I'm building my dream home around my home theater room. By budget is 11k to 13k. My room is 20 x 20 and has 1 window that I will cover and also put the screen in front of it. My major concern is I watch a lot of sports and I don't want to be in a dark room with 5 guys. I want to have the best pitcher I can. Im Going to use this room for 75% sports and 25% movies. Here is what I'm thinking about for equipment..
144 in screen innovations black diamond Zero edge 4k hd 2.4 gain screen
Epson Pro Cinema 6010 projector.
I'm I going wrong with this setup?
Yes, IMO, you are going wrong with this setup.
1. The first priority should be the room itself. Go to your local theater and pay attention to what they do for decor. Dark walls, dark ceiling, dark carpet, dark furniture... Get the idea? If your intent is to create a great home theater, then find the darkest materials and paint which are acceptable, and use them. The darker the better and carpet and ceiling treatment is a must for best results.
2. Lighting! Lighting is perhaps the most overlooked thing in a theater. It's great that you are thinking of it, but it is important to understand that wall sconces are completely f'n useless in a theater. They are pretty, help you get to your seats, but should NEVER EVER EVER EVER be on when the projector is on. PERIOD! They produce uncontrolled light which falls directly on the screen and ruins the image. While they are very decorative, and do look nice and DO help people see to get to their seats, their lack of control just is a no-no for movie watching. Instead, you want to put a lot of focus onto directional lighting. Spotlights which are directed at specific areas of the room. I recommend at least a set of lights over the seating area, and a set of lights towards the middle of the room (general walking) and a set of lights near the screen (unused during movies).
About 2-3 zones of overhead directional lights, combined with the accent lights of sconces and/or rope lighting can create the entire environment of the theater, but it is only the directional lights which should be on when the movie is playing.
For an example of how lighting can really be 'bright' while still maintaining a solid image on screen, look at this:
AV Integrated - Custom Audio Visual Integration In Washington DC Metropolitan Area
The rule is NOT - no lights, it's a theater.
The rule IS - Double the normal lighting, break it into zones, put everything on dimmers.
3. The screen makes no sense whatsoever. The black diamond screen is how you combat a lousy room and poor design. It's primary design purpose is for family room environments and board rooms. It's basically the DNP Supernova screen under a different name and is not at all appropriate for a proper home theater. It's a HUGE waste of money! It is an incredibly awesome screen in a lousy room. Works magic. But, it needs a very bright projector for best results. With a more typical home theater projector, it appears dim and muted which significantly detracts from overall image quality.
The screens have an edge for a reason.
It is nearly impossible to perfectly hit a 16:9 screen and the black borders of a good screen suck up the 1/4"-1/2" or so of overspray that is typical from a projector. It helps to increase perceived contrast and provides a long term stable base to support the screen material. While there are lots of screen options, the Carada Criterion in Brilliant White is ideal for a properly darkened theater.
4. The projector... Solid choice. It's the 'pro' version of the 5010, which is basically identical, but in black. With the size you are at, the Panasonic AE7000 would be a good option and has some motorized adjustments which are nice. The JVC RS series (RS45) looks better than the Epson/Panny, but will struggle at that screen size. I haven't seen the BenQ W7000, but may be a very good DLP option.
And don't forget your audio!
