Hi, I've been roaming around on this forum for a while, mainly because we're moving from an apartment to a condo (which means I can finally do stuff to walls - I really don't like seeing wires around), but I'm definitely a noob, so sorry if my questions are dumb....
I realized at the end that I had written a crazy long post, so here's the quick rundown:
Budget: around $5k, but flexible (don't know if this is reasonable at all)
Currently have: Polk PSW10 subwoofer + Polk CS2 center channel
Need recs: projector, screen (100"-110", ceiling recessed), 6 more speakers (probably Polk), receiver and placement for everything (floor plan attached, room is around 15' x 17'3" x 8'2 (or maybe 8'6, not sure)).
For more specifics, here goes:
My family and I are all really into watching movies + tv shows, and while our old Samsung LN52A650 tv is nice, we're also really into "big pictures" - immersive experiences. At first I was contemplating one of the large Sharp tvs (at least 70", leaning more towards 80"), but at that price range, I started considering the possibility of just getting a projector + screen and having something like a 100"-110" screen.
Problem is, I've had really little experience with this kind of setup, and I've heard a variety of things about using projectors (some love it, some really don't). I also just don't know what the optimal setup (in terms of placement) would be, which is why I uploaded a pic of the room in consideration. I had to adjust the resolution, so it may not be clear - the room is 15' x 17'3" (not including the little nook, which is 2'1" x 7'8"). I'm not totally sure about the height (not moving in for another 4 months), but it should be around 8'2" - 8'6". I'm planning on getting some pretty good shades for the windows in this room, but as you can see, the room actually opens up to another - do you guys think good shades will be sufficient for ambient light control?
Also, since this is a living room, I would like to keep the screen hidden when not in use - it seems as though there are ceiling recessed screens for this right? Where would you guys suggest I install the screen + projector (obviously, I would super appreciate recommendations for the actual screen + projector as well)? I was considering installing the ceiling recessed projector in front of the nook, and putting some components inside the nook, but then I realized that IR remotes would probably all be blocked by the screen....
I also need some advice on audio.... I'm thinking of a 7.1 system; I currently have an old Polk PSW10 subwoofer + Polk CS2 center channel, so I was thinking of just getting 6 more Polk speakers tsi100/200/500s for surround/rear/front? I would really appreciate suggestions on speaker placement + type as well (also corresponding receiver).
By the way, we don't really have much 3d stuff, but I'd prefer everything to be semi-future-proof, so decent 3d support would be nice to have.
In terms of budget, I'm kind of flexible in that I definitely value quality (but I know that's a slippery slope) - it'd be nice if I could hit "sweet spots" in terms of quality vs price. For now, let's say my budget is around $5k, but if there are places where some extra money could make a big difference, I'll probably consider it. I'm probably going to get someone to help me install the screen + hide wires for the speakers, possibly wall mount, but I'm not including that in the budget right now (just as a reference though, what would be "fair" prices for this kind of work). Also, if this number is completely ridiculous for what I would like, let me know....
Any help for my confused self would be immensely appreciated!!!!!!
I realized at the end that I had written a crazy long post, so here's the quick rundown:
Budget: around $5k, but flexible (don't know if this is reasonable at all)
Currently have: Polk PSW10 subwoofer + Polk CS2 center channel
Need recs: projector, screen (100"-110", ceiling recessed), 6 more speakers (probably Polk), receiver and placement for everything (floor plan attached, room is around 15' x 17'3" x 8'2 (or maybe 8'6, not sure)).
For more specifics, here goes:
My family and I are all really into watching movies + tv shows, and while our old Samsung LN52A650 tv is nice, we're also really into "big pictures" - immersive experiences. At first I was contemplating one of the large Sharp tvs (at least 70", leaning more towards 80"), but at that price range, I started considering the possibility of just getting a projector + screen and having something like a 100"-110" screen.
Problem is, I've had really little experience with this kind of setup, and I've heard a variety of things about using projectors (some love it, some really don't). I also just don't know what the optimal setup (in terms of placement) would be, which is why I uploaded a pic of the room in consideration. I had to adjust the resolution, so it may not be clear - the room is 15' x 17'3" (not including the little nook, which is 2'1" x 7'8"). I'm not totally sure about the height (not moving in for another 4 months), but it should be around 8'2" - 8'6". I'm planning on getting some pretty good shades for the windows in this room, but as you can see, the room actually opens up to another - do you guys think good shades will be sufficient for ambient light control?
Also, since this is a living room, I would like to keep the screen hidden when not in use - it seems as though there are ceiling recessed screens for this right? Where would you guys suggest I install the screen + projector (obviously, I would super appreciate recommendations for the actual screen + projector as well)? I was considering installing the ceiling recessed projector in front of the nook, and putting some components inside the nook, but then I realized that IR remotes would probably all be blocked by the screen....
I also need some advice on audio.... I'm thinking of a 7.1 system; I currently have an old Polk PSW10 subwoofer + Polk CS2 center channel, so I was thinking of just getting 6 more Polk speakers tsi100/200/500s for surround/rear/front? I would really appreciate suggestions on speaker placement + type as well (also corresponding receiver).
By the way, we don't really have much 3d stuff, but I'd prefer everything to be semi-future-proof, so decent 3d support would be nice to have.
In terms of budget, I'm kind of flexible in that I definitely value quality (but I know that's a slippery slope) - it'd be nice if I could hit "sweet spots" in terms of quality vs price. For now, let's say my budget is around $5k, but if there are places where some extra money could make a big difference, I'll probably consider it. I'm probably going to get someone to help me install the screen + hide wires for the speakers, possibly wall mount, but I'm not including that in the budget right now (just as a reference though, what would be "fair" prices for this kind of work). Also, if this number is completely ridiculous for what I would like, let me know....
Any help for my confused self would be immensely appreciated!!!!!!