3D Gaming room - Build thread

[james111333]

Hey everyone, so I've decided to do a build thread on my cheap but not cheap home cinema.

It started a year and a half ago, i'd just split up with my girlfriend and moved back to my mums where I used to reside in the basement; the best place for a tech hermit I find. :beerchug:

Things were looking down so I decided to go ahead with something I had wanted to do for ages......

I started with this:

Half a basement full of 100s of computer spares and telescopes.

And turned the previously tidy bedroom side into this...

A few days before I had bought one of these http://www.audiblefidelity.co.uk/Optoma_HD33_Projector_p/HD33.htm?gclid=CJHg9deGq7gCFfMbtAod2nYAIQ

And so the 100 inch fun begins...

 

[james111333]

Next on the cards is the screen, I did a lot of research into my options and found that the best route by far was to use a tried and tested Black Widow (UK) paint on a DIY screen. It is basically the end result of days and days of testing different off the shelf paint blends to find the perfect balance between colour, contrast, black level and brightness. These guys spent 100s of pounds / dollars finding this mix. It is essentially a particular custom colour that dulux mix then mixed with a modelling paint that has minute aluminium particles throughout. I can't remember the names and codes right now but I can do some digging if anyone needs the info. In total it is about £45 worth of paint and a £10 sheet of MDF which creates an end result that matches the fidelity of screens of much higher budgets.

Hats off to the enthusiasts that achieved this marathon task.

Introducing the (freshly cut to 16:9) 9mm MDF to the basement.

Screen attached to wall (with ceiling mounted projector cables in the way of the shot...)

Next up is masking and priming, some people use a mini roller but for best results, it's better to spray. I built up a load of super light coats over about an hour and a half using water based acrylic primer.

I was really happy with the way it came out and it makes a huge difference having the right tools to hand. Also the slow application of the paint meant that there was no chance of runs. This is a one shot deal as the covering needs to be flawless, I learned that patience is key.

A bit of a pointless excersize I know but here's what the projection looks like on a wet primed screen (Wall-e)

I think the flash was on in this one so it looks washed out but even on a white wall, the HD33 produces an amazing image.
I left the halogen lights on at this point to aid drying, I was itching to see what it looked like with the BWUK coating.

 

[Warbie]

Nice work - that's going to be a great gaming room. My first screen was a diy black widow

If you can, get some black velvet panels coming out a few meters from the screen along the walls/ceiling/floor (or the whole room ). It will make a MASSIVE difference to picture quality and looks pretty damn swish too. A simple/cheap way to to this is to velcro some thin foam boards with velvet wrapped around them.

Good stuff. Keep the pictures coming.

 

[BaDBoY_uK]

Sub'd. Keep up the good work and pics

 

[Indie]

Subbed, looking at doing something like this in my man cave (if I don't just go for a 50" plasma!)

May I ask how much your Projector was?

 

[james111333]

Nice work - that's going to be a great gaming room. My first screen was a diy black widow

If you can, get some black velvet panels coming out a few meters from the screen along the walls/ceiling/floor (or the whole room ). It will make a MASSIVE difference to picture quality and looks pretty damn swish too. A simple/cheap way to to this is to velcro some thin foam boards with velvet wrapped around them.

Good stuff. Keep the pictures coming.

I think we get our info from a very similar source! This is a bit of a retrospective build thread so you will see the outcome shortly!

Sub'd. Keep up the good work and pics

Thanks, more to come very soon

Subbed, looking at doing something like this in my man cave (if I don't just go for a 50" plasma!)

May I ask how much your Projector was?

PLEASE go with the projector! You will not be sorry! I paid a little over £1000 for the PJ and found an amazing ceiling mount for about £20 on amazon I think, that works perfectly and I am confident hanging my £1000 box from it! The Optoma HD33 can be had for less now, I think about £800?

It is 1080p 3D and in my later posts you will certainly see my enthusiasm for what it brings to my family entertainment!

As a comparison, I have a £800 Panasonic Plasma (42") which really is a fantastic screen but I would always vote for the 100" PJ, the blacks aren't quite as good but better than you'd expect (even on trial on a white wall) and the motion is spectacular!

What would you be using it for? Films and TV I guess as it's a man cave? I'd try and encourage you even more if you tell me you will be gaming too! Nothing can compare to something like modded skyrim in 3D at 100". 3D is pretty tame on TV's as the immersion is taken away due to the fact you can see your fireplace and a pot plant in your FOV at the same time. It's a whole different story when the screen fills your FOV and you are walking through the forest with trees brushing past you in 3D!

Any way, probably enough to digest for a few minutes, I'll get some more pictures posted

 

[wickfut]

you do realise you can buy motorised 100"+ screens off amazon for around £70-80?

 

[james111333]

The next step was the top coat, unfortunately I didn't get any pictures as I had other things on my mind, as like the primer, it's a one shot deal. Again it was a case of lots of light even coats in perpendicular strokes for each coat to slowly build up uniformity.

I was using this spray gun for both the primer and top coat and it worked flawlessly, can't fault it at all although I have used proper HVLP guns in the past which seemed to kick out the fan more effortlessly and respond slightly faster.

Here's the completed screen albeit a still wet screen so is way too reflective to show the finished product yet!

Next up, these

http://www.avbristol.com/product.php/385/96/acoustic-energy-neo-v2-5-1-speaker-package

And this: http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-10944-ma...eceiver.aspx?gclid=CMDb3NCbrLgCFVMPtAodlSIApg

It always hurts seeing it on offer but I did buy it 18 months ago.

I found Acoustic Energy to be an amazing company to buy from, after I ordered the speakers, I called them up and they put me through to one of the guys that hand makes them and tests them to discuss AV receivers. I was blown away not only by his knowledge but his willingness to discuss my best options, it turns out that in their opinion, Marantz is the way to go so I got the SR5007 in with free next day delivery, ideal.

 

[james111333]

you do realise you can buy motorised 100"+ screens off amazon for around £70-80?

Yeah, I see what you mean, but according to the people in the know, this is certainly a way to achieve the depth, pop and contrast of a much more expensive screen. These guys spent £1000's of their own money developing this paint mix (has aluminium in it too) and were driven with huge passion for AV

 

[wickfut]

I thought it was for 3d gaming/movies?

You're going to be wearing some cheap filtered lcd lenses that throw off the colours and brightness anyway.

 

[Indie]

I think we get our info from a very similar source! This is a bit of a retrospective build thread so you will see the outcome shortly!


Thanks, more to come very soon



PLEASE go with the projector! You will not be sorry! I paid a little over £1000 for the PJ and found an amazing ceiling mount for about £20 on amazon I think, that works perfectly and I am confident hanging my £1000 box from it! The Optoma HD33 can be had for less now, I think about £800?

It is 1080p 3D and in my later posts you will certainly see my enthusiasm for what it brings to my family entertainment!

As a comparison, I have a £800 Panasonic Plasma (42") which really is a fantastic screen but I would always vote for the 100" PJ, the blacks aren't quite as good but better than you'd expect (even on trial on a white wall) and the motion is spectacular!

What would you be using it for? Films and TV I guess as it's a man cave? I'd try and encourage you even more if you tell me you will be gaming too! Nothing can compare to something like modded skyrim in 3D at 100". 3D is pretty tame on TV's as the immersion is taken away due to the fact you can see your fireplace and a pot plant in your FOV at the same time. It's a whole different story when the screen fills your FOV and you are walking through the forest with trees brushing past you in 3D!

Any way, probably enough to digest for a few minutes, I'll get some more pictures posted

Don't think I could afford the £800 - I've seen a 50" Panasonic plasma at a few places between £300-500 (Not sure about quality but regardless, its 50" of screen!) etc, so would only go with a Projector if I could do it any cheaper! 3D isn't necessarily something I'm after but I was curious!. So long as its a big picture and the quality at least half decent, i'm not fussed.

It will be mainly used for Sports. The idea is to have a little PC streaming from the internet (NFL GamePass). As most of my friends are football players and/or fans! The only gaming i'd possibly do is through xbox 360.

 

[oceaness]

I noticed Richer Sounds had some clearance projectors the other day, obviously I couldn't say whether they'd necessarily be in stock near you or whether they would be any good. But wouldn't hurt to have a look.

Watching this log with interest. Looking forward to seeing some photos of the BWUK when its finished and dried.

 

[Camalot]

Still need to build a proper screen for mine. Looks surprisingly good without!

 

[james111333]

Spoiler

Don't think I could afford the £800 - I've seen a 50" Panasonic plasma at a few places between £300-500 (Not sure about quality but regardless, its 50" of screen!) etc, so would only go with a Projector if I could do it any cheaper! 3D isn't necessarily something I'm after but I was curious!. So long as its a big picture and the quality at least half decent, i'm not fussed.

It will be mainly used for Sports. The idea is to have a little PC streaming from the internet (NFL GamePass). As most of my friends are football players and/or fans! The only gaming i'd possibly do is through xbox 360.

Ah no, it's a real shame, in the spoiler below is a post I made on another forum that might help sway you to saving that little bit more Ignore the bit on 3D if it doesn't appeal to you but it really is worth the extra, the difference between a £500 50" plasma and a £800 PJ is a whole lot more than you might imagine

Spoiler

If you haven't seen a PJ for a few years, you will be blown away with what you can achieve for relatively little outlay, the HD33 is still a winner but I think there may be a newer model out that is slightly brighter. The positive thing with that though is the HD33 can be had for a lot less than it's release price.
The picture still surprises me, on a 100" screen you have to be 8 inches away to make out individual pixels which is awesome and the motion is just outstanding, no LCD ghosting here.....

Then you get to 3D........ about 90% of the world think that 3D is a gimmick, especially 3D gaming but they need to see 100" 3D gaming! I have a pretty nice 42" Panasonic plasma for my monitor and 3D gaming on this just doesn't cut it. When the image FILLS your FOV though it just shines, modded Skyrim in 3D and Witcher 2 are nuts, the level of immersion is catapulted to a place I didnt realise was possible.

Even 2D gaming is a whole new experience though, again, the level of immersion in amplified immensly when you are running around a game world and it is life size! I wish more people could experience it as I think there would be many more adopters, Especially when people are spending £100s on nice screens and missing the gem that is big screen gaming. Also, think FIFA and C&C.....
The Optoma HD33 projects a screen from about 50" up to 300" so will work great even in bedrooms

I noticed Richer Sounds had some clearance projectors the other day, obviously I couldn't say whether they'd necessarily be in stock near you or whether they would be any good. But wouldn't hurt to have a look.

Watching this log with interest. Looking forward to seeing some photos of the BWUK when its finished and dried.

Yeah, 4 years ago HD projectors were for people with a lot of spare cash but prices have really come down and quality has gone up, if you compare it to the TV market, at least a chunk of what you buy now is the terrible implementation of 'smart' features that really are lame compared to a HTPC

Still need to build a proper screen for mine. Looks surprisingly good without!

Haha, nice, the benchmark of all projectors, Avatar, I will post my (poor quality) video up soon

 

[james111333]

So the speakers arrived and I was stunned at the build quality and craftsmanship. They really are like no speakers I have seen before, admittedly I haven't been around many really nice speakers and of course there are a lot nicer speakers than this but not within my price range.

The painful wait began while the AV receiver was on it's way.....

It gave me a chance to make up the cables though with oxygen free speaker wire and start to calibrate (armature style) my projector.

Painted screen ready for lots of HD goodness

I found that everyone on the AV forums were recommending that the surrounding areas should be light absorbent, a lot of people use velvet but it costs too much so I decided to improvise. I found some really cheap weed membrane (the dense netting stuff you put under gravel etc to stop weeds coming up) and it work perfectly, something like 75p a meter instead of £5.
At some point I plan to re finish everything but at the time I didn't really have any other options.

It arrived! Finally!

Even now, I still don't know about every option and setting on this thing, the main reason for buying it is the quality of the parts used to make it in order to do my speakers justice.

I thought £400 systems sounded pretty good but this is just unreal, it is so much more than I ever expected, it makes listening to music that I have listened to for years sound like totally new tracks, there is so much detail lost when played on the set up I had before.

You wouldn't believe the composure these speakers have at all volumes, down low there is a perfect balance of levels then crank it up and it becomes very apparent that these aren't your average speakers, even at extremely high volumes, the clarity of every part of the track shines through, the bass from the sub pounds but it's so tight and responsive. Then put on a film to really let the centre speaker show itself off, the vocals are clear even in the most intensive action scenes. Even 18 months on I still smile every time I turn them up

Now I need a table to house this amazing amp.....

 

[james111333]

Quick test of BWUK paint

Here's a quick video that I took when I first started setting the PJ up, I know, I know, it's super low res and bad quality.....

Really though, it doesn't even come close to representing what it looks like in real life, or even recorded with a good camera! Showing vibrant 1080p cinema on a cheap 480p digital camera just isn't the way forward lol.

 

[Indie]

Still need to build a proper screen for mine. Looks surprisingly good without!

I have the same man cave sign

Really nice quality though, didn't realise you could get that sort of thing from Projectors these days. Always thought the slightest bit of light would destroy the picture quality but yours looks pretty decent even with the lights on!

Quick test of BWUK paint

Here's a quick video that I took when I first started setting the PJ up, I know, I know, it's super low res and bad quality.....

Really though, it doesn't even come close to representing what it looks like in real life, or even recorded with a good camera! Showing vibrant 1080p cinema on a cheap 480p digital camera just isn't the way forward lol.

I Think I might be getting converted ^^

Really couldn't afford the £800 for a Projector though, would something of the £300-£400 margin give me a decent result? Obviously not after exactly the same because the price margin is quite a jump, but so long as I can get a large and decent picture that's all that really matters!

 

[james111333]

I have the same man cave sign

Really nice quality though, didn't realise you could get that sort of thing from Projectors these days. Always thought the slightest bit of light would destroy the picture quality but yours looks pretty decent even with the lights on!



I Think I might be getting converted ^^

Really couldn't afford the £800 for a Projector though, would something of the £300-£400 margin give me a decent result? Obviously not after exactly the same because the price margin is quite a jump, but so long as I can get a large and decent picture that's all that really matters!

I think Camalot would agree that neither of our videos come close to doing the PJ justice. All you hear when someone see the colours, clarity and motion for the first time is "wow"!
I use mine frequently in the day with 2 windows in the room and never worry about brightness (and i'm more fussy than I might let on lol) It is an unbelievable computer monitor haha. It also upscales low res content tremendously, it's quite amazing when you watch a youtube video that is 360p in windowed mode and that video window that we are all used to before we click full screen is as big as a 50" screen!!

It's such a shame as I noticed where you live and I moved out of Rowley Regis less than 2 weeks ago! I had the PJ but not set up in this room, still, I could have bought it over for you to try it in your room!

You could look at the Optoma HD20, but I think that it is only a relatively small saving for the large cut in resolution (720p)
Is there anything in the loft / shed that you can get posted on ebay to make up the few extra £100s!

 

[Indie]

I think Camalot would agree that neither of our videos come close to doing the PJ justice. All you hear when someone see the colours, clarity and motion for the first time is "wow"!
I use mine frequently in the day with 2 windows in the room and never worry about brightness (and i'm more fussy than I might let on lol) It is an unbelievable computer monitor haha. It also upscales low res content tremendously, it's quite amazing when you watch a youtube video that is 360p in windowed mode and that video window that we are all used to before we click full screen is as big as a 50" screen!!

It's such a shame as I noticed where you live and I moved out of Rowley Regis less than 2 weeks ago! I had the PJ but not set up in this room, still, I could have bought it over for you to try it in your room!

You could look at the Optoma HD20, but I think that it is only a relatively small saving for the large cut in resolution (720p)
Is there anything in the loft / shed that you can get posted on ebay to make up the few extra £100s!

Ahh small world, where are you living now?

If you look at my threads created, you'll see I'm selling my Fender Bass

I have got a few other bits and bobs I could try and flog, but we shall see. I don't think the missus would be too chuffed if I shelled out £800 on a PJ!

Especially as I've just shelled out £150 on three bar stools for the man cave

I suppose it doesn't help that I don't really know much about them!

 

[james111333]

Ahh small world, where are you living now?

If you look at my threads created, you'll see I'm selling my Fender Bass

I have got a few other bits and bobs I could try and flog, but we shall see. I don't think the missus would be too chuffed if I shelled out £800 on a PJ!

Especially as I've just shelled out £150 on three bar stools for the man cave

I suppose it doesn't help that I don't really know much about them!

Indeed it is! I am back in Devon now, I moved up for a year to renovate a customers house.

I bet you anything that after the dust had settled and disapproving looks have faded, she'll be telling all her mates about it, probably not saying "indie has a home cinema" but saying "we have a home cinema" lol, you can pretty much count on it even if she doesn't like films etc, no girl would ever admit it though lol.

It would be worth a trip into the city or to litchfield to have a look at either Richer Sounds branch to see for yourself, they will demo this very PJ for you. Unfortunately a percentage of employees don't really know what they should about it all but it will give you the best idea of what to expect. Don't let them fool you though, their knowledge is somewhat limited and the guys over at AVForums will be the folks to talk to really!

Anyway, it's lying if you just don't say how much lol, my speakers cost a lot more but I can't get in trouble if I don't say how much they were