Ceiling Projector Holder
 |
 NEC MP300CM CEILING MOUNT FOR NP M260X Kit  US $151.25
|
 Draper 800061 Draper Accuscreens Electric Projection Screen Kit US $339.27
|
 Draper 800063 Draper Accuscreens Electric Projection Screen Kit US $383.28
|
 Premier Mounts PDS PLUS W Premier Mounts PDS PLUS W Ceiling Mount Kit US $144.82
|
 Premier Mounts PDS PLUS W Premier Mounts PDS PLUS W Ceiling Mount Kit US $144.82
|
Install the 25-CMS-440 Projector Mount Ceiling Suspension Plate
Now Showing: Home Theaters
The calendar may say spring is right around the corner, but winter seems to be hanging on for dear life. If the mere thought of bundling up and braving the fierce March winds to catch a movie sends a chill up your spine, you might want to think about installing your own home theater.
The growing interest in home theaters has sparked an entire new industry that specializes in the audio-visual components of this trend. I will defer to those experts on the electronic/technological issues surrounding home theater projects or kitchen remodeling Westchester, but I encourage you to consider these important design features before you embark on a project that, by the time it is finished, may have a budget the size of a Hollywood blockbuster:
Room Size: Make sure you have a room that is big enough to accommodate a large screen TV or even projection-style system. At a minimum, the room should be at least seven to eight feet deep – nothing smaller – so that you can sit far enough away from the screen to avoid eye strain. Check out this website for viewing distance and sound calculators: www.myhometheater.homestead.com/.
Windows: Ideally, you should choose a space that has few – if any -- windows unless you are willing to invest additional dollars in blackout shades.
Wall finishes: There are pearlized paints (Theaterthings.com) on the market today that enable you to use your entire wall as a video screen but they do call for white walls so think about your color choices before deciding whether this type of “screen” is right for the overall look and feel you want the room to achieve. If your wall is neutral enough in color, a portable projector that runs off a laptop computer is another way to turn a living room into an instant movie theater. Almost any light color will work. After your eye adjusts to the color of the projected image, whites will look white.
Insulation: Given the elaborate surround-sound systems available for home theaters, the proper insulation of walls and ceilings is crucial, not only for those in the room who want to enjoy the movie-theater experience, but also for those in other rooms of the house who aren’t interested in catching today’s feature presentation. If you are renovating the media room you can add Acoustiblok®
membranes directly to the studs or use Quietrock® soundproof sheet rock. Soundproofing should always be installed by a certified expert. The final step in sound proofing is the floor insulation. Thick pile carpets is great, but beware of the spill and spot factor. Unless you want your carpet cleaner to be on retainer, get a neutral to dark color and a fiber that can be cleaned – preferably a polypropylene product, which also has antistatic properties. To be fully on the safe side, go with carpet tile, so you can replace individual squares when disasters occur.
Amenities: If you truly want a self-contained movie theater feel, install a wet bar with a sink, refrigerator, and microwave for popcorn. If you are a Woody Allen fan, try an updated version of the “orgasmatron” as a mini wet bar.
Seating: You can spend literally thousands of dollars on luxurious recliners with built-in drink holders and massagers. Many home-theaters also feature tiered or stadium-style seating on raised floors, but before you commit to this, make sure you have enough clearance to accommodate the resulting loss in floor-to-ceiling height. We found the selection from R & R Contract and HomeTheatre Furniture especially appealing.
If you don’t have a spare space that can be dedicated just to movies and TV, you can consider having home theater components worked into the design of your living and/or family rooms. Due to their low profile, flat screens TVs are best for this type of dual room use and can be incorporated in the room design by being placed over the fireplace mantel, for instance. Just make sure the TV is braced and insulated properly so that the heat the fireplace produces can be deflected. You might also want to consider a hinged painting or photograph that can be swung away to reveal the screen. This is especially ideal for apartments or other small spaces where you don’t want the TV to be the focal point of the room at all times.
About the Author
To make the most of your home theater project, call on the expertise of residential architect Westchester system installation, but enlist the help of your kitchen design Westchester designer for the overall space planning and tasteful choices that will make the room a true show-stopper.
Home Movie Theatre Ideas?
I just bought a new home. And am thinking of turning the basement into a movie theatre..got the idea from a store called ovations...I'm in the middle bracket as far as purchasing money wise...So nothing top top of the line but nothing cheap. What is all the stuff you need...and the best brands to roll with..the room is a average living room size...2 rows of 4 leather seats with cup holders i have that set up..and some movie theatre posters in frames on the wall 
Some of the projector screens i saw had frames around them which was nice..and there was a projector hanging from the ceiling. All i have is the seating and pictures around the room. Your help is appreciated thanks
That sounds so cool! I don't know what your exact budget is but I do have an idea as to the system you can use. I'm a Radio Shack Associate and Recording Studio owner since 1966. You need a home theater system. Obvious. Get one with at least 100 watts/speaker. The basic is a 5.1 system. That means 5 speakers...left, right and center (preferably over the screen) plus two rear. Rear does not mean directly behind you against the wall. They should be positioned above head level when seated, aimed at the listening/viewing area and close to the left and right walls. You'll have to experiment with placement to get the best "surround" sound. The .1 part is the sub-woofer. They usually have their own built-in amp so a power outlet must be provided for it. The main amp should have a single feed (RCA connector). It can be placed almost anywhere but on the floor front and center is best. Low frequencies like bass are non-directional as opposed to the speakers which project. Front speakers can be adjusted and focused also. Since the listening area is a "focal point", find the center then map out a triangle so the distance between the left and right front is equal on the other two sides to the center of the audience. Both front speakers should be turned inward to focus on that point. The center should be parallel to the seats. As for brands, I like Yamaha. Sony has a great system. LG is OK. Depending on your budget, Radio Shack has some separates that would give outstanding results. Yamaha has a speaker package. Great. Team that up with a home theater amp sold separately. Total cost would be under $800. Of course you could buy a Sony or LG for under $300 and use the speakers included in the package. Regardless, LISTEN TO IT FIRST and ask the associate to really crank up the volume! If you like what you hear and the price is right, buy it, take it home but by all means before you place those speakers in a final position, experiment for the best sound.
One last note. You don't say anything about the accoustics of the room. If there are a lot of hard surfaces on the walls, you might want to break them up with some absorbant material but that is another subject! Contact me if you have questions. I'd be happy to help.
