Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Advice on Projector and Peripherals

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FairwayFatty
10-24-07, 10:03 PM
I'm finishing basement and have clean slate on the Home Theater. (stud walls,joists ceilings are open) I am leaning towards a front projector setup with a decent A/V receiver, DVD and satellite TV. I have a large basement room (16'WX25'Dp) and can place projector on ceiling about 14Ft from the wall towards (16Ft W) rear of the basement where I'd like to place a frame mounted screen. Ambient and natural light can be controlled very well. My budget ($4K) is going to keep me out of the 1080P as I'd like to have a heavy hitting sound system as well.

I have been looking at the following.

(1) Projector: Panasonic PT-AX200U 2000 lumens SXGA 6000:1 (2HDMI, Comp, S-V, PC) $1,299
(1) Screen: Elite ezFrame R84WH1 16:9 84in White $320
(1) Receiver: JVC RX-D412B 770W 7.1 HDMI AVR $399
(1) DVD: Sony DVP-NS90V- Prog-Scan Player w/HDMI Conn $199
Speakers:
(2) Klipsch - F2 Synergy III 6-1/2" 2-Way Dual-Woofer Floorstanding Speaker $540 Pair
(1) Klipsch - C2 Synergy III 5-1/4" 2-Way Center-Channel Speaker $265
(2) Klipsch - S3 Synergy III 6-1/2" 2-Way Dual-Tweeter Surround Speakers $450
(2) Klipsch - B3 Synergy III 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers $165ea
(1) Klipsch - SUB10 10" 420W Powered Subwoofer $400
Total: $4037.00

Questions:
1) Opinions on my chioices (I know... opinions are like........)
2) I've heard of Receivers that can take all of the video inputs (HDMI, Comp, S etc.) and internally switch the input in use to a single HDMI output to the projector minimizing the cabling required to feed the projector.....What is that called and what terminology do I look for when searching for a receiver?
3) Should I pull all the cables to the Projector location regardless of question 2?
4) Where do I get cables this length (30ft ea)? (HDMI, PC)
5) suggestions for thru wall speaker wire?
6) Should I buy a spare projector bulb up front ($395)

Any comments, recommendations or suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks FF

Projector: http://www.visualapex.com/lcdprojectors/LCD_projectors_details.asp?VA=Panasonic&chPartNumber=PT-AX200U
Screen: http://http://www.visualapex.com/accessories/accessory_details.asp?chPartNumber=R84WH1&MFR=Elite&Type=Screens&Page=
Receiver: http://www.visualapex.com/accessories/accessory_details.asp?Accessory_Type=Audio&chPartNumber=RX-D412B&MFR=JVC&Type=Audio&category=Audio_Video_Receivers
Speakers: BestBuy.com


Integrator97
10-24-07, 11:37 PM
First of all, download the manual for the projector. They don't go back as far as most people think. For your screen, I'm guessing around 110" to 120". Then install a 2 inch pvc conduit with sweeping (curved) 90 degree elbows, from the equipment area to the projector. This is called future proofing, and you wouldn't need to pull extra cables you may never need.

Harman Kardon is one company that offers the single wire HDMI connection on all but the lowest 2 models.

You'll probably need to order your cables, the big box stores don't usually carry them in those lengths. You can get them in brands such as Monster, Ultralink, and many others.

Use an in wall rated speaker wire, CL2 or 3, or CM2 or 3. I recommend 14 guage, high strand count like 105 strand, or at least 65 strand.

Why not spend $125 bucks more and get an HD-DVD palyer or Blue Ray?

Rick Johnston
10-25-07, 05:35 AM
Also take a look at this projection calculator (http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator.cfm). I use it quite a bit. Your Panny model number doesn't show up, but you can always find a model with the same lens and substitute.

That projector throws a 100" diagonal picture 10 to 20 feet.

One thing to be aware of with a projector is lamp life. You can count on getting about 1,500 hours out of a $400 lamp. That's about 26 cents an hour to run it. If you watch 5 hours a day, you'll be replacing the lamp every year.


FairwayFatty
10-25-07, 06:07 AM
Thanks for the replies.

If I understand correctly, the PVC is to run the cabling thru and with a 2" dia. I'd have potential to pull another line if needed.

Thanks for the tip on the Harmon-Kardon....do you have any idea what the single wire "function" is called?

If I read the calculator correctly the projector mentioned throws a 72" to 136" at 14 feet. (its listed under Panasonic Home)

Integrator97
10-25-07, 10:22 AM
I don't think there is a standard terminology for the single wire connection. It is available on the HK AVR-247, I don't think on the 147, and I know not on the 146.

I'd hold off on the extra bulb at least for a while. Alot of money to have sitting there in the beginning.

Yes, the pvc pipe is for the cables. 2" gives a lot of flexibility for changing without tight fits or hard pulls. Remember, low voltage only. No 110v in this.

Rick Johnston
10-26-07, 05:06 AM
Projector lamps have a shelf life, so it isn't a good idea to buy a spare. Most projectors have some kind of indicator that tells you when the lamp is at the end of its use life.

Also, always buy lamps directly from the manufacturer. You'll pay a bit more, but I've had bad experiences with 3rd party suppliers sending us aged merchandise.