The Living Room setup...

[bluebirdy]

Your setup seems pretty awesome but don`t you think that the stand on which the projector is very down. I was thinking of placing my projector about 8-9 feet above.

 

[Vracer111]

Projector is at a good height being right in the middle of the screen, nearly 5 feet off the ground - there is no need for it to be any higher. There is also a ceiling fan in the middle of the room which limits height to below 7 feet...

 

[lsiberian]

Nice setup dude. Low Level my ***.

Your setup is great. Polk makes good speakers and that PJ setup is sweet.

I don't screw with room treatments in a living room. I figure that's just being too picky.

 

[Vracer111]

A few updates...

I added a 2nd Polk DSW PRO 500 subwoofer along with the AntiMode-8033 Bass/room equalizer a long while back. Really improved the low end responsiveness and I could put the two subs in the front corners. I really love the AntiMode -8033, being able to have clean articulate bass with the subs in the corners is great.

Just a few days ago I received a NAD Power Envelope 2200 amp (actually the second one, the first one will be going out to get refurbished to like new condition as it was showing signs of its age). 100-500 continuous watts (8ohm) on demand with a really clean distortion free sound, really brings out the fine details at high volumes plus the master volume can be 5-10dB lower than before. CD's are really alive going through the amp in 2.2 configuration...I love it! The best part is these classic amps can be had on E-bay for $120-$200...

The only thing now is that the subs really are the weak point now. Need subs that can go low (23-25Hz is what the PRO 500's are rated at.) That issue will be fixed in the future with twin Rythmik DS 1500 CI's in custom vented cabinets, whenever it's economically feasible to do so. And when switching to the Rythmik's, the layout will need to be changed with subs in the middle of the Front and Rear walls mandating a custom rack for equipment (already planned for as I will be having 3 amps for the system as well - the two NAD PE 2200 [F&R] and a NAD PE 2100 [C])

Anyways, a couple pictures of the current setup:

 

[Halon451]

Nice setup you got there. Have you ever thought of inverting the projector and mounting it from the ceiling? There are plenty of universal mounting options available for this, and as far as being mid-height at the screen - unless your projector is different the throw angle on most projectors is a straight line from the bottom of the lens, angling upward, unless inverted, then it's the opposite. This means you could mount the lens near the top of your screen if inverted and it would still fill the screen with little or no keystone error.

Would also prevent the inevitable bumps to the tripod that's going to throw your projection off, etc.

EDIT: Just noticed the last pic you posted, looks like you have vaulted ceilings.. oops. In that case, what I might do is build a supported shelf bracket out away from the wall, above the height you plan the projector to be, then use the same universal ceiling mount on the underside. This would help ensure the unit still has all the ventilation it could possibly need. Anyway, just my thoughts on a great looking system! I'm sure it's very enjoyable!

 

[Alex2507]

The only thing now is that the subs really are the weak point now.

I have seen it advised to get the very best you can afford in the sub/speaker arena. I completely understand matching what you already have as an affordable upgrade however it seems that now you are chasing big bass and it might save you some cash to just get one big honkin' sub instead of dual anything else. Lateral or incremental upgrades seem to be the ones that end up costing the most over time.

 

[lsiberian]

Nice setup you got there. Have you ever thought of inverting the projector and mounting it from the ceiling? There are plenty of universal mounting options available for this, and as far as being mid-height at the screen - unless your projector is different the throw angle on most projectors is a straight line from the bottom of the lens, angling upward, unless inverted, then it's the opposite. This means you could mount the lens near the top of your screen if inverted and it would still fill the screen with little or no keystone error.

Would also prevent the inevitable bumps to the tripod that's going to throw your projection off, etc.

EDIT: Just noticed the last pic you posted, looks like you have vaulted ceilings.. oops. In that case, what I might do is build a supported shelf bracket out away from the wall, above the height you plan the projector to be, then use the same universal ceiling mount on the underside. This would help ensure the unit still has all the ventilation it could possibly need. Anyway, just my thoughts on a great looking system! I'm sure it's very enjoyable!

That PJ has lens shift so there is no need to use a ceiling mount. Lens shift doesn't do any keystoning.

 

[Halon451]

That PJ has lens shift so there is no need to use a ceiling mount. Lens shift doesn't do any keystoning.

Most projectors have lens shift, but I think maybe you missed my point. All I was suggesting was an option to relocate the pj to a more permanent, fixed type of location - hence ceiling mount. I've mounted several projectors in the way I described, but have rarely had to correct alignment deficiencies with lens shift. Just something I prefer not to have to do. Or rather 'preferred' as I no longer install A/V systems these days, except for my own gear. I just brought it up, because if it were me, it would drive me bananas having my projector on a tripod like that behind the couch. Could be the OP just didn't realize the options so being a good citizen, I'm putting it out there.

 

[WVEAS]

I've seen a lot of "all Pole" systems in here so far... great looking system!

 

[Vracer111]

I have seen it advised to get the very best you can afford in the sub/speaker arena. I completely understand matching what you already have as an affordable upgrade however it seems that now you are chasing big bass and it might save you some cash to just get one big honkin' sub instead of dual anything else. Lateral or incremental upgrades seem to be the ones that end up costing the most over time.

Yeah I know, but I really never planned on upgrading the system like this. After reading up on the Rythmiks I'm sold (plus they are a 'local' company), especially when I can get a pair of drivers and amps for around $1000. If it wasn't for amping the mains and hearing the noticeable improvement there would had been no need to upgrade though...ArrrRRRRGGG!


I like the tripod mount, because as I mentioned before; there is a ceiling fan which precludes the projector from being any higher than it is now. There are no alignment issues with my setup, this is a heavy duty tripod designed to securely handle 22lbs of camera /video gear for artic expeditions. It may not look like it but there is 5' of room from couch to wall and 2' from tripod to couch, so there is no bumping issue to be concerned with.

 

[abjonesiii]

just seeing the PJ on a tripod makes me nervous, between my clumsy wife and Basset hound it wouldn't last a day at my house.

 

[Vracer111]

Update to configuration: VDP-NS77H Sony CD/DVD player replaced with a Yamaha DVD-S1800 DVD/SA-CD player today...

Main reasons for getting this; region free capability, it plays everything the Sony could plus SA-CD's, it's upscaling is highly regarded, and it's audio processing is highly regarded. Plus being $80 shipped didn't hurt either. CD's do have a definate improvement in clarity and range compared to the Sony... Liking it very much.

 

[Vracer111]

The Yamaha DVD-S1800 in my system:

 

[Vracer111]

Minor update: Today I designed and built shelves to hold my entertainment media as the first step in changing out the entertainment center to a custom one, as the present entertainment center held all the media (or tried to at least.) Plan on changing up a lot more soon to including relocation of subs (once large entertainment center is replaced with custom one), upgrading to better subs [15" Rythmik front and center, followed by a second one rear and center later], repainting living room walls flat black and ceiling and strategic walls a dark grey, and making a larger fixed projector screen (~110" 16:9 ratio) with a S-I-L-V-E-R sprayed surface. But all that will be later.

Pictures:

What I designed & built this afternoon/evening...

And with media in place...

A drawer will be added in the bottom open area to contain all miscellanous A/V items....

 

[Vracer111]

Just upgraded projector to the Epson HC 8350 since the Projector People deal couldn't be passed up. Very noticeable upgrade from the Epson HC 720 - better contrast, better blacks, brighter colors, and better motion control, all for $200 less than I paid for the HC 720...

 

[Vracer111]

Just some screen pictures from the new projector. Keep in mind the pictures are slightly darker and not as sharp as the actual projector image, the colors are pretty close, and contrast not high enough for the most part.

GrandPrix (DVD)

Avatar (Blu-Ray)

Sky Blue 2142 A.D. (Blu-Ray)

KungFu Panda (Blu-Ray)

If you are looking for an LCD projector near the $1000 price range its a great buy!

 

[2dcurb]

quality looks good!

 

[Vracer111]

Spent the last few days in the Living Room doing this:

Preping...

Finished result...

Also moved Sub from RH Front Corner to LH Rear corner and recalibrated the Antimode 8033. So now I have the Subs on the LH corners (Front and Rear). Also moved the Fronts slightly closer. Also cleaned up the wiring going to the rear (Projector HDMI, Sub Cable, rear channel wiring) by bundling everything together. Verified no issues with bundling tonight after playing CD's and 2 Blu-Ray movies.

Currently building a wall supported shelf for the projector (a cantilevered platform with tension support). Will take pictures when finished.

 

[Vracer111]

Finally built the custom shelf for the projector. Much better than the tripod - no more image shake if you plop down on the sofa and surprisingly the bass has improved somehow - Tron Legacy test showed more umph with the bass at the same levels.

 

[Vracer111]

And here's some pictures of the projector shelf:

Almost finished/testing...

Completed in room...

Closer up...