Looking for advice on start-up home cine

[tramaziboy]

Hi all, first post.

I am completely new to the world of home cinema and have a couple of questions to ask the board regarding my new plans!

Can I just say that prior to this my home cinema experience consisted of having my old CRT plugges into my Nad 310 which in turn was connected to a pair of Mission 310s!

From those halcion days I have bought myself a Sony Bravia KDL-32S2010 of which I have left the audio coming through the TV and used my amp and speakers to attach to my PC. The only thing I have connected to the Bravia is my Virgin Media Box and a Yamaha DVD-S520.

Anyway, recently, my girlfriend and I have decided to have the loft converted and we're thinking of turning it into a home cinema room, the work commences in about 2 weeks time and after the money spent on the conversion I have about £4,000 to spend on equipment.

The length of the conversion will be about 16' so was wondering what size screen I should be looking for, after some looking around I am thinking of buying a Pioneer KRP-500A, a Denon AVR-1910 Amp, B&W 685 Package and a PS3 for use as a Blu Ray Player.

It takes me slightly over my budget which I can handle, I'm obviously neglecting a decent Blu Ray player and DVD player but I am looking to go high end so was looking to add a decent Blu Ray, DVD player and then upgrade the Amp at a later date.

The DVD player I have been looking at for a future upgrade is a Panasonic DMR-EX88, I know this works with the Viera link on the Panasonic range so was wondering whether or not it would be foolish to have a Pioneer TV if I was looking to upgrade to a Panasonic DVD player in future.

Any info on the items I have listed and whether or not I should be looking at other equipment would be greatly appreciated as I'm feeling completely out of my depth at the moment!

 

[d4v3pum4]

My first thought is why aren't you going for a projector? If it's a dedicated room, I definitely would. I have a 720p/1080p pj and it's the best bit of AV kit I've bought. If you do fancy one, speak to RoyJowett, he helped me no end when I was buying. If you google ' projector calculator ' it should bring up a few sites that have recommendations and calculators for throw distance and screen size based on your room dimensions.

I don't think you'll go wrong with those choices.

 

[professorhat]

Is 16' the viewing distance or the length of the room? If it's the viewing distance, I think you want 50" as a minimum - with HD could even be in 60" - 65" territory possibly. *EDIT - agree with the above, if 16' is the viewing distance, you're definitely in projector territory as well which will bring movies alive - they're not as much as you think these days either and price comparable with a 50"+ TV.

The components you've listed look good in theory - make sure you check them out before buying though, espeically the Denon amp with the B&W package - make sure it fits both your home cinema and musical needs and I'd also audition similar products in that price category just to compare with. I'm guessing you want a DVD recorder as opposed to a player? I ask because I wouldn't bother with a separate DVD player personally - the PS3 is a very accomplished DVD upscaler and is only beaten by a few high end players. As and when you update to a high end Blu-Ray player, I'm almost 100% certain this will compete on an even keel with those as well.

However, if you require a DVD recorder, I don't know much about that Panasonic I'm afraid though the Panny's I've seen have been good. I wouldn't limit any of your choices through things like Viera link and other remote control link ups though - it looks from your budget that you want the best so don't compromise just to match two components with one manufacturer - instead look at getting one of the Logitech Harmony remotes which will provide the same functionality. I'm not saying necessarily don't go for the same manufacturer, but only do it if you think they are the best components in each of their categories rather than just because they can use the same remote control.

Hope this helps!

 

[tramaziboy]

Hi, thanks for the advice. The 16' was a bit of a guesstimate, I will dig out the plans later on tonight and let you know the exact the length, it will undoubtedly be reduced as there will be stairs leading up to the loft as opposed to a hatch, I'm pretty sure it would not be enough space to incorporate a projector though.

With the Denon amp I was looking at the cheaper option and it would be the first component I would be upgrading after a bit of saving up!

May well use the PS3 as a DVD player and ditch the recorder though as on reflection there is a very small amount I would want to record from TV as most of my viewing come by the way of DVDs. One more question would be what the quality of the PS3 over a projector would be like for playing games?

 

[professorhat]

tramaziboy:One more question would be what the quality of the PS3 over a projector would be like for playing games?

Assuming you're using a decent projector, I would say anything from "great" to "fantastic" depending on the game in question!

 

[Big Aura]

The Denon amp is just new out, so presume it will be discounted heavily within the next 8 weeks (especially if Richersounds get it). My 1909 was released at £450, I haggled to get it at £405, and then Richersounds started selling it at £350!

 

[d4v3pum4]

I use a (Hitachi) LCD projector and my throw is only about 9' to a 77" screen (IIRC) so rest assured it can be done, no matter how big/small the room is. When it comes to true home cinema, you cannot beat a projector.

 

[Anonymous]

you might struggle to get a 500A, they are now discontinued, but you might be lucky and find someone with one in stock. Took 6 weeks to get mine, finally got it about 3 weeks agol, worth the wait!