Need some good smart help

[Double Down]

Hopefully I am putting this in the correct area, if not, let me know or someone move it.

This is my first attempt at really putting together a decent system and I would like help from people who know what they are doing.

I would like to tell you what I have and what I intend to get and then, if you could, help me understand how to correctly set everything up so I am maximizing and using everything the best it should be used.

Receiver - Onkyo TS-SR500 (connections images attached)
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR500&p=f&class=Receiver

DVD player - OPPO DV-981HD 1080p HD Up-Converting Universal w/HDMI
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv981hd/dv981hd_index.html

Speakers - 5.1 Harmon/Kardon's

Tivo - regular model that comes with DirectTV

TV - DirectTV (no HDTV yet)

Projector - Probably going with Panasonic PT-AX100U

Game system - PS2

Okay, with all this in mind, as I mentioned before, I really am new to the world of projectors and I want to setup my system, using the receiver and other components the best way possible so whatever advice would be helpful on how to make the connections on everything.

The projector would sit on a mantel on my back wall(see picture) and project across the room approx 12' away on our big white wall painted with either screen goo or Do It Yourself screen paint (unless someone has a much better suggestion). We do have some ambient light that comes into the room but we can block about 80% of it with our drapes. The max screen width would be 84", which would be 96" diagonal at the 12' throw.

To make things easier, I've attached a rough drawing of what the current setup of the apt looks like. Plus I've attached real pictures to give you an idea of what I am working with. Of course pictures don't do everything justice but they help. Also, disregard the mess, just got married and we are cleaning up a ton of stuff and reorganizing things.

On the wall where the TV and components are now I have a little over 7' of width to work with. The fire detector will be removed and put somewhere better. On the picture with the blue couch and marble mantle was where I though to put the projector. But if I put it there, wouldn't I have to put the components close to it so I am not running like 25' of cable from the DVD player and to the receiver?

In addition, I was going to take down the top part of the black metal stand so that only the TV was left and rearrange things so that the TV stayed there and the projector image was viewed about 2' higher than the TV.

Couple things I/we had wondered:

1. Can we keep our 32" TV and use that solely for TV and then use the projector for just movies and games with our current components and connections? Or would you recommend watching TV on the projector (mainly at night anyway) even though we don't have HDTV?

2. Do we need to have all the components as close as possible to the projector so we aren't running expensive long cables around the room?

I know this is long, but I really want to do this right so thank you in advance.

Thank you,

Chris

 

[no. 5]

1. Can we keep our 32" TV and use that solely for TV and then use the projector for just movies and games with our current components and connections?

I can't think of areson why that would'nt work. infact, it's what I would do.

2. Do we need to have all the components as close as possible to the projector so we aren't running expensive long cables around the room?

you don't need to, if you want to you certinly can. inexpensive cables can be found here.

 

[jcPanny]

Front projection

Chris,
I don't think you have enough room or adequate light control for a good front projection setup. For example, based on your picture, it doesn't look like you have 84" between the doorways to accomodate the screen. Putting the screen above your existing TV and stand would be way too high, like sitting in the front row at the theater.

You might consider investing in a 30-42" LCD or plasma and upgrading your sound system from those bose type cubes for a better day and night TV and HT experience.

 

[no. 5]

You might consider investing in a 30-42" LCD or plasma and upgrading your sound system from those bose type cubes for a better day and night TV and HT experience.

yes, even inproveing just the sound WILL inhance the HT experence.

 

[jonnythan]

I think you'd be much happier with a large TV vs a projector + current TV.

For good projector watching, you need a very dark environment. Look at a white wall. This is as dark as blacks can possibly be when watching a projector. To get that wall nice and black, you have to eliminate *all* of the ambient light.

This is not conducive to TV watching, so you'll end up using the projector for movie nights only.. no sports or HDTV shows like 24 or Lost or whatever. Nothing with any amount of daylight in the room. You'd be stuck watching shows and playing video games on a tiny little 27" SDTV.

IMO, projectors are well suited to actual theater rooms when you have another separate big screen TV setup for TV and video games. They don't work well in a more general purpose environment.

It's also going to be just about impossible to situate both the projector screen and your current TV so that they coexist happily.

I suggest that instead you look to get a 50"+ plasma or LCD TV. At your seating distance, the screen size will be perfectly satisfactory and you get to watch everything in HD on a big screen no matter the amount of ambient light. With your setup, I think even a DLP may fit in nicely. A big honkin 60" 1080p DLP would be pretty freakin' nice in that room.

You can probably get a nice big TV for say $2000-$2500 depending on size and technology.

Also, invest more money into the sound system. With this setup, you will be using your receiver/HT speakers to produce all sound. It really, really, really improves the experience to have quality components. Budget about $1000 - $1500 for adequate speakers+sub.. believe me it's worth it.

 

[Double Down]

Okay, I'm confused. How exactly can you tell I don't have 84" of space to use? Unless I am mistaken I told you that I have more than 84" of space to use between the two doors. And I had mentioned regarding the TV, the tier would be taken down so that the screen bottom would approx start right above the TV so the viewing height would be perfect with of course the speakers being mounted in more appropriate areas.

Regarding every other comments, here's what I'm thinking. This projector would be for this place and for the house we will buy in the future. According to everyone I have talked to regarding this projector, 2000 lumens is pretty darn bright and it's contrast ratio I believe is 6000:1. So with an appropriate screen to match the project and the ambient light conditions (if watching movies or playing games during the day) then I don't understand why this wouldn't work?

I/we don't watch TV, mainly games and movies, so no real use for that.

And I guess I understand regarding the sound system but this sound system in my opinion is pretty damn amazing. It is setup pretty well and I/we can hear perfect DTS seperation on it and the subwoofer (if turned up too far) will literally shake everything in the place with tight, non distorted bass. So I'd really, really have to be sold on why I should replace something that seems to work pretty amazing so far. And my guess is that even I don't have the audio system setup the best possible way.

Anyway, thank you for the help and comments,

Chris

 

[jonnythan]

According to everyone I have talked to regarding this projector, 2000 lumens is pretty darn bright and it's contrast ratio I believe is 6000:1. So with an appropriate screen to match the project and the ambient light conditions (if watching movies or playing games during the day) then I don't understand why this wouldn't work?

It is bright, but go look at the wall you want to project onto during the daytime.

That color is the blackest that you'll see when watching movies or playing games in that environment.

That's a big problem.

BTW, if you already have the audio system and it sounds fine to you, then by all means keep it. I thought you had to buy an audio system and was suggesting putting a few more bucks into it than you were thinking.