DownunderAudio.com
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1st Home Cinema Equipment list:
This system was setup in a dedicated cinema room 4.5meters x 7.5 meters with the front and two side walls covered with theatre black drapes/curtains from the ceiling to the floor. To help assist my travels I was forced to sell key components (eg Sub, AVR and PJ) Now that I am overseas and have semi settled down for about a year I have now jumped on the band wagon again. The situation is not optimal and only temporary so this will be taken into account. Unfortunately I do have an addiction to continually upgrading my system and trying to get the best I can have for the limited budget available. I will be regularly updating this page with interesting articles, information, products and new equipment arrives as I continue on my search to learn more and build something I am personally proud of. | Photos                 |
Current System - April, 2011
Since arriving in Canada I started putting together a system. The list is below I will be going further indepth in regards to each of this later on: Only listing the components used in the cinema not corresponding stereo equipment that has no relation to the video experience.
The projector has a really poor throw ratio so must be placed on the coffee table between the viewer and the screen. When I first set this up I looked everywhere locally in my city for a 2nd hand projector screen even considered making my own. Eventually I just bought a blank white sheet and thumb tacked it to the wall. Unfortunately the wall paper has roses on it and they show through the screen but its much better than nothing. |             |
Ordered New Screen and Projector March, 2011AccuSCREENS 100" Soundscreen (AT) 4:3 - Aluminium frame w/ Velvet |
I just ordered from Tigerdirect.ca an AccuScreens Acoustic Transparent 100" Fixed 4:3 aspect ratio projector screen with velvet frame.
"The AccuScreens® Fixed Screen is an attractive addition to your home theater, conference room or classroom. The easy to assemble, black velvet covered aluminum frame slides together in a matter of seconds. The frame's clean, light absorbing, non-glare surface adds a luxurious appearance as well as enhances the image. The SoundScreen viewing surface is acoustically transparent. It slides into the back of the frame and locks in place, creating a perfectly tensioned screen. "As taken from their website. 8000168' SoundScreen Matte White Image area: 60" x 80" Frame Size: 64-1/4" x 84-1/4" MSRP $423 The screen was sent for shipping it will be here within a week. I have read a few poor reviews in regards to the tension being too tight and causing the frame to bow but one smart fellow strengthened his with 2 alminium (aluminum) cross members. The total shipped price including tax came out at $150 so I cannot complain at all! I couldn't make this DIY for this price. ~~~Update May 05 2011~~~ The screen has arrived and I have put it together. The 8 piece frame is very flimsy but I managed to get it all together and on the wall. Going to need to visit a hardware store and purchase some Aluminium L Channel lengths to cross brace. Photos to be ready soon. I never realised how large 100" was in a small room. Loving it all the same! The New Projector - Optoma EP749 - XGA 1024x768 Native 4:3 Also I just won an ebay auction for an Optoma EP749 Projector. I would love to be able to purchase a real quality projector, 1080p (1920x1080 Native) or even a decent 720p (1280x720 16:9 native) but I am doing this on a shoestring budget.
As the saying goes "beggars can't be choosers". It is only XGA (1024x768 4:3 Native) much the same as my current Panasonic PT-LC75U and has almost exactly the same lens throws but this is where the similarities end. Pro's:
Con's:
This PJ was not released with an available lens adapters for extreme short throw or very long throw unfortunately so in the near future I will be looking into rigging up a DIY system with a long throw lens from another projector. Check back regularly for updates. As noted earlier this PJ has DVI-D input not just VGA which is much better for sourcing from the DVDO video processor and my laptop. The specifications all round are superior to the current panasonic (and 4 years younger which makes a big difference in technology). I purchased it at a steal as the bulb was blown. I have now ordered a new one and should be here within a week or two. I can't wait to try it out. Go here to view the projector central specifications for this PJ ~~May 05 2011~~ The Projector has arrived. Just waiting on the delivery of a new bulb and remote for this to try it out! More news will follow. I never realised how small this projector is compared to my Panasonic LCD PJ. |        |
Constant Image Width (CIW) and Constant Image Height (CIH) masking systems.As my screen and projector are both 4:3 native aspect ration I have those annoying black bars at the top and bottom of the viewing area when watching a 16:9 widescreen movie. The screen frame is covered in black velvet. This doesn't soak up 100% of the light but it frames the image when fullscreen, the contrast difference from the velvet to the image is such that our eyes see it as much blacker than it really is.
The inherent issue with having the black bars is it actually diminishes the trickery that the contrast is higher. This is why there are systems available for CIW and CIH setups. When viewing in 16:9 in my case I want to be able to have the black top and bottom bars covered with a dark black material (preferably velvet) similar to the frame. This will increase the viewing experience substantially. How to achieve a CIW or CIH screen masking system.A number of companies manufacture constant image screen masking systems. After looking at the price up to $2000 I was left bewildered at the price of such a luxury. There must be a DIY project that someone has done themselves as I'm sure I'm not the only one who wanted to save some money while enjoying a constant image system.
I have found a few different ways that this can be achieved.
I would love to make a fully motorized system but the price can reach over $500 very quickly if done correctly. Secondly I do not know how long I will be in the same house/state/country as I am only here temporary. Therefore I have to weigh up all the variables, time spent, money spent, can I take it with me or send it all back to Australia and so forth. I will begin with the Static Masking system once the screen arrives. Either with Velcro or magnets (I would rather magnets if I can find suitable ones). I will take photos once this is done. Now the question goes on to what black masking material should I use. Here are some very interested AV forum threads which have provided me with a great deal of information
Masking Material -There is velvet and then there is velvetSo I started searching the internet for suitable fabric to use for my masking system. I am dumbfounded at how many different types of velvets there are! Not being a dress maker or seamstress by trade left me unaware of the situation. I must note others have used black felt, black carpet so forth.
Many have recommended Protostar, which catches 99% of light so amazing light soaking ability. http://www.fpi-protostar.com/flock.htm This is a stick on plastic material with black felt like surface. Looks almost exactly the same to the material on the AccuSCREENS and Carada Projector screen frames. Would work perfectly if you are going to use solid masking process. I will be at first but I want to purchase a material that I can later use on a motorized masking system. To ensure its long enough for the roller system I will double it over and staple it on so when I go roller I will definitely have enough. Velvet isn't what a type of fabric but rather rather the process and combination of fibers in a specific manner..
Recommended Velvet:
After much research on numerous forums (AVSforum, DIYaudio, Stereonet) I have come up with kind of a short list and things others have recommended.
I am currently talking to a number of suppliers with different blended velvet fabrics to receive swatch samples. Once they all arrive I will be doing a side by side review of which is best. Photos will be updated and I will provide the sellers details to you.
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3d Projection - Different types: Shutter, Linear and Circular Polarization Three dimensional movie rendition and gaming is becoming the new ultimate upgrade in commercial and home cinemas.
The most common iteration of 3d in the home is by using shutter glasses as new tv's and projectors can now support 120hz. I have come across a large number of sites while researching building my own 3d home cinema system. I won't attempt to explain all I understand and some of which I don't about 3d projection. There is no use in "re-inventing the wheel" as some others have explained it better than I will be able to. If you would like to learn more please read these following links. Useful Learning Resources:
Shutter glasses, shutter processors, 3D Demultiplexer, 3D computer software
Polarizers (Circular, linear)
Further Resources
After much research I have definitely learnt plenty and am left undevvvcided with which route I will be embarking on. Shutter glasses with a VIP 3d processor from Consigna is the easiest and cheapest manner to take 3d content (be that bluray or computer) from HDMI 1.4 #D output and make it usable on a HDMI1.3/DVI projector. As my PJ is only 85 frames it will not be as good as a 120hz 3d "ready" (capable) projector. The positive I must point out of shutter systems is the fact that if you are using say an anamorphic lens in 2.35:1 for true cinema wide screen then this is the way to go without having to purchase dual lenses, dual projectors so forth. On the contrary I must preffer a polarizer setup with dual projectors but the price is substantial. A hardware 3d Demultiplexer is required (if not using a computer). Dual projectors, Polarizer projector filters, A Projector stacker and all required cabling, A 3d (eg PS3 for bluray and 3d gaming). A mis conception I must point out is that you need to have a DLP projector, this is true in most cases but not all. I have linked above SilverFabric filters and specific filters by them are made for LCD also! I am on the constant lookout for another Optoma EP749 projector as you require identical PJ's. So for the time being I will keep my finger on the pulse and watching for the technology to mature somwhat. Fincancially I don't have the cash flow to lump all the money into a project like this all at once. So I will be slowly acquiring equipment and hopefully soon have a system together, I will keep you posted. |
