Comments on: I am building a house and want some advice on a home theater.? http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater The Seriously Fun Business of Home Brewing Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:34:59 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Antiphon http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater/comment-page-1#comment-1163 Antiphon Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:58:59 +0000 http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater#comment-1163 Your project appears to be fairly good size. As a result the following information and comments are provided in this context. First, I do not recommend the LG Super Blu BH200 multi-format disc player. Though it performs well when it comes to video quality it has serious shortcomings when it comes to the latest high-performance surround sound audio formats; not to mention that it is not fully “BD Live (Profile 2.0)” or “ROM2 Format” compliant. “ROM2 Format” compliant BD players, such as Panasonic’s highly anticipated DMP-BD50 will be released this spring at a price less than LG’s Super Blu BH200 with performance that should match or exceed the Super Blu BH200. If you also want HD DVD capability then I recommend adding a Toshiba HD DVD player such as their HD-A30 model. The following quotes are taken from Thomas J. Norton’s review of the LG Super Blu BH200 disc player: http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=25320818&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/1207lg200/index.html    “In any case, the important point here is that in our tests the    LG Super Blu player would not output Dolby TrueHD in    multichannel form from any output, at any resolution.”    “The inability to give the user the best audio encoded on many    high-definition discs is a serious shortcoming.”    “I hardly need point out—but I will—that you can buy excellent,    separate players for both HD DVD and Blu-ray for less than the    price of this LG. And those players will, in some respects, do    more.” Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Disc™ Player http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/blu-ray/dmp-bd50/ Panasonic DMP-BD50 Press Release http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=215165&modelNo=Content01052008065621607&surfModel=Content01052008065621607 Discussion of the Panasonic DMP-BD50 BDLive Player http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=970806&pp=60 ________________________ The Sony VPL-AW15, as good as it is for a low cost 1280×720 projector, is not a good choice when it comes to projecting a video image larger than 84 inches or so. For a slightly higher cost you will get MUCH better (1080p/24) performance, across the board, from the Epson projectors listed below. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB Projector (V11H262120) http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63073679 http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/powerlite-home-cinema-1080ub/ Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080 UB Projector (V11H262020) http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63073680 ________________________ For a budget home theater installation I highly recommended the following projection screens along with the maximum sizes: Elite Screens Elite ezFrame Screens 1.78:1 (16:9) format: 100 or 106 inches (diag.) http://www.elitescreens.com/product_ezframe.htm (Less tolerant of any ambient room light than a higher gain screen.) - or - Carada Criterion Series Projection Screens 1.78:1 format: 100, 106, or 110 inches http://www.carada.com/Projection-Criterion-Series-Projector-Screens.aspx ________________________ The Philips HTIB system you’ve listed will be far from adequate for a moderate-to-large room. If you want to avoid heartache I recommend that you consider purchasing an alternative, preferably equipment from the list below. The equipment is some of the least expensive, reasonably full-featured, A/V electronics equipment that will provide a sufficient level of performance for a project the size of your home theater. Onkyo TX-SR875 7.1-Ch. Home Theater Receiver http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR875&class=Receiver&p=i Onkyo TX-SR875 Review http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=23739447&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/907onk875/index.html Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Ch. A/V Receiver http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3510.asp Yamaha RX-V3800 or RX-V1800 7.1-Ch. Home Theater Receivers http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers/rxv_rxz.html?CTID=5000300 Yamaha RX-V1800 RX-V3800 Comparison http://www.yamaha.com/yec/compare/Detail.html?compitem1=&compitem2=558291&compitem3=558316&CTID=5000300&VNM=LIVE&comp_items=558316&comp_items=558291&B_compare.x=41&B_compare.y=5 Pioneer Electronics VSX-92TXH 7.1-Ch. A/V Receiver http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.VSX-92TXH.Kuro?tab=B Sony STR-DA4300ESES Series Home Theater A/V Receiver http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=8198552921665192795 For a larger home theater project, as yours appears to be, there is a better option, however it’s a bit more costly: purchase a receiver such as the Onkyo TX-SR705 7.1-Channel receiver, for use as a preamplifier/processor (and back-up amplifier if needed,) and add separate multi-channel power amplifiers, such as models from Outlaw Audio, Anthem, Adcom, Simaudio, etc. Also keep in mind there are times when it is advantageous to divide the amplification duties between separate amplifiers in order to simplify the cabling requirements. One other note: while you’re in the remodel process you should strongly consider installing a dedicated electrical branch-circuit for your home theater, including its own dedicated distribution panel. You may also want to inquire about installing an isolated ground electrical system. ________________________ Key to obtaining visceral impact in a home theater sound system requires purchasing a high-performance subwoofer that will be free from strain when faced with the task of reproducing the LFE content found in many of today’s high-powered, high-definition movies. I’ve listed a moderately broad selection of some of the lowest-cost loudspeaker systems that are capable of providing a convincing and enjoyable home theater (and music) audio experience. *SVSound PB13-Ultra Powered Subwoofer http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb13ultra.cfm Manufactured Subwoofers - Tests and Discussion http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/manufactured-speakers-subwoofers/ Aperion Audio Intimus 633 System (no subwoofer) http://www.aperionaudio.com/systembuilder/draganddrop.aspx http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=22488735&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/speakersystems/507ape633/index.html Revel Concerta Series Speaker System http://www.revelspeakers.com/products/series.asp?series=concerta http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=16679005&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/speakersystems/1205revel/index.html Ascend Acoustics http://www.ascendacoustics.com Athena Technologies (Audition Series or LS Series) http://www.athenaspeakers.com Atlantic Technology Loudspeakers http://www.atlantictechnology.com Definitive Technology (Mythos or ProCinema 1000 system; no subwoofer*) http://www.definitivetech.com ProCinema System http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/procinema/procinema_1000.html Energy Speakers http://www.energy-speakers.com Epos (Six ELS-3 and one ELS-3C; no subwoofer*) http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products/els3.php http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products/els3c.php http://www.musichallaudio.com/epos/index.html Paradigm Electronics Loudspeakers http://www.paradigm.com Polk Audio http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/systems/ PSB Speakers (Six Alpha B1 and one C1; no subwoofer*) http://www.psbspeakers.com Triad Speakers http://www.triadspeakers.com Usher Audio Technology http://www.usheraudio.com ________________________ Blue Jeans Cable (HDMI, S/PDIF, etc.) http://www.bluejeanscable.com HDMI Cables from Blue Jeans Cable http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdmi-cables/index.htm High-Definition Multimedia Interface Cables and Adapters http://www.accellcables.com/products/videoCables/HDMI/hdmiCables.html BetterCables - Home Theater Cables http://www.bettercables.com Clearly the total cost of the equipment I am recommending will exceed the total cost of the equipment that you’ve listed, however the benefits will greatly outweigh the relatively small cost savings you might achieve. If need be pick and choose individual equipment recommendations to fit your budget and upgrade as necessary. Keep in mind, once you’ve purchased the A/V equipment on your list, and if you find that the equipment is inadequate for the job as I suspect it will be, then you will have unnecessarily increased the overall cost of your home theater system when the time comes to purchase the ‘proper’ equipment. It is my intent to help you avoid any unnecessary expenditures while at the same time assembling a home theater that should provide enjoyment for many years. ######## RESOURCES ######## Looking to build a two movie theatre - any suggestions on where to start? http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080104135319AA1OR89 Keith Yates Design Group http://www.keithyates.com Blu-ray Disc Player Chart http://www.idoblu.co.uk/page2%20Blu-ray%20Players.html ######## A/V MEDIA AND PRESS ######## UltimateAV http://www.ultimateavmag.com http://www.guidetohometheater.com AVguide The Perfect Vision (superseded by Playback) http://www.avguide.com Playback http://www.playbackmag.net Sound and Vision Magazine http://www.soundandvisionmag.com CNET Reviews http://reviews.cnet.com Home Theater http://www.hometheatermag.com Widescreen Review http://www.widescreenreview.com HDTVexpert http://www.hdtvexpert.com HDTV Magazine http://www.hdtvmagazine.com Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity http://www.hometheaterhifi.com HDTV Solutions http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/hdtv_articles.cfm SoundStage! A/V http://www.soundstageav.com Audio Ideas Guide http://www.audio-ideas.com Home Entertainment http://www.hemagazine.com Audio Video Revolution http://www.avrev.com ######## DISCUSSION FORUMS ######## AV Science (AVS) Forum http://www.avsforum.com Home Theater Forum http://www.hometheaterforum.com Audioholics Home Theater Forums http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/ AVForums (UK) http://www.avforums.com High Def Forum http://www.highdefforum.com  <br><b>References : </b><br> Your project appears to be fairly good size. As a result the following information and comments are provided in this context.

First, I do not recommend the LG Super Blu BH200 multi-format disc player. Though it performs well when it comes to video quality it has serious shortcomings when it comes to the latest high-performance surround sound audio formats; not to mention that it is not fully “BD Live (Profile 2.0)” or “ROM2 Format” compliant. “ROM2 Format” compliant BD players, such as Panasonic’s highly anticipated DMP-BD50 will be released this spring at a price less than LG’s Super Blu BH200 with performance that should match or exceed the Super Blu BH200. If you also want HD DVD capability then I recommend adding a Toshiba HD DVD player such as their HD-A30 model.

The following quotes are taken from Thomas J. Norton’s review of the LG Super Blu BH200 disc player:
http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=25320818&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/1207lg200/index.html

   “In any case, the important point here is that in our tests the
   LG Super Blu player would not output Dolby TrueHD in
   multichannel form from any output, at any resolution.”

   “The inability to give the user the best audio encoded on many
   high-definition discs is a serious shortcoming.”

   “I hardly need point out—but I will—that you can buy excellent,
   separate players for both HD DVD and Blu-ray for less than the
   price of this LG. And those players will, in some respects, do
   more.”

Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Disc™ Player
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/blu-ray/dmp-bd50/
Panasonic DMP-BD50 Press Release
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=215165&modelNo=Content01052008065621607&surfModel=Content01052008065621607
Discussion of the Panasonic DMP-BD50 BDLive Player
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=970806&pp=60
________________________

The Sony VPL-AW15, as good as it is for a low cost 1280×720 projector, is not a good choice when it comes to projecting a video image larger than 84 inches or so. For a slightly higher cost you will get MUCH better (1080p/24) performance, across the board, from the Epson projectors listed below.

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB Projector (V11H262120)
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63073679
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/powerlite-home-cinema-1080ub/
Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080 UB Projector (V11H262020)
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63073680
________________________

For a budget home theater installation I highly recommended the following projection screens along with the maximum sizes:

Elite Screens Elite ezFrame Screens
1.78:1 (16:9) format: 100 or 106 inches (diag.)
http://www.elitescreens.com/product_ezframe.htm
(Less tolerant of any ambient room light than a higher gain screen.)
- or –
Carada Criterion Series Projection Screens
1.78:1 format: 100, 106, or 110 inches
http://www.carada.com/Projection-Criterion-Series-Projector-Screens.aspx
________________________

The Philips HTIB system you’ve listed will be far from adequate for a moderate-to-large room. If you want to avoid heartache I recommend that you consider purchasing an alternative, preferably equipment from the list below. The equipment is some of the least expensive, reasonably full-featured, A/V electronics equipment that will provide a sufficient level of performance for a project the size of your home theater.

Onkyo TX-SR875 7.1-Ch. Home Theater Receiver
http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR875&class=Receiver&p=i
Onkyo TX-SR875 Review
http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=23739447&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/907onk875/index.html

Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Ch. A/V Receiver
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3510.asp

Yamaha RX-V3800 or RX-V1800 7.1-Ch. Home Theater Receivers
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers/rxv_rxz.html?CTID=5000300
Yamaha RX-V1800 RX-V3800 Comparison
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/compare/Detail.html?compitem1=&compitem2=558291&compitem3=558316&CTID=5000300&VNM=LIVE&comp_items=558316&comp_items=558291&B_compare.x=41&B_compare.y=5

Pioneer Electronics VSX-92TXH 7.1-Ch. A/V Receiver
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.VSX-92TXH.Kuro?tab=B

Sony STR-DA4300ESES Series Home Theater A/V Receiver
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=8198552921665192795

For a larger home theater project, as yours appears to be, there is a better option, however it’s a bit more costly: purchase a receiver such as the Onkyo TX-SR705 7.1-Channel receiver, for use as a preamplifier/processor (and back-up amplifier if needed,) and add separate multi-channel power amplifiers, such as models from Outlaw Audio, Anthem, Adcom, Simaudio, etc. Also keep in mind there are times when it is advantageous to divide the amplification duties between separate amplifiers in order to simplify the cabling requirements.

One other note: while you’re in the remodel process you should strongly consider installing a dedicated electrical branch-circuit for your home theater, including its own dedicated distribution panel. You may also want to inquire about installing an isolated ground electrical system.
________________________

Key to obtaining visceral impact in a home theater sound system requires purchasing a high-performance subwoofer that will be free from strain when faced with the task of reproducing the LFE content found in many of today’s high-powered, high-definition movies. I’ve listed a moderately broad selection of some of the lowest-cost loudspeaker systems that are capable of providing a convincing and enjoyable home theater (and music) audio experience.

*SVSound PB13-Ultra Powered Subwoofer
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb13ultra.cfm
Manufactured Subwoofers – Tests and Discussion
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/manufactured-speakers-subwoofers/

Aperion Audio Intimus 633 System (no subwoofer)
http://www.aperionaudio.com/systembuilder/draganddrop.aspx
http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=22488735&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/speakersystems/507ape633/index.html

Revel Concerta Series Speaker System
http://www.revelspeakers.com/products/series.asp?series=concerta
http://guide.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=16679005&url=http://ultimateavmag.com/speakersystems/1205revel/index.html

Ascend Acoustics
http://www.ascendacoustics.com

Athena Technologies (Audition Series or LS Series)
http://www.athenaspeakers.com

Atlantic Technology Loudspeakers
http://www.atlantictechnology.com

Definitive Technology (Mythos or ProCinema 1000 system; no subwoofer*)
http://www.definitivetech.com
ProCinema System
http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/procinema/procinema_1000.html

Energy Speakers
http://www.energy-speakers.com

Epos (Six ELS-3 and one ELS-3C; no subwoofer*)
http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products/els3.php
http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products/els3c.php
http://www.musichallaudio.com/epos/index.html

Paradigm Electronics Loudspeakers
http://www.paradigm.com

Polk Audio
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/systems/

PSB Speakers (Six Alpha B1 and one C1; no subwoofer*)
http://www.psbspeakers.com

Triad Speakers
http://www.triadspeakers.com

Usher Audio Technology
http://www.usheraudio.com
________________________

Blue Jeans Cable (HDMI, S/PDIF, etc.)
http://www.bluejeanscable.com
HDMI Cables from Blue Jeans Cable
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdmi-cables/index.htm

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Cables and Adapters
http://www.accellcables.com/products/videoCables/HDMI/hdmiCables.html

BetterCables – Home Theater Cables
http://www.bettercables.com

Clearly the total cost of the equipment I am recommending will exceed the total cost of the equipment that you’ve listed, however the benefits will greatly outweigh the relatively small cost savings you might achieve. If need be pick and choose individual equipment recommendations to fit your budget and upgrade as necessary. Keep in mind, once you’ve purchased the A/V equipment on your list, and if you find that the equipment is inadequate for the job as I suspect it will be, then you will have unnecessarily increased the overall cost of your home theater system when the time comes to purchase the ‘proper’ equipment. It is my intent to help you avoid any unnecessary expenditures while at the same time assembling a home theater that should provide enjoyment for many years.

######## RESOURCES ########

Looking to build a two movie theatre – any suggestions on where to start?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080104135319AA1OR89

Keith Yates Design Group
http://www.keithyates.com

Blu-ray Disc Player Chart
http://www.idoblu.co.uk/page2%20Blu-ray%20Players.html

######## A/V MEDIA AND PRESS ########

UltimateAV
http://www.ultimateavmag.com
http://www.guidetohometheater.com
AVguide
The Perfect Vision (superseded by Playback)
http://www.avguide.com
Playback
http://www.playbackmag.net
Sound and Vision Magazine
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com
CNET Reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com
Home Theater
http://www.hometheatermag.com
Widescreen Review
http://www.widescreenreview.com
HDTVexpert
http://www.hdtvexpert.com
HDTV Magazine
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com
HDTV Solutions
http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/hdtv_articles.cfm
SoundStage! A/V
http://www.soundstageav.com
Audio Ideas Guide
http://www.audio-ideas.com
Home Entertainment
http://www.hemagazine.com
Audio Video Revolution
http://www.avrev.com

######## DISCUSSION FORUMS ########

AV Science (AVS) Forum
http://www.avsforum.com
Home Theater Forum
http://www.hometheaterforum.com
Audioholics Home Theater Forums
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/
AVForums (UK)
http://www.highdefforum.com
 
References :

]]> By: Eric G http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater/comment-page-1#comment-1162 Eric G Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:37:59 +0000 http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater#comment-1162 Looks like this will be a nice Theater. Mike is right about the wiring. It is a pain and you become limited once the drywall is up. Also (this is hard to do) but think about future use and plans to upgrade. I have seen some pretty neat ideas when it comes to wiring. From throwing in extra wire to building tubes to remove old wiring and install new wiring. Alot of people had to do this going from Component to HDMI. Dont' know if you check this out but go to www.avsforum.com and look at the theater progresses in there. You will get some ideas and also start your own thread and show other enthusiest how your build is coming along. It is an exciting proces and have fun. In Short I like your set up. Maybe add a power cleaner and don't forget abaout base traps, sound deflectors, seating, maybe even a butt kicker (that is if you can't afford a Dbox (movies the floor).<br><b>References : </b><br> Looks like this will be a nice Theater. Mike is right about the wiring. It is a pain and you become limited once the drywall is up. Also (this is hard to do) but think about future use and plans to upgrade. I have seen some pretty neat ideas when it comes to wiring. From throwing in extra wire to building tubes to remove old wiring and install new wiring. Alot of people had to do this going from Component to HDMI. Dont’ know if you check this out but go to http://www.avsforum.com and look at the theater progresses in there. You will get some ideas and also start your own thread and show other enthusiest how your build is coming along. It is an exciting proces and have fun.

In Short I like your set up. Maybe add a power cleaner and don’t forget abaout base traps, sound deflectors, seating, maybe even a butt kicker (that is if you can’t afford a Dbox (movies the floor).
References :

]]> By: He who must hold the remote http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater/comment-page-1#comment-1161 He who must hold the remote Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:12:59 +0000 http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater#comment-1161 There are actually several good receivers with 3 or 4 HDMI inputs. Onkyo 705 has 3, the 805 has 4. Yamaha and Dennon also have these units. Sony tends to make a lot of so-so quality receivers. I would only buy the ES line and that unit is NOT an ES. Look into a Dennon AVR or Yamaha RX-V line. It will bump the price two hundred or so - but these are much better units. Speakers - Phillips is NOT a well known speaker company. In fact - their speakers are usually cheap add-ins. (This goes for speakers from Sony, Yamaha, Denon, etc.) Audition speakers from a company who's main business is ... speakers. Polk, Energy, B&W, DefinitiveTechnology and the oft-maligned Klipsch would all be better choices and they all have a range of prices. SUBWOOFER: Unlike the 5 main speakers - you DONT have to get a sub from the same company. Check out SVS Subwoofers or HSU Research. They have great reputations and sub-retail prices. HDMI Cables: Get a 50' HDMI cable from BlueJeans and get the ones using Belden wires. These are made for TV Studios and production studios. They claim they tested a 120 ft cable and it worked fine. HD/BluRay - Get 2 separate players. It will be cheaper and the magazines that review the combo players say they DO play movies - but you dont get the neat features that stand along players bring. In fact - get a PS3 for the BluRay and a Toshiba HD-A3: This will give you a game system, BluRay player and HD-DVD player for about $500. I suspect this is a LOT cheaper than the combo player. (Put the money you save into a better receiver.) WIRING: Make sure to run internet connection to behind your rack and phone wires. The DirectTV box wants a phone line and these players both want internet connection to update firmware and access on-line extras for movies. REMOTE: Look into a HarmonyLogitech remote. It is programmed with your computer, runs about $288 and can bring the entire system up with a single button press. Very cool and you dont have to hire a programmer like you need to do with the Crestron units.<br><b>References : </b><br> There are actually several good receivers with 3 or 4 HDMI inputs. Onkyo 705 has 3, the 805 has 4. Yamaha and Dennon also have these units.

Sony tends to make a lot of so-so quality receivers. I would only buy the ES line and that unit is NOT an ES. Look into a Dennon AVR or Yamaha RX-V line. It will bump the price two hundred or so – but these are much better units.

Speakers – Phillips is NOT a well known speaker company. In fact – their speakers are usually cheap add-ins. (This goes for speakers from Sony, Yamaha, Denon, etc.) Audition speakers from a company who’s main business is … speakers. Polk, Energy, B&W, DefinitiveTechnology and the oft-maligned Klipsch would all be better choices and they all have a range of prices.

SUBWOOFER: Unlike the 5 main speakers – you DONT have to get a sub from the same company. Check out SVS Subwoofers or HSU Research. They have great reputations and sub-retail prices.

HDMI Cables: Get a 50′ HDMI cable from BlueJeans and get the ones using Belden wires. These are made for TV Studios and production studios. They claim they tested a 120 ft cable and it worked fine.

HD/BluRay – Get 2 separate players. It will be cheaper and the magazines that review the combo players say they DO play movies – but you dont get the neat features that stand along players bring.

In fact – get a PS3 for the BluRay and a Toshiba HD-A3: This will give you a game system, BluRay player and HD-DVD player for about $500. I suspect this is a LOT cheaper than the combo player. (Put the money you save into a better receiver.)

WIRING: Make sure to run internet connection to behind your rack and phone wires. The DirectTV box wants a phone line and these players both want internet connection to update firmware and access on-line extras for movies.

REMOTE: Look into a HarmonyLogitech remote. It is programmed with your computer, runs about $288 and can bring the entire system up with a single button press. Very cool and you dont have to hire a programmer like you need to do with the Crestron units.
References :

]]> By: mike1084 http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater/comment-page-1#comment-1160 mike1084 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:48:59 +0000 http://www.whatsbrewin.com/home-brewing-equipment/i-am-building-a-house-and-want-some-advice-on-a-home-theater#comment-1160 The value of well thought out home theater wiring scheme shouldn't be underestimated. Get your floor plan and detail every connection and plan for expansion. Most do-it-yourselfer home theater installers would give an arm to run their wiring before the walls/ceilings are finished. Additionally think about an RF wireless controller, Crestron for example. That way all your components can be hidden out of sight.<br><b>References : </b><br> The value of well thought out home theater wiring scheme shouldn’t be underestimated. Get your floor plan and detail every connection and plan for expansion. Most do-it-yourselfer home theater installers would give an arm to run their wiring before the walls/ceilings are finished.
Additionally think about an RF wireless controller, Crestron for example. That way all your components can be hidden out of sight.
References :

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