New house construction - dedicated home theater room - initial questions
- Thread starter John
- Start date
nshankar
Active Member
Thanks. What 'rules' were considered for speaker placement? This is what I still cannot understand. Is it based on 'golden ratio' again or based on calculations to take care of propogation of waves?
jitubisht
Active Member
Hey,
There were no calculations that went into it. I placed it based on what I have read on line and how people have normally placed 7 speakers in their setup. Is there any improvement that you can suggest on the speaker placement?
I really feel bad hijacking this thread like this, if you can.. please post questions regarding my HT in my thread.. this sort of deviates the matter being discussed in this thread.
Regards
Jitu
nshankar
Active Member
Please note that there is no intention to hijack this thread.
The idea is to use John's project as a case study for complete HT design and unravel the science and art sides of it.
IMHO, John has already made up his mind on the golden ratio for the size of the room. He is also considering the acoustic bricks suggested by others. He will surely revert after confirmation from his architect and proposed suppliers.
The next logical steps would involve internal arrangement, based on screen size, viewing distances, speaker placement, etc. AFAIK, viewing distances seem to be based on THX recommendations w.r.t. screen size and resolution. And my queries on speaker placement in your design were purely to understand if it is more of an art.
If it is felt that threads are being hijacked, then I am sorry, and shall refrain from posting in this thread.
The idea is to use John's project as a case study for complete HT design and unravel the science and art sides of it.
IMHO, John has already made up his mind on the golden ratio for the size of the room. He is also considering the acoustic bricks suggested by others. He will surely revert after confirmation from his architect and proposed suppliers.
The next logical steps would involve internal arrangement, based on screen size, viewing distances, speaker placement, etc. AFAIK, viewing distances seem to be based on THX recommendations w.r.t. screen size and resolution. And my queries on speaker placement in your design were purely to understand if it is more of an art.
If it is felt that threads are being hijacked, then I am sorry, and shall refrain from posting in this thread.
Hi Shankar,
No hijack at all. Pleasure for us to learn more from you.
As for my project, I heard from the brick people and it will be expensive to transport those bricks to where I live, so I will have to rely on locally made regular bricks I guess.
Also, as I mentioned before, I wanted the HT to be on the ground floor, though the architect says put it on the 2nd floor. One problem is I need a guest room down where the HT would be.
Anyways, will be going for something in 23 -26 foot range (length). So which exact golden ratio is to be followed here?
No hijack at all. Pleasure for us to learn more from you.
As for my project, I heard from the brick people and it will be expensive to transport those bricks to where I live, so I will have to rely on locally made regular bricks I guess.
Also, as I mentioned before, I wanted the HT to be on the ground floor, though the architect says put it on the 2nd floor. One problem is I need a guest room down where the HT would be.
Anyways, will be going for something in 23 -26 foot range (length). So which exact golden ratio is to be followed here?
nshankar
Active Member
We all learn in the process, as long as knowledge is shared.
That's a pity, I was hoping to find out more from you.
Interesting... Will the roof be flat? Else, may be you may have to consider Golden Trapagon (sloping roof + tapered side-walls) instead of Golden Cuboid!
The 'Golden number' or Phi is only one, i.e. 1.618 approx. Golden ratio is therefore only one. The other 'rules' mentioned in my response are from a book about acoustics, credited to the people who have come out with it.
Designs with this Golden Ratio are easier when done for listening rooms, i.e. only stereo systems for music. When you want a HT to golden ratio, then even with 8' ceiling, the width is only about 13', which may be a constraint considering due credit to viewing distances and number of seats.
jitubisht
Active Member
Uh oh.. look what I did.
Apologies mate, didnt mean to do that. Thanks for the all inputs guys
Apologies mate, didnt mean to do that. Thanks for the all inputs guys
Foundation Laying Of Private Theatre
Well they will be very minimum architects who have handled a private home theatre therefore please be sure that he has experience in this special field of theatres. In my case initially i was told that he has designed a theatre, but i told him to prove it, and he vanished in thin air.
If you will make the room height lower, it is a great idea, the theatre could look more dynamic. A pool table indeed will be a mother of mess, etc. I think even a bar and pop corn should be avoided completely. You are going to have a huge place in your house things other then theatre related should be accommodated elsewhere.
With 5 or 6 recliners the room length should still be at least 30 feet unless you have a broader width of the room or you are willing to watch movie from a mere 5/7 feet.
The Lazy boy recliners are so good that life takes a new meaning in seating, that is a another story that they charge too much.
V.
Well they will be very minimum architects who have handled a private home theatre therefore please be sure that he has experience in this special field of theatres. In my case initially i was told that he has designed a theatre, but i told him to prove it, and he vanished in thin air.
If you will make the room height lower, it is a great idea, the theatre could look more dynamic. A pool table indeed will be a mother of mess, etc. I think even a bar and pop corn should be avoided completely. You are going to have a huge place in your house things other then theatre related should be accommodated elsewhere.
With 5 or 6 recliners the room length should still be at least 30 feet unless you have a broader width of the room or you are willing to watch movie from a mere 5/7 feet.
The Lazy boy recliners are so good that life takes a new meaning in seating, that is a another story that they charge too much.
V.
Ground Or 2nd Floor
I think ground floor is also a good idea, among the benefits are security. If you are taking the 2nd floor, it is any day better not to have a small kitchen/pantry, this 7 feet or so space can be used for making the room length longer while terrace could have some leaking issues in the long run during rain and room could be more hotter during peak of summers.
V.
I think ground floor is also a good idea, among the benefits are security. If you are taking the 2nd floor, it is any day better not to have a small kitchen/pantry, this 7 feet or so space can be used for making the room length longer while terrace could have some leaking issues in the long run during rain and room could be more hotter during peak of summers.
V.
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Hi guys,
I am still not ruling out incorporating a small bar to the HT room. This way the room would be used more than once a week to entertain close friends. While I know the acoustics would not be that great and a dedicated HT room is a dedicated room and all, I just want to add more utility to the room.
Also, while the plans are still being drawn out (my second meeting with the architect is probably on Monday), I am planning to have it a bit smaller now, 5 recliners seats at the max; rest bean bags/similar seating.
I am still not ruling out incorporating a small bar to the HT room. This way the room would be used more than once a week to entertain close friends. While I know the acoustics would not be that great and a dedicated HT room is a dedicated room and all, I just want to add more utility to the room.
Also, while the plans are still being drawn out (my second meeting with the architect is probably on Monday), I am planning to have it a bit smaller now, 5 recliners seats at the max; rest bean bags/similar seating.
Dedicated Home Theatre - Foundation Time
Hello John,
Welcome Back.
Well if you want a true private theatre, then there will never be a scope for bar or whatsoever, be assured on this.
Further according to me in a theatre there should never have a bar, eating arrangements, windows, popcorn machine, a billiard table, etc, all i am saying is why not leave this room alone for it's exclusive purpose for movies, music, or anything projector related, these things like bar etc, can be had in other parts of the home.
Well to entertain friends in the theatre can never be a wise move, as said above, you have the full house to entertain them, why are many of them behind this room, they want to do so many things in this dedicated room which results in beating the room read and blue. If one does not have a passion for movies, music, projector related things, and can not use the room daily for about 2 hours, then in the first place why make it?
Well to have lesser recliners, i have told you from the day one, that is the way to go forward, be assured things like bean bags and related can never add grace to a private theatre, but yes it can surely add some extent of disgrace. I will strongly say that you are at the foundation level, if this is not handled well then sure the later and end results will not be dynamic.
To sum it up these are sure my view, many of them will think otherwise, so at end of the day one has to take a call, which you too will do via your architect.
An architect in rarest of rare cases will understand what is a true private theatre at home all about, the best way to go forward is to take prime inputs from forum members.
V.
Hello John,
Welcome Back.
Well if you want a true private theatre, then there will never be a scope for bar or whatsoever, be assured on this.
Further according to me in a theatre there should never have a bar, eating arrangements, windows, popcorn machine, a billiard table, etc, all i am saying is why not leave this room alone for it's exclusive purpose for movies, music, or anything projector related, these things like bar etc, can be had in other parts of the home.
Well to entertain friends in the theatre can never be a wise move, as said above, you have the full house to entertain them, why are many of them behind this room, they want to do so many things in this dedicated room which results in beating the room read and blue. If one does not have a passion for movies, music, projector related things, and can not use the room daily for about 2 hours, then in the first place why make it?
Well to have lesser recliners, i have told you from the day one, that is the way to go forward, be assured things like bean bags and related can never add grace to a private theatre, but yes it can surely add some extent of disgrace. I will strongly say that you are at the foundation level, if this is not handled well then sure the later and end results will not be dynamic.
To sum it up these are sure my view, many of them will think otherwise, so at end of the day one has to take a call, which you too will do via your architect.
An architect in rarest of rare cases will understand what is a true private theatre at home all about, the best way to go forward is to take prime inputs from forum members.
V.
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Re: Dedicated Home Theatre - Foundation Time
One of biggest fears I have about people coming to HT room is the inadvertent 'misuse' of systems. We have multiple types of people. I will explain by examples:
1. One is the kind who, without your permission, start 'mis-handling' your equipment. I usually keep my speakers covered with a special cloth cover that I have got stitched. I had a guest who, first of all had no idea about speakers. This guy just rips open my speaker covers as he wanted to look at the speakers. Then there are people who remove the speaker cables and peek at the brand and model name. They put their heads into the shelves to read the brand and model numbers. When you answer their question and tell them hesitatingly that your amp generates 100 watts per channel, you will hear an instant scream. 'What? 100 watts? And you spent so much? My Sony generate 2000 watts and I paid just 2,500!! You have been cheated, man! You must take the system back and ask for a replacement.'
2. The second is the 'half baked' knowledge types. These people want to 'audition' your system, start pressing buttons on the system or remote, and then loudly pass comments on how their 'inexpensive' system sounds much better. "These systems are for people like Venkat who have nothing else to do", is their regular comment. "If I want to see a movie I will go to a cinema hall."
3. The third, and the ones I fear the most, are the ones who become bolder with the number of drinks they have. I had a 'guest', who after a few drinks, leaned on my rack and placed his shoe horned feet on one of the shelves. There was a loud thud and the shelf came tumbling down. Fortunately I dived and saved the day before any damage happened.
And, of course, there is the fourth type who I cannot really blame - a small kid who, one day, filled his hands with my remotes and ran all over the house with half a dozen other kids chasing him. I must have had a dozen heart attacks in those few moments before I could corner him and got my remotes back. I am sure all my blood vessels were cleaned with my heat beating at 200 beats a minute.
Cheers
One of biggest fears I have about people coming to HT room is the inadvertent 'misuse' of systems. We have multiple types of people. I will explain by examples:
1. One is the kind who, without your permission, start 'mis-handling' your equipment. I usually keep my speakers covered with a special cloth cover that I have got stitched. I had a guest who, first of all had no idea about speakers. This guy just rips open my speaker covers as he wanted to look at the speakers. Then there are people who remove the speaker cables and peek at the brand and model name. They put their heads into the shelves to read the brand and model numbers. When you answer their question and tell them hesitatingly that your amp generates 100 watts per channel, you will hear an instant scream. 'What? 100 watts? And you spent so much? My Sony generate 2000 watts and I paid just 2,500!! You have been cheated, man! You must take the system back and ask for a replacement.'
2. The second is the 'half baked' knowledge types. These people want to 'audition' your system, start pressing buttons on the system or remote, and then loudly pass comments on how their 'inexpensive' system sounds much better. "These systems are for people like Venkat who have nothing else to do", is their regular comment. "If I want to see a movie I will go to a cinema hall."
3. The third, and the ones I fear the most, are the ones who become bolder with the number of drinks they have. I had a 'guest', who after a few drinks, leaned on my rack and placed his shoe horned feet on one of the shelves. There was a loud thud and the shelf came tumbling down. Fortunately I dived and saved the day before any damage happened.
And, of course, there is the fourth type who I cannot really blame - a small kid who, one day, filled his hands with my remotes and ran all over the house with half a dozen other kids chasing him. I must have had a dozen heart attacks in those few moments before I could corner him and got my remotes back. I am sure all my blood vessels were cleaned with my heat beating at 200 beats a minute.
Cheers
I wouldnt suggest a bar in the HT room, you need to keep the HT room aways from all the food and drinking, there are so many disadvantages -
1. If you are going to have a wooden flooring, then you should ensure there is no spillage of liquids, also on the couches, this is the reason i dont allow anyone to carry food or drinks into my theater. Also food attracts roaches
2. You are not sure of how one would be after a few shots, and you are floors standers would be at risk if some one was to go around with his hips shaking:yahoo:
All the very best with your project, good luck
Srisha
I have a bar counter in my dedicated HT (25ft X 15ft) - but as most people above have noted and also from first hand experience, it certainly was not the best of ideas.. Especially considering that you plan to have the HT in the 2nd floor, it would be better to create the bar adjacent to the HT so that you could use the same equipment (AMP/Receiver/Transport) and add a different set of (outdoor) speakers - Get a RF remote and you could be all set. This could solve both your problems - a dedicated room for AV and then a separate place to entertain.
All the best with your planning.
Cheers!
All the best with your planning.
Cheers!
Guys, I am reviving this thread after a hiatus of many moons. Please bear with me. My planning got delayed due to family issues. Meanwhile, I have been a silent lurker here, reading up posts from very knowledgeable members from whom I wish to learn more.
I was ultimately able to start construction of the house last year and I hope the house is going to be ready by the end of this year (everything moves very slow where I live!!)
The HT could not be accommodated in the ground floor as I had wished. It had to be pushed to the 2nd Floor. In fact, the walls of the room is just coming up and it is going to be a small room! Not big as I had imagined it would be. 16' x 9' feet. No windows. One wooden door.
My architect while being a good artist does not have too much first-hand information on HT builds. He had initially suggested to me to NOT go for a wooden door! I said no, wooden door is that I want. I hope I have been right in my choice.
I will upload a layout of the room and also a few pictures tomorrow.
Basically what I want is very simple:
1) Two rows of seating, with the upper level at the back on a riser. Now how big should this riser be? I mean how many inches higher than the lower level and how broad so as to accommodate home theater seats.
2) I will try to have 2 seats at the back and 3 at the front. The back row will have the door/entrance, so there will be little space for more than 2 seats.
3) Fixed screen. Looking for an economical solution.
4) I will be using my existing equipment and will upgrade slowly as per need.
5) What would be a good economical acoustic treatment of walls? My architect suggested using old quilts over which gypsum board would be placed.
I look forward to your suggestions. I will upload the layout and pictures of the room as it is coming up by tomorrow. Please bear with me.
I was ultimately able to start construction of the house last year and I hope the house is going to be ready by the end of this year (everything moves very slow where I live!!)
The HT could not be accommodated in the ground floor as I had wished. It had to be pushed to the 2nd Floor. In fact, the walls of the room is just coming up and it is going to be a small room! Not big as I had imagined it would be. 16' x 9' feet. No windows. One wooden door.
My architect while being a good artist does not have too much first-hand information on HT builds. He had initially suggested to me to NOT go for a wooden door! I said no, wooden door is that I want. I hope I have been right in my choice.
I will upload a layout of the room and also a few pictures tomorrow.
Basically what I want is very simple:
1) Two rows of seating, with the upper level at the back on a riser. Now how big should this riser be? I mean how many inches higher than the lower level and how broad so as to accommodate home theater seats.
2) I will try to have 2 seats at the back and 3 at the front. The back row will have the door/entrance, so there will be little space for more than 2 seats.
3) Fixed screen. Looking for an economical solution.
4) I will be using my existing equipment and will upgrade slowly as per need.
5) What would be a good economical acoustic treatment of walls? My architect suggested using old quilts over which gypsum board would be placed.
I look forward to your suggestions. I will upload the layout and pictures of the room as it is coming up by tomorrow. Please bear with me.
john_k_antony
Well-Known Member
Hello John,
Even I am in the lookout for the acoustic treatment for my dedicated home theater room. I am in Bangalore. I talked to 3-4 vendors who will do the acoustics and false ceiling. I also have laminated wooden floor. My room size is - 24x16x10. The following calculations are based on my room size.
with the cheapest option, this is the quote I got
1. 150" screen + screen paneling - 12K + 12K = 24K
2. False Ceiling (POP) + painting (60/sqft) = 22.5K
3. Acoustics for the first 18ft on both sides (224/sqft) = 56K
4. Wall paper in the last 6ft on both sides and wall behind (230/sqft) = 16K
5. DVD + Equipment Rack under the screen (700/sqft) = 12K
6. Lighting and Wiring = 10K
Total = 1.3L
7. HDMI cable - 50ft X 2 = 20K
8. Speaker cable (120/sqft) = 15K
9. AC = 40K
Total = 75K
Seating is separate. I got a quote from Recliners India for their electric recliners for 43K / piece. These are artificial leather / fabric upholstery.
Hope this helps.
-John.
Even I am in the lookout for the acoustic treatment for my dedicated home theater room. I am in Bangalore. I talked to 3-4 vendors who will do the acoustics and false ceiling. I also have laminated wooden floor. My room size is - 24x16x10. The following calculations are based on my room size.
with the cheapest option, this is the quote I got
1. 150" screen + screen paneling - 12K + 12K = 24K
2. False Ceiling (POP) + painting (60/sqft) = 22.5K
3. Acoustics for the first 18ft on both sides (224/sqft) = 56K
4. Wall paper in the last 6ft on both sides and wall behind (230/sqft) = 16K
5. DVD + Equipment Rack under the screen (700/sqft) = 12K
6. Lighting and Wiring = 10K
Total = 1.3L
7. HDMI cable - 50ft X 2 = 20K
8. Speaker cable (120/sqft) = 15K
9. AC = 40K
Total = 75K
Seating is separate. I got a quote from Recliners India for their electric recliners for 43K / piece. These are artificial leather / fabric upholstery.
Hope this helps.
-John.
John,
If you are planning to wire 50 ft HDMI, I would strongly suggest against it. HDMI is not so good for longer runs than 30 ft. Either go with HDMI with ethernet which gives you tremendous upgradability. That has stayed the same since HDMI went from 1.2, 1.3, 1.3a, 1.3b, 1.4 etc.
If HDMI over ethernet is not an option, then I would suggest HDMI cables with RedMere technology.
If you are planning to wire 50 ft HDMI, I would strongly suggest against it. HDMI is not so good for longer runs than 30 ft. Either go with HDMI with ethernet which gives you tremendous upgradability. That has stayed the same since HDMI went from 1.2, 1.3, 1.3a, 1.3b, 1.4 etc.
If HDMI over ethernet is not an option, then I would suggest HDMI cables with RedMere technology.
Wharfedale Linton Heritage Speakers in Red Mahogany finish at a Special Offer Price. BUY now before the price increase.
