Hello,
I know this really is not the place to post this, but I value all of you opinions and I want to see if my system will work well together.
I have been lurking around on a few sites reading up gaining some knowledge on the different areas that make up a home theater. Now I think I am ready to take the plunge. I wanted to see what some more experienced people think of it, and where I could improve on it or cut some costs out.
My ultimate Home Entertainment system would comprise of three different areas. And the requirements for each area.
Sound- Crystal clear, with deep bass and an enveloping surround
Video- HD quality, widescreen, >50 inch diagonal
Computer- Able to surf the web, record TV programs, and play some video games (World of Warcraft)
I want to integrate all three into a pretty awesome theater. Here are my plans so far.
For sound I am planning on using the Yamaha Rxv – 2500 for the A/V Reciever,
For speakers I am planning on using all Axiom with M22tis as the fronts the V-150 center, QS8s for surround and a HSU sub. I hear this is a great midrange receiver, I also like it because I eventually want to upgrade to 7.1 sound, moving the m22tis to the rear and getting the M60 floorstanders as the fronts.
My question is this will I be able to get enough sound quality out of the HTPC to fully take advantage of this system?
For the Video I am planning on making a DIY projector. I am pretty confident that I can make a really good LCD projector on the cheap for about $700. I will be using a ProView 15.4" Widescreen LCD Display. I will base my design on Inkog, and Hezz's designs. As for the screen itself I will either make a high gain screen using some sand blasted plexi glass and reflective paper, or just black out cloth from Jo-ann fabrics stretched across a wooden frame.
For the HTPC the brains of the operation I plan on using just a standard atx case as it will be tucked somewhere out of sight. For a processor I am thinking a Amd athalon 939 3500+. Coupled with a gig of ram, Hauppauge 150 capture card, a sea gate 80 hard drive for programs and a 200g for storage. A Samsung TS-H552B DVD+R/w for the dvd player. For video a geforce 6600 GT will be used, and for audio M-Audio Revolution 7.1.
Here is where my second question comes in, Do I even need the sound card? Because this will be connected to the Receiver couldn’t that do all my sound processing?
I will probably be building this entire system over a 2 year period, doing each category individually starting with the HTPC and the Proview monitor which will later be tore down to be used in my projector. Than the last step would be the Sound system.
Some rough guesses on all the costs
HTPC
1400
Projector
700
Sound
2300
Software and cables
300
Total system Cost- $4600
I might have to lower my standards on the sound because that takes up over half my budget.
What do you guys think about this?
I know this really is not the place to post this, but I value all of you opinions and I want to see if my system will work well together.
I have been lurking around on a few sites reading up gaining some knowledge on the different areas that make up a home theater. Now I think I am ready to take the plunge. I wanted to see what some more experienced people think of it, and where I could improve on it or cut some costs out.
My ultimate Home Entertainment system would comprise of three different areas. And the requirements for each area.
Sound- Crystal clear, with deep bass and an enveloping surround
Video- HD quality, widescreen, >50 inch diagonal
Computer- Able to surf the web, record TV programs, and play some video games (World of Warcraft)
I want to integrate all three into a pretty awesome theater. Here are my plans so far.
For sound I am planning on using the Yamaha Rxv – 2500 for the A/V Reciever,
For speakers I am planning on using all Axiom with M22tis as the fronts the V-150 center, QS8s for surround and a HSU sub. I hear this is a great midrange receiver, I also like it because I eventually want to upgrade to 7.1 sound, moving the m22tis to the rear and getting the M60 floorstanders as the fronts.
My question is this will I be able to get enough sound quality out of the HTPC to fully take advantage of this system?
For the Video I am planning on making a DIY projector. I am pretty confident that I can make a really good LCD projector on the cheap for about $700. I will be using a ProView 15.4" Widescreen LCD Display. I will base my design on Inkog, and Hezz's designs. As for the screen itself I will either make a high gain screen using some sand blasted plexi glass and reflective paper, or just black out cloth from Jo-ann fabrics stretched across a wooden frame.
For the HTPC the brains of the operation I plan on using just a standard atx case as it will be tucked somewhere out of sight. For a processor I am thinking a Amd athalon 939 3500+. Coupled with a gig of ram, Hauppauge 150 capture card, a sea gate 80 hard drive for programs and a 200g for storage. A Samsung TS-H552B DVD+R/w for the dvd player. For video a geforce 6600 GT will be used, and for audio M-Audio Revolution 7.1.
Here is where my second question comes in, Do I even need the sound card? Because this will be connected to the Receiver couldn’t that do all my sound processing?
I will probably be building this entire system over a 2 year period, doing each category individually starting with the HTPC and the Proview monitor which will later be tore down to be used in my projector. Than the last step would be the Sound system.
Some rough guesses on all the costs
HTPC
1400
Projector
700
Sound
2300
Software and cables
300
Total system Cost- $4600
I might have to lower my standards on the sound because that takes up over half my budget.
What do you guys think about this?
Frankly, why would you want to wast so much time and money on making a bulky DIY projector. If you really want a good projector to enjoy great home theatre movies, invest in one of the latest entry level commercial projectors. You get them for under $1000, even some of the best DLP projectors can be availed for this budget. Picture quality way way greater than a DIY stuff.
I would have to agree with psraj, if there are entry level
projectors available brand new for $1000, i dont see the
point of building one with inferior optics,panels,circuitry
unless ofcource you are an engineer/enthusiast who wants to experiment
and doent care about these stuff and the fact that you even
buy a second hand relatively new projector for even less
projectors available brand new for $1000, i dont see the
point of building one with inferior optics,panels,circuitry
unless ofcource you are an engineer/enthusiast who wants to experiment
and doent care about these stuff and the fact that you even
buy a second hand relatively new projector for even less
I have to suggest you take a look at the Audio section of this forum. A roommate of mine convinced me to DIY a pair of speakers awhile ago. I am really happy with them, 10 yrs later they still work great, built like tanks. The next step was a DIY "Leach Amp" but I never got that far. From what I remember, it is a pretty cool idea and still going strong. If you have a good ear and a DIY inclination, definitely check it out.
I have tried web surfing on an Infocus X1 (SVGA)... it totally sucked. It was just... wrong 🙂. Should be alot better at WXGA though (proview).
Checkout the Hauppauge 500, 2nd channel for not much more.
I have tried web surfing on an Infocus X1 (SVGA)... it totally sucked. It was just... wrong 🙂. Should be alot better at WXGA though (proview).
Checkout the Hauppauge 500, 2nd channel for not much more.
It's an arguement that's gone on many times before, usually started when someone fortunate enough to have a commercial unit calls a DIY PJ job a 'plywood crapbox' 😀
After owning both commerical and DIY jobs, I'd say you'll be surprised at just what the DIY units can do. There are other benifits, such as DIY bulbs that last ~3x as long and cost ~10x less...
You could argue those sort of facts forever, the real reason for taking the DIY route in my eyes is the actual fun you and satisfaction from building. If you're not a geek/engineer (grown up geek? 🙂) I doubt you will understand! I can pretty much gaurantee you won't be in quite as much awe when you switch your shopbought unit on for the first time as we are 😀
After owning both commerical and DIY jobs, I'd say you'll be surprised at just what the DIY units can do. There are other benifits, such as DIY bulbs that last ~3x as long and cost ~10x less...
You could argue those sort of facts forever, the real reason for taking the DIY route in my eyes is the actual fun you and satisfaction from building. If you're not a geek/engineer (grown up geek? 🙂) I doubt you will understand! I can pretty much gaurantee you won't be in quite as much awe when you switch your shopbought unit on for the first time as we are 😀
I like the DIY approach because I do not mind the large box.
What I really like is the affordibility, and the ability to finely tweak everything. The cheap bulbs is also a huge plus
What I really like is the affordibility, and the ability to finely tweak everything. The cheap bulbs is also a huge plus
****Here is where my second question comes in, Do I even need the sound card? Because this will be connected to the Receiver couldn’t that do all my sound processing?****
How were you planning on hooking the HTPC to the receiver without a soundcard? The only way to get 7.1 out of World of Warcraft is with a sound card that outputs 7.1 by digital coax( M-Audio Revolution 7.1 or equivalant ) and connect it to the decoder of the Yamaha receiver.
How were you planning on hooking the HTPC to the receiver without a soundcard? The only way to get 7.1 out of World of Warcraft is with a sound card that outputs 7.1 by digital coax( M-Audio Revolution 7.1 or equivalant ) and connect it to the decoder of the Yamaha receiver.
Purchase a good mother board with intergrated 7.1 w/digital or spdif outs. probably cheaper than going with a add-on card.
Talking about cheap bulbs.
One of the very first attempt I made was to fit a commercial LCD projector with a traditional halogen lamp. I was able to do it successfully. If you know the electronics, you can beat the balast and the balast feedback signals in a commercial projector very easily. I used a Misubishi LVP-X100 XGA LCD projector, got in ebay for $30 with no lamp. I was able to modify the lamp box to accomodate a EWG 300W lamp, and bypass the balast. I really enjoyed the resolution and the color clarity. There is no match for a commercial optical engine. The resolution and color quality of 3 Poly-Si LCD projector is way better than a single XGA panel used in DIY stuff. I gave up this projector becasue I started having convergence problem. Now I have a brand new Benq 6100 DLP projector, bought for under $800, and very happy with the picture and color. If I had a few hunderd $$$ more to spend I would have had Benq6200 XGA DLP projector. Do a DIY only if you are an enthusiast and likes doing stuff, and dont care about watching a movie with family in a cool atmosphere and relax.
One of the very first attempt I made was to fit a commercial LCD projector with a traditional halogen lamp. I was able to do it successfully. If you know the electronics, you can beat the balast and the balast feedback signals in a commercial projector very easily. I used a Misubishi LVP-X100 XGA LCD projector, got in ebay for $30 with no lamp. I was able to modify the lamp box to accomodate a EWG 300W lamp, and bypass the balast. I really enjoyed the resolution and the color clarity. There is no match for a commercial optical engine. The resolution and color quality of 3 Poly-Si LCD projector is way better than a single XGA panel used in DIY stuff. I gave up this projector becasue I started having convergence problem. Now I have a brand new Benq 6100 DLP projector, bought for under $800, and very happy with the picture and color. If I had a few hunderd $$$ more to spend I would have had Benq6200 XGA DLP projector. Do a DIY only if you are an enthusiast and likes doing stuff, and dont care about watching a movie with family in a cool atmosphere and relax.
I have to agree with the DIY route. If you try out your projector and you aren't happy with the slight imbalance of light in the centre, you can fiddle away till it is perfect. With your commerical pj you are pretty much left with no tweaking options.
I have a similar setup and currently a commercial projector, but am building a projector with the same panel.
I am very pleased with my spdif out to the receiver from a Creative card. Many of the cheaper ones will have higher cpu utilization, including most of the ones built into the motherboard.
I am very pleased with my spdif out to the receiver from a Creative card. Many of the cheaper ones will have higher cpu utilization, including most of the ones built into the motherboard.
I changed the sound card recently to a cheaper Chaintech AV-70. My reasoning for this is I want to keep all the decoding of sound for the av reciever to handle. So I just want SPDIF out. I realize that I can get that just off of my motherboard. But what the Chaintech does is send the data out at the native 44.1 KHz, all the others resample to 48KHz. Leaving it at 44.1 KHz leaves it bit perfect, to allow the reciever to resample everything.
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