-71 Stereo Interconnect 1M. for CD playback
· 16 Ga pure copper speaker wire. 2 conductor.

So General Audio it is. By the way Audiophiles please offer up your opinion, given that I don't have another penny to spend - I will be buying this next week (was going to buy this week but have to wait for the Focus speakers to arrive) so am very interested in what you have to say.

Also the Panasonic is a new model that I've not yet seen, however it does have DVD-audio (no SACD though) - it's going for $159 - again suggestions are welcome.

If you're in Calgary I highly recommend talking to them - after the treatment from Holmes I definitely won't be talking to them again. I went to two or three other places in town as well and IMHO these guys were the best.

Cheers
Gleonard

[Yamaman]

Hey Gleonard,

Sounds good! I can't believe Holmes theatre treated you that way :mad: ; it will come to haunt them in the end!

I have paradigm speakers myself - mini monitors and titans. I'm saving up for PDR-12 subwoofer- you may want compare this with the PDR-10. Its a bit more expensive of course, but it may be worth it. I've only read that the PDR-10 lacks a bit at the very low end. Ultimately, let your ears decide.

You may want to consider the Pioneer DV-578A (has SACD)- its considered an entry level progressive scan DVD player, but I've read good reviews, video quality is supposed to be excellent-almost on par with benchmark Denon 2200 (i believe thats the model) and the price is right. There should be some threads about this unit on this site.

You may be able to save more on cables- I'm not familiar with the brand you've listed. One thing that I find interesting is that they're selling you RG-6 cable terminated with RCA jacks for component video and not doing the same for the subwoofer cable; buying "subwoofer cable" can be quite expensive- for 4.5M probably over $100.00 is my guess. Decent RG-6 can come in at a mere 25 cents a foot (at least where I buy it).

When I bought my speakers, the saleperson even asked if I wanted slightly flawed (only cosmetic) units. I looked at them, the blemishes were so superficial (can't hardly see) I grabbed them at an unbelievable price. You may want to inquire if they have stock like this.

I hope I didn't complicate your decision, but who knows, if you can lower the cost of cables and possibly the DVD player, you may be able to get the PDR-12. ;)

nuff said,

Good luck, Yama-

[Westrock2000]

Have you guys heard anything about the Infocus LP540 (http://www.infocus.com/products/productview.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&prod=lp540&c=2)? Although the X1 and 4805 are pretty popular and a sweet deal, I wonder if the LP540 is better.

It has 3 LCD's instead of one DLP cheap. Are there any benefits over the two configs, or would they be about equal? Also the LP540 runs natively at 1024x768, which is higher than most affordable DLP's. The projector will go in a pretty large room (about 20x20) and the viewing will be about 10' from screen, so I dont know if screen door will really be a problem.

The LP540 has a contrast of 400:1 and a lumens output 1700 (MAX), so not sure how that stacks up.

[Unregistered]

Hey Westrock,

Well, being XGA, I'm sure you'll get great resolution. However, this model is more for the corporate setting- presentations and such.

It's native 4:3 mode won't give you full benefits of anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen- you're gonna get the black bands at the top and bottom.

The biggest limitation to this pj is the lack of essential I/Os- namely, component video and DVI; for home theatre, component video is a must in my books (and most other's I would think).

The contrast is OK, but again, for HT viewing, its not going to stand out nearly as much as the 4805. If you have issues with lighting and where your pj will be placed, then an LCD pj is an option- but I would go with another model mainly because of the lack of component video inputs.

Yama-

[Unregistered]

Thanks Yama:

I took your advice on the Pioneer - it goes for about $169.99 in town - this has allowed me to have a look for a decent 5 disk CD player to go with it. Also did manage to find some better deals on cables.

The sub cable was only $39.99 but still expensive when you compare that to the 3 x 10 metres of component video for the same price :) Will definitely have a look at the PDR-12 just might squeeze it in.

I'll have to post in the audiophile section of these forums as I am unable to find too much about the Paradigm SM-60R's. From a WAF point of view they are great, but haven't actually heard them.

Cheers - will have to register now that I'm about to take the big plunge and build the theatre.

Gleonard

[Yamaman]

Hi Gleonard,

I'm glad I could help. Saving money here and there to allow you to buy extra things and still stay (more or less) within budget is really great!

Again, good luck on your HT endeavors. Let us know how things go in the end.

Yama-

[Unregistered]

Hey Westrock,


The biggest limitation to this pj is the lack of essential I/Os- namely, component video and DVI; for home theatre, component video is a must in my books (and most other's I would think).



Well, if I use the Component to DB15 onnector than it shouldn't be a problem right? Plus you can get DVI to VGA adaptors pretty cheap. But then again I think I remember something about DVI allowing for "extra" data such as copyright management stuff....is this true?? But I don't see why a monitor would care about that sorta thing.

[Westrock2000]

Well, if I use the Component to DB15 onnector than it shouldn't be a problem right? Plus you can get DVI to VGA adaptors pretty cheap. But then again I think I remember something about DVI allowing for "extra" data such as copyright management stuff....is this true?? But I don't see why a monitor would care about that sorta thing.


Woops, new computer...that was me. :)

[Yamaman]

Hey Westrock,

I'm far from being an expert on this subject, but your limiting factor would still be the RCA cables. An adapter could be used, granted, but that's all it is, an adapter. And a connector is again, merely a connector. The weak link is still the RCA cable that is carrying the video signal from your DVD or computer. Sure the projector/monitor wouldn't care, but your eyes still may....

There's an interesting debate about this somewhere in the forums- the topic being RCA vs. component- is there really a difference? (or along that line).
It may be in the cables & connectors forum- very interesting reading- beyond my head- but interesting nonetheless.

In the end, its up to you. But if you can, no matter what model/brand you buy, a demonstration would be ideal. Again, let your eyes decide.

[RLA]

Hi
The 4805,5700,5000 and 7205 are designed for Home Theater use
they use complex Gama Tables,high contrast and all specifications are based on a D-65k calibration for the 4805 it used the very good dark chip The Infocus LP series is a presentation series designed primary for
presentation The new Screen Play 5000 is one of the best LCD's I have seen to date I was about ready to give up on LCD technology because of VB washout and uniformity on LCDs but the 500 has restored my confidence back in the technology

Happy Viewing
Ray

[Yamaman]

.....also, if cash is a major determining factor, then the 4805 provides the best bang for the buck. For me, this was a big factor but I didn't want to sacrifice picture quality.

As RLA stated, the 4805 is designed for HT use; its essentially for all-around entertainment. (TV, Video gaming, movies, etc).

Personally, I wouldn't buy a unit that is geared more for presentations. And I know there are salepeople out there that would try to convince you otherwise.

[Tee-HTF]

I have been living with my 4805 for almost a month and love it!

The RBE does not bother me as it do some others. DLP vs LCD's comes down to preference of how one likes their picture to look. My eyes like DLP, it jsut looks more natural to me, LCD can come off as cartoonish. Nothing wrong with LCD picture because it also gives a the display punch, snap you can jump out at you. I have seen some beautiful HT presentations from front LCD pj's. DLP just has my # and i went that route, if anyone is in the market definatly put the 4805 on your short list.

[petetherock]

Dear All
I am getting the 4805, and coupling it to a Pioneer 520s dvd recorder. I will be renting, so I am hoping to use a simple white wall for the next few months until I get my home, would this be ok and what color is better? White or grey?
THanks
Pete

[BMXTRIX]

Pete: White is much better.

Gray screens work because they use a reflective material on top of the gray color. So, light is directed back to viewers instead of absorbed into the gray and contrast is increased.

Renting or not, you can get a screen if you want one. I am using a 106" DaLite screen with my projector in an apartment. It's two bolts in the wall to put it up, so there are no issues with a sceen really.

If you are referring to what type of permanent screen to get, if you can get a permanently tensioned, wall mounted, grey or white screen you will be good. There is info on screen material at www.projectorcentral.com and it is a good read. There are advantages and disadvantages to both white and grey, so the choice most definitely is up to you and depends as much on where the screen will be (light control) and how happy you are with the contrast levels of your projector. Plus, you may upgrade your projector at some point - do you want to buy a new screen as well or just get a good screen from the beginning?

[Yamaman]

I'm far from being an expert on this but I read somewhere that with high contrast DLP projectors like the 4805, a grey screen isn't needed because the blacks are actually black; with at least older LCD projectors, a grey screen is helpful, in that it "enhances" the blacks.

[petetherock]

Thanks for the advice, I have rather strict owners in Sydney (thats where I will be till I get home)

So If I could paint ( which might be better for them than holes in the wall) should I go with white?

106" is a bit big, but if I could get a cheap and portable screen (shipping down under is rather expensive) what should I get? And where?

Thanks again

Also how long should I expect my 4805 bulb to last?

Pete

[BMXTRIX]

Pete, it would be really surprising if they are against a couple of holes in the wall. I'm not saying they won't have a problem with it, but painting is much more difficult than spackling a couple of holes. You could likely work it so that things fell right on the joists - maybe a 2x2 piece of wood nailed to the wall and the screen hung from that and you just have two slightly larger than picture nail holes in the wall. (a couple of mm)

Now, I keep repeating myself on that, but really, painting is much more a hassle to deal with and won't give you nearly as good of results.

You should check eBay for some screen pricing - you should easily be able to pick up a screen for under $100.00 that you could probably resell when you move out and are ready for a more serious screen. I just checked eBay.com.au and it looks like there are a few that may be of so-so quality that would be perfect for the short term in an apartment. Some even come with a stand, so you wouldn't have to do anything more than set it up and enjoy for the time you are in the apartment.

I paid $100.00 (US) for my screen - just a regular front pull down screen and it works very well for what I paid.

For info on your projector - check this link: http://www.projectorcentral.com/InFocus_Home-ScreenPlay_4805.htm

It's a recommended projector and looks good for the cash. Read the reviews and details since it is on the way.

106" is not huge, but is way to big for our apartment - it is also a 16x9 screen so it isn't as tall as a 4x3 screen would be.

[Yamaman]

Pete,

Not to go above BMXTRIX's advice, because he gives sound advice- but, if your driving force is cash (and lack thereof) and maybe space, you could still try to paint the wall a flat off-white (very slight silver or grey tint) and see how it looks- it may be good enough for your eyes, at least temporarily until you move into a home. Then you can get a larger, decent quality screen or "Goo Systems" paint (or like).

I can see how you can save considerable money by buying 1 or 2 quarts of paint to paint one wall...

I have my projector set up in my newly finished basement. Currrently, I just have one coat of white primer on the walls (gettin tired of painting 1000 sq ft) and the picture quality is still stunning to my eyes- I can't imagine how it would look with a real screen :eek: !

[gleonard]

Thought you might find this link useful:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=417641

I am still framing my basement and it is killing me to have my system (SP4805, H/K AVR 135, Newcastle 690T, Pioneer 578, paradigm Focus, PDR10, CC170 & SM-60R's) sitting in boxes - my wife won't let me have a temporary bedroom theatre :(

I decided to go with a DIY Blackout screen that I found on this site, however I did look at painting a wall initially (especially because it was going to be a brand new wall). This thread shows tons of different options for paint combinations.

Cheers
Gleonard

[Yamaman]

Hey Gleonard,

I know exactly how you feel. My wife got mad at me for buying the pj well before the basement was even close to the finishing stages (obviously, she doesn't know what the priorities are :D)

Even now, with primer on the walls only, I went ahead and installed the pj and set-up the sound system. I was extremely anxious to test everything out- I took as much precaution as I could when I ran all the wires/cables, but you never know....

To my relief, everything turned out as planned!

Now I just need to buy that lazy boy and I guess get the walls painted with a final coat. Right now, however, I'm fighting with my motivation.

-Yama