LCD/DLP projector w/ speaker setup help

[Curt1521]

This is my first post here guys, so go easy on the new guy

What I want to do is this.
We're setting up LCD and DLP projectors that are ceiling mounted (it's a false ceiling environment.) We're also going to be putting in ceiling mounted speakers. I want to be able to run these through the projector (which I know how to do).
1) Computer
2)DVD Player
3)VHS
(2 & 3 might be a combo DVD/VHS player.)

I want to run all of these also through the overhead speakers. I don't really know what I need for hardware. I would imagine all of the sound outputs from the first list have to come into some centralized box. Not sure what it would be though, amp maybe? Than I would guess speaker wire would run from an output on that centralized box to the ceiling mounted speakers. Do most of these 'boxes' have a volume control? Or can I hook an external volume control knob to this 'box'?

I do realize that the speakers and video are a complete different setup, which is fine. I can already do all the video, its the sound I'm not sure about.
Thanks for your help guys! Pardon my lack of knowledge

 

[BMXTRIX]

What you want is an A/V receiver - for which there are many reviews on this site for various brands and tons of opinions. From $300 to thousands of dollars you can get excellent results.

In-ceiling speakers, of course, are typically one of the worst ways to do sound in a room. I also imagine that this is for a home theater, so you have a lot of homework to do on speaker placement, acoustics, etc. as well as a ton of research to do on which projector is good to purchase.

I consider, a decent low-mid level setup for front projection to typically run about $10,000 installed by others. A real entry level system can be had for about $5,000. A bottom of the line setup will run about $2,000. So, it is important to know where you fall within that budget range. Most people tend to be between bottom of the line and entry level... but expect mid-level performance. They won't get it, but you can have decent entry level results with careful planning.

 

[Curt1521]

Thanks for your help so far.

This is actually for a classroom setup that has an overhead LCD projector, so it doesn't have to be fancy at all. (Or expensive...schools don't always like to spend money, or have extra money to spend)
We just need a little more 'oomph' that what the computer speakers can do, and we'd like to use the speakers for the DVD, VCR, and possibly the computer, and have them a little more centralized in the room.
When we find a solution that works in one classroom, we'll apply that to another 15 or so classrooms, and then each year we add projectors.
So basically I'm looking to not spend more than a couple hundred per room for sound. It adds up quick when you multiply that by 15.
I know I know. Everyone wants the best out there for the cheapest price.
The sound doesn't have to be surround sound, but 'just enough to get by' if that makes sense.
Thanks!

 

[jcPanny]

School setup

For your classroom setup, a stereo amp from Audio Source or Behringer should work well. Get one that has a volume control on the front unless you want an external VC. You can connect 2 pairs of speakers directly to the amp.

 

[BMXTRIX]

You will also need to consider plenum conditions in any commercial setup as that could negate insurance if not installed properly. A cheap stereo amp with volume control. Or a cheap surround A/V receiver can handle several pairs of speakers for a few bucks. But, in-ceiling speakers in plenum typically require commercial design and back boxes. You can go cheap, but it may be at the cost of bending a few laws to do it with. I would think that it would be important to have a RELIABLE setup over having a cheap setup though, and that may cost a few bucks more to get a system into each room that doesn't just work, but works as it should, all the time.

Different considerations in commercial setups (schools) but still a lot to consider and a lot of reasons why going cheap may not only be a bad idea, but may just be illegal and incredibly wrong.

 

[Curt1521]

Thanks for your help guys!

Thanks for all of your help so far guys. If you can't tell, I've never done this before.
BMXTRIX, I could be completely wrong on this, but don't you only need plenum wiring if the space your installing or running in is used as an air return?If there are ductwork in the ceiling, we wouldn't need plenum would we? I'm not trying to be a jerk, I'm just asking so I can do it right. Are there any recommendations you can make for equipment that would fit my need?
Thanks!
Curt