Does my audio company know what they are doing?

[jcPanny]

Projector screen

If the front speakers were wall mounted, the fonts could be located beside the projection screen and the center above or below it.
Also, acoustically transparent screens are designed for applications where speakers are located behind the screen.

RBH Sound builds some high end speakers but their performance would be severly compromised by that configuration. I would email RBH directly for recommended in wall speaker types and locations. Also, most receivers and speakers systems are designed for 5.1 or 7.1 layout. Even if the builder only does the wiring, you might be able to get a better performing system by installing and selecting the speakers.

 

[salsa086]

Good luck, is all I can say. Kind of getting the info after the fact? Too late, unless it is still in early construction and can be changed.

What kind of projector? How far does it need to be? What is the place they put the HDMI is far from the mounting location needed? Fixed screen or motorized up and down?
Just a whole bunch to consider. 15 years means nothing about doing things well and correctly.

I have yet to determine the audio or projector components I'm going to use to complete the theater room. I only purchased a speaker package and projector pre-wire.

The house is still in an early construction phase. The house is drywalled but not taped, mudded or textured yet. So I think it's still early enough to address these issues.

I complained to the builder today about their audio contractor. Interestingly enough, the builder rep I spoke with used to work for Logitech in their audio division. I explained my scenario to her and about how the current speaker configuration is less than ideal for a HT. It was nice to speak to someone who understood the Dolby standards. She seemed more knowledgeable than the actual audio sales rep I worked with. She wasn't very happy with their work or they way I was mislead and said she we would see what they could do. Apparently the goal is to have them reconfigure the speakers in an actual dolby 6.1 compliant configuration at no additional cost to me. So for now, the situation is still unresolved.

At the time, having the audio company's work financed into the purchase price of the house seemed like an attractive option. I met their sales rep at their office and they gave me a break down of their packages. They demo'ed their RBH sound system in their theater showroom, everything sounded and looked great. The company seemed professional. Too bad it was all smoke and mirrors. Next time I'll think twice and hire some real pros.

Thanks for the all the help and input you guys have provided. It's been invaluable. I'll provide another update as soon as I have one. Thanks Again!

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have yet to determine the audio or projector components I'm going to use to complete the theater room. I only purchased a speaker package and projector pre-wire.

The house is still in an early construction phase. The house is drywalled but not taped, mudded or textured yet. So I think it's still early enough to address these issues.

I complained to the builder today about their audio contractor. Interestingly enough, the builder rep I spoke with used to work for Logitech in their audio division. I explained my scenario to her and about how the current speaker configuration is less than ideal for a HT. It was nice to speak to someone who understood the Dolby standards. She seemed more knowledgeable than the actual audio sales rep I worked with. She wasn't very happy with their work or they way I was mislead and said she we would see what they could do. Apparently the goal is to have them reconfigure the speakers in an actual dolby 6.1 compliant configuration at no additional cost to me. So for now, the situation is still unresolved.

At the time, having the audio company's work financed into the purchase price of the house seemed like an attractive option. I met their sales rep at their office and they gave me a break down of their packages. They demo'ed their RBH sound system in their theater showroom, everything sounded and looked great. The company seemed professional. Too bad it was all smoke and mirrors. Next time I'll think twice and hire some real pros.

Thanks for the all the help and input you guys have provided. It's been invaluable. I'll provide another update as soon as I have one. Thanks Again!

I alwayst try to pound intp people you cannot do enough pre-planning.

The rock is up but:
Do you have RCA out for a sub? Make sure of it, or in several location and use the one that is suitable. If there is a conduit for the overhead video, I'd pull in another set of video source, just in case, perhaps component or even s-video? Power for the projector? Normal ceiling height of 8ft usually doesn't need a lift. Over 9ft ceilings do. That needs reinforcement up there. You may want to make notes which way the ceiling joists are running and how far apart, 16" standard, or more at times.
Keep up that good relationship with that knowledgeable person.

 

[salsa086]

I alwayst try to pound intp people you cannot do enough pre-planning.

The rock is up but:
Do you have RCA out for a sub? Make sure of it, or in several location and use the one that is suitable. If there is a conduit for the overhead video, I'd pull in another set of video source, just in case, perhaps component or even s-video? Power for the projector? Normal ceiling height of 8ft usually doesn't need a lift. Over 9ft ceilings do. That needs reinforcement up there. You may want to make notes which way the ceiling joists are running and how far apart, 16" standard, or more at times.
Keep up that good relationship with that knowledgeable person.

Thanks mtrycrafts

There is an RCA sub output and input... only a single one however. There is no conduit for the HDMI cable. From what I've been reading I can place an HDMI switcher at the source and use the single output as the only interface for my projector. The power for the projector is available as well in the ceiling next to the HDMI interface. The ceilings are 9' tall, and the builder has provided additional reinforcement around the anticipated mounting location for the projector. I'm not sure if I understand what you mean by needing a "lift" for a 9 ft ceiling. Thanks for your input.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks mtrycrafts

There is an RCA sub output and input... only a single one however. There is no conduit for the HDMI cable. From what I've been reading I can place an HDMI switcher at the source and use the single output as the only interface for my projector. The power for the projector is available as well in the ceiling next to the HDMI interface. The ceilings are 9' tall, and the builder has provided additional reinforcement around the anticipated mounting location for the projector. I'm not sure if I understand what you mean by needing a "lift" for a 9 ft ceiling. Thanks for your input.

Sure. Some projectors need to be a certain height above the white top portion of the screen. Some only a few inches, others a bit more. Your head, your eyes, when you draw a horizontal line from it to the screen, it should hit the screen about 1/3 up from the bottom. So, when you add all this up, your projector may need be lowered a considerable distance off the ceiling? You may not want it in that position permanently and rather hide it in a box close to the ceiling? Then, a lift would lower it to the right height, and gives a clean look.
How far back is this ceiling mounting location from the front wall where you plan to place the screen? Some projectors have more light output at their minimum throw distance, distance from the screen.
A number of considerations and hard to just 'play it by ear.'

Yes, that 1 RCA for the sub should be fine.
I like to have backups for some things in wall, just in case. cheaper to have extra wire than to remodel later.