Home Theatre advice

RonnieL

Hello,

I'm a complete newbie to the projector world, but having one has always been a fantasy of mine. I live in a small 3 bedroom terraced place, and I always thought I'd hold off on getting a projector until I live in a bigger house with a room dedicated to it. However, it looks like I'll be living where I am for at least the next few years, so I'm tempted to just go for it.
Let me start by describing the room that I want to install the projector in. It's my sitting room, and it is 5.3 meters by 3.4 meters. I've attached a picture showing the layout. What the picture doesn't show is that the room has double doors going out onto the balcony, and a window also, so it's a pretty bright room. We have wodden blinds and fairly thick curtains, but even with these closed, it can be fairly bright if the sun is shining onto the balcony.

So, having researched a fair bit (mainly on the excellent projectorcentral.com) I think I've decided on the Panasonic PT-AX200E for the following reasons:
- The brightness factor
- Throw distance - according to the manual, it can produce a 90 diagonal from a distance of up to 5.5 meters.
- Size - it looks fairly tidy, and I'm trying to keep my wife happy by having a minimal impact on the room.

My plan is to ceiling mount the unit down the end of the room where the tv is (see attached layout) and project onto the wall at the other end. I'm hoping to run all required cables from where the tv is at the moment to the projector - I'll enclose them to keep it as tidy as possible.

To cut a long story a little shorter - here's my questions:

- Does the PT-AX200E sound like a good choice for my needs?
- Where's a good place to buy it? I'm currently planning to order it from komplett.ie for €899
- I'm guessing the power cord that comes with it will be way too short - how to I go about getting a longer one? Probably need it to be about 6 meters.
- I want to connect my ntl box and dvd player to the projector - but I'd like to keep both connected to my tv also. Is this possible?
- I'll need to buy a surround sound system also - I haven't reserched this at all - any suggestions?
- Does this screen seem ok? https://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=344018 I'm trying to keep the costs down and this one is pretty cheap and it looks ok to me.

I'm bound to have more questions but I'll get started with these! Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ronan

Ghost Train

Not going get into too much detail, but will make some points

Don't know much about Panasonic PT-AX200E, just that its LCD but the reviews look good. Prefer DLP projectors myself, but thats just a personal choice I guess.

5m sounds big enough for decent picture... you can adjust the zoom on projectors, so it will go bigger than 90" or smaller. You can use the calculator on projector central to check but at 5m will be around 70"-110" by adjusting the zoom

Not sure where is a good place to buy, but have heard a good few people buy from Komplett. I bought from the netherlands, which was fine, might have been a bit more awkward if there was something wrong with it I guess. Pixmania.ie used to sell a good few models, probably still do, but they're not always the best.

A simple power extension cord should work, maybe have a look in woodies or B&Q or online

Projector should have a few inputs, I know mine has one hdmi, a component, composite, s-video and a multipurpose (hdmi/vga or component). So shouldnt be a problem connecting up a few devices, might need some long cables though... I usually get that sort of thing on ebay

Not sure about sound systems, depend on what you want to spend, digital inputs (coax and optical) are always good to have to get the best from dvd/bluray etc.

Would be careful about going for that type of screen... sounds like a high gain screen, for a bright room might be ok, but in a darker room might shimmer and be too bright. For picture quality best if you can darken the room and have a screen with lower gain maybe .8 or something. Would the wall be good enough to project on for a short time while you decide on what sort of screen you need.

RonnieL

Thanks Ghost Train.

A simple extension lead will work I guess, but I was hoping to have the setup as tidy as possible, which is why I was hoping to get my hands on a long vesion of the standard power cable (which I'm guessing the projector will come with).

It sounds like I'll need to keep looking for a screen - I just found out my wife's preference would be for a screen with a white case so the one I had my eye on is not an option now anyway since it had a black case. If anyone knows of a decent, cheap 92 inch screen let me know!

In relation to the sound system - I'm completely at a loss as to what I want. I don't need a "home cinema" system since I already have a dvd player. I just need something that I can plug all my sound sources into which will play through speaks which I'll place in the 4 corners. As far as budget is concerned, I'm hoping to keep the total spend to 1500 - that's for projector, screen, cables, and sound system thing! Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks again,

Ronan

Ghost Train

didn't know what you meant about the power lead... should be easy enough to get a longer one. 6m or longer

RonnieL

Tried looking on ebay for the long power cord and they do seem to exist, but so far I've only found US ones so far. If anyone has any ideas on where else I should try, gimme a shout.

On the sound system front, I was looking on komplett again and I think what I need is an AV receiver? Anyone have a recommendation? I mentioned earlier that I want to hook up my ntl box and dvd player - I also have a wii and a hard disk media player thing. The NTL box and DVD player only seem to have scart outputs - so does that mean the AV thing will need scart inputs?

Thanks,

Ronan

Ghost Train

here are some

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/_W0QQ_dmptZUKQ5fComputingQ5fCablesConnectorsQ5fRL?_nkw=kettle+lead+10m&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=kettle+lead+6m&_osacat=0

RonnieL

Thanks again Ghost Train - I didn't think to search for kettle leads

Now that's sorted I can focus on finding an AV receiver that does all the things I need.

eddiem74

Check out RicherSounds for some reciever advice. A recent post over there, which might be of interest.

I'm sure if you specifiy budget they can adjust to your needs.

I have an AX200 for nearly 2 years now, bought it from Komplett, ceiling mounted, and made a permanent DIY screen (well special paint mix on wall with frame around it). Projector is about 12-13ft back from the wall, and I've set the screen size to 110" could have been bigger but that felt most comfortable. We watch it all the time for our main viewing, Plasma is now retired to the kids tv room. :pac:

RonnieL

Thanks for the reply eddie.

I'm making progress I think. So far I've pretty much decided on the
Panasonic PT-AX200.

I think I'm gonna stick with the screen I saw on komplett also, despite the concerns raised by Ghost Train. I figure it'll be better than projecting onto a wall (which isn't an option anyway because that would mean moving some "art" we have on the wall in question).

On the AV receiver front, I'm leaning towards the Onkyo TX-SR307EB 5.1 surround receiver - again from komplett. It looks like it will do the job for me. I haven't settled on any speakers yet though. I don't need anything fancy - the priority would be to get small ones so they aren't too noticeable. I saw these on richer sounds - http://www.richersounds.ie/asp/product.asp?ObjectID=938&Mode=0&CategoryID=5&sub=100&productid=686 - as far as I can tell they'll hook up ok to the receiver I've picked.

As I mentioned in my original post, I want to keep my ntl and dvd boxes connected to the TV, as well as connecting them to the projector (via the receiver). The problem here appears to be the lack of a scart input on the receiver. I was hoping there would be such thing as a scart that will split into a scart and a component cable (or is it composite?!). Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to achieve my goal?

Also - I'm conscious of the fact my original post was badly timed (on a friday evening) so if anyone has any tips/concerns about my choices, I'm all ears!

Thanks,

Ronan

eddiem74

I think you could go to RS with your rough budget for receiver, and speakers, cables, etc. and let them give you some options. You can then google the items to see reviews, and make a decision. You can also checkout their .com site, they can usually get most items on that also.

I have an Onkyo 606, went from a 605 to that via a special offer from RS for boardies last year. I think the 307 is really basic, and would not like you to let down your projector experience. The 507 looks slightly better and supports the HD sounds formats if you are going to planning to watch bluray's.

I'm still a novice on all this even though I am happy with my set-up at present.

On the connectivity issue, you could get a scart connector similar to this which should sort you out. (Not 100% sure if this is the correct one, but am sure someone else on here will correct me, at least you know its possible).

On the need to keep connected to TV is this so you can watch TV without the receiver on ? Or would you be okay with having a watch TV and watch Projector option both using the receiver/speakers ? Reason I ask, is that you would typically feed the display directly with video, and sound via receiver, or feed everything via receiver. So when you have 2 displays and the receiver only has one output you face an issue, however you can address this with a distribution amp which can take the output, and then feed to displays which was what I did initially. Some of the more expensive receivers now provide 2 display outputs, so you need to way all this up.

RonnieL

Hey Eddie.

Thanks for the reply. I took your advice and asked the guys at richersounds to come up with something for me. I hear you about the whole blue ray thing. I currently don't even have a blue ray player, but it's only a matter of time I guess. Budget is my main concern however. I have had the projector fantasy for a while, but prior to doing the research I somewhat naively forgot to factor in the cost of any AV receiver (I never even knew they existed).

I want to keep the stuff connected to the TV as is, because the projector screen will be at the other end of the room, so the speakers will be positioned for use with the projector alone.

Thanks again for the info - it's been a great help.

Ronan

eddiem74

Well, I hear ya on budget, I started out and have since spent a small fortune, and unfortunately wasted some of what I spent on silly priced items where cheaper options might have been just as good. We live and learn.............. :rolleyes:

The only benefit you now have of going the separates route is that you can upgrade individual components as budget allows, meaning over time you will end up with you might ideally want now but can't afford. You should also be able to get something back on the items if you sell them on.

I would also recommend you checkout avforums.com if you have not found them already and specifically their home cinema diy section to be truly inspired !

Good Luck !

RonnieL

Hi again guys.

I'm getting close to identifying all the bits and pieces. I'm waiting on the richersounds guys to get back to me with some more info but I'm confident I'll be able to get the AV receiver, speakers, and all associated cables from them.

One thing I'm still not too sure about is the long power cable. I just noticed the komplett site has a picture of the rear of the projector which I have attached. I'm not 100% confident the long "kettle" lead will fit - this is purely based on the shape of the leads in the pictures on ebay, and the shape of the socket in the attached picture.

If someone could take a look and let me know if they think the kettle lead will work, that would be great.

Thanks,

Ronan

eddiem74

Panasonic website says the standard lead is 3M, not sure mine was that long though, and I can't check cos its burried in the ceiling now. I just used a single socket extension lead to make up the difference.

I stuck the single socket from the extension lead at ceiling height, an ran the cable along behind a curtain rail, down to the top of the skirting board behind the curtain, and along the skirting over to the power socket. Painted over it will the same call colour as the wall and you would hardly even notice it. A bit of conduit can help also with keeping it tidy.

Not as perfect as having cables chased in the wall, etc. but for a few euro done the job.

RonnieL

Thanks Eddie.

Even a 3 meter lead won't cut the mustard for me. It'll actually be annoyingly close because I'd say 4 meters would almost do it. In order to get signoff from the wife, I promised to keep it as tidy as possible. So, I'm planning to hide all cables with some trunking (see attachment) as they run up the wall in the corner of the room, and along the roof towards the projector.

I would have thought this is a common challenge when getting power to a projector. I suppose in most cases it's possible to have a "hidden" socket somewhere within a meter or two of the projector like you have.

So, can anyone say difinitively that the power connection shown in my previous post is panasonic specific? If so, what are my options? I guess I could ask a sparky to try and extend the cable that comes with the projector somehow?

Ronan

eddiem74

Well I used a €10 4M white extension lead to make up the difference rather than have a socket relocated/added. I am also using trunking (conduit) a lot lately along the top of the skirting for speaker cables, and up the walls in less visible corners to bring network cables from the attic to upstairs and downstairs. Once the trunking is painted you hardly see it so its quite a handy option.

If you have a socket in close proximity upstairs you could try and take a feed from that down through the ceiling to get it closer to where the projector is ?

I actually thought Panasonic did a longer lead, had a look earlier but could not find anything.

Checking with an electrician is also an option I am sure.

It really will be worth it, and your wife will be gobsmacked once its up and running. This was my first projector, and when it arrived I set it up on the table, and projected on to the wall a movie on Sky, and my wife and daughter were stunned to silence, and were amazed for weeks after how good the experience was. :pac:

RonnieL

Hey Guys.

I've ordered all the bits and pieces now (mostly from richersounds), so if all goes to plan I'll be up and running by Saturday night. I might post a couple of pictures when I'm done.

Just to follow up on my power lead problem - a friend who is a sparky was able to tell me that the connector looks like a C5 type: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_connector#C5_and_C6_connectors. A quick search on ebay and I was able to find a 5 meter one which should do the trick.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Ronan

eddiem74

RonnieL wrote: »

Just to follow up on my power lead problem - a friend who is a sparky was able to tell me that the connector looks like a C5 type: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_connector#C5_and_C6_connectors. A quick search on ebay and I was able to find a 5 meter one which should do the trick.

Ronan,

I just checked the power connector to the PJ to see if there was any information on it to validate your findings. The was the name Longwell LS-18, I was able to find it on the longwell site, which seems to confirm the C5 connector.

You should be able to confirm the specifics when your projector arrives anyway, but looks like your on the right track.

Pics are always welcome here.....

Eddie

RonnieL

Nice detective work Eddie! I ordered a 5m C5 type cable earlier from ebay, but it's comforting to find out that it should work when it arrives.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed everything shows up in time now. I ordered the projector and screen last week from komplett but the status hasn't changed since. I might post something in the komplett section on here and see if someone can give me an update.

steprime

Hey ronnie,

Just been reading through this thread, it interested me as I will be doing an attic conversion in the next year or so and want a projector. From reading your posts I noticed there hasn`t been a mention of HDMI cables at all.
I would highly recommened that you future proof your set up by incorporating HDMI (you can`t have blu-ray without it for example)

I know you have decided to buy the Panasonic projector from Komplett(I bought my tv from that site - very reliable IMO). But I would strongly urge you to do the following:

1. Buy a projector with a HDMI output(from what i`ve read - DLP is the way to go but will considerably break your budget!)
2. Hook up your DVD player and any other device that has HDMI capability to the Onkyo AV receiver (xbox, PS3 for example) then connect the AV receiver (which is also a surround sound amplifier) to your TV and projector by HDMI cables
3. If your DVD doesn`t have a HDMI output - buy a player/recorder that does
I would recommend buying a DVD/HDD recorder and connect it to your NTL box by Scart. Then select whatever AV channel on the recorder that the SCART is connected to, then watch the picture on the HDMI channel on either your TV or watch it through HDMI on your projector
This sounds complicated but it`s worth it as your NTL signal will be greatly improved (you need to see it to believe me)
In addition, by hooking up a DVD player with a HDMI cable to the output device(ie. tV, projector) you will upscale the Standard def DVD`s you currently own)
4. Surround sound should be simple - just buy a 5.1 speaker package (richer sounds should be grand for this)
you will then have 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers, One centre speaker and a subwoofer which can be easily hooked up the AV receiver

By the way, once you`ve started buying AV equipment like this you will have caught the bug and will be looking to upgrade in no time:)

One other bit of advise - home cinema mags are a great source of info

I`m looking forward to hearing how you get on - i`m dying to get a projector so i`ll be envying you:-)

Ghost Train

steprime wrote: »

1. Buy a projector with a HDMI output(from what i`ve read - DLP is the way to go but will considerably break your budget!)

The projector he's getting does have HDMI, most decent projectors and nearly all HD projectors will have HDMI these days

DLP or LCD each have there own advantages, some people prefere LCD some DLP and pricewise there shouldn't be too much differance but will depend on specs and particular model

RonnieL

Well everything went pretty well getting the projector set up. All the little jobs seemed to take longer than I had planned and the screen is a little finicky, but apart from that I'm delighted with the end result. I've attached a few pictures anyway for those of you interested.

I've already watched a few movies on it, and it's even better than I had imagined. The picture and sound are just class. I'm really looking forward to the rugby season starting now, so I can spend some quality time with it!

eddiem74

Looking good !!! Won't be long until it will get harder and harder to revert back to the TV. :pac:

trabpc

Looks well, same bracket as mine.

Missing mine already Blew my bulb with 140 hours on it. Panasonic has bulb now and hoping they will cover cost. (after some arguing)

Ghost Train

Looks really good, very neat job. See you managed to get a screen with white case, what sort of screen did you get and how do you find it in various levels of brightness?

RonnieL

Ghost Train wrote: »

Looks really good, very neat job. See you managed to get a screen with white case, what sort of screen did you get and how do you find it in various levels of brightness?

It's the screen I mentioned earlier in the thread from komplett. The picture they had on their site showed a black case, but I discovered afterwards that the case would be white so I went for it.

I'm no expert, but it looks pretty well in all the different lights I've used it in. Unfortunately it's other features are a little disappointing - the main problem i have with it is it's really tricky to get the screen to go back up! It was also kindof annoying to attach to the wall - it didn't come with any fixing screws or decent instructions. I could go on, but in summary, the actual screen seems perfect, but the rest of it isn't great.

eddiem74

RonnieL wrote: »

Nice detective work Eddie! I ordered a 5m C5 type cable earlier from ebay, but it's comforting to find out that it should work when it arrives.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed everything shows up in time now. I ordered the projector and screen last week from komplett but the status hasn't changed since. I might post something in the komplett section on here and see if someone can give me an update.

Meant to ask I assume the ebay cable done the trick ?

RonnieL

eddiem74 wrote: »

Meant to ask I assume the ebay cable done the trick ?

Worked perfectly. Thanks again for helping me figure it out.

eddiem74

RonnieL wrote: »

Worked perfectly. Thanks again for helping me figure it out.

Cool, good to know !

RonnieL

steprime wrote: »

I would recommend buying a DVD/HDD recorder and connect it to your NTL box by Scart. Then select whatever AV channel on the recorder that the SCART is connected to, then watch the picture on the HDMI channel on either your TV or watch it through HDMI on your projector
This sounds complicated but it`s worth it as your NTL signal will be greatly improved (you need to see it to believe me)
In addition, by hooking up a DVD player with a HDMI cable to the output device(ie. tV, projector) you will upscale the Standard def DVD`s you currently own)

This is an interesting idea - I hadn't thought of hooking up the NTL box this way. I am definitely keen to maximise the picture quality. Any suggestions on a DVD/HDD recorder that would fit the bill?

steprime

RonnieL wrote: »

This is an interesting idea - I hadn't thought of hooking up the NTL box this way. I am definitely keen to maximise the picture quality. Any suggestions on a DVD/HDD recorder that would fit the bill?

well I have a Sony RDR HX750 but that was bought 2 years ago.
They have a rdr-hxd995 model now that received 5 stars in Home cinema choice magazine. I`m still very impressed with my Hx750, in particular the DVD playback

Have you thought about upgrading your NTL box to the HD one - choice of HD channels is limited but I believe the standard def channels look great as they are upscaled - you would then have no need to use the pass through option with a DVD/HDD recorder as the NTL would be directly connected to your TV/Projector via HDMI....

RonnieL

steprime wrote: »

Have you thought about upgrading your NTL box to the HD one - choice of HD channels is limited but I believe the standard def channels look great as they are upscaled - you would then have no need to use the pass through option with a DVD/HDD recorder as the NTL would be directly connected to your TV/Projector via HDMI....

I looked into the NTL option when I saw an ad for their new HD+ product. Unfortunately it's not available in my area. All that's available in my area is MMDS Digital, which is what I have. I can't get Sky in either because there's a management company rule against dishes on the building.

I must put some effort into finding a decent DVD/HD recorder, with hdmi out. I don't need the freesat tuner.

steprime

RonnieL wrote: »

I looked into the NTL option when I saw an ad for their new HD+ product. Unfortunately it's not available in my area. All that's available in my area is MMDS Digital, which is what I have. I can't get Sky in either because there's a management company rule against dishes on the building.

I must put some effort into finding a decent DVD/HD recorder, with hdmi out. I don't need the freesat tuner.

I have the exact same problem regarding NTL Hd availablity and no sky in my apartment.

Buy a couple of home cinema mags and you should be able to find a good HDD/DVD recorder... then check the net for a good price