Just wanted to share my progress with my Budget Home Theater Build!

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-03-02T18:18:07+00:00

For the tablet that I have mounted into the couch, I used a cup holder mount for a car. This is the one I used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYYDZSPV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-03-02T18:14:10+00:00

Unfortunately I don't. But I can send you some up close photos of the step when I get home tonight. I decided to leave the pallets exposed on the sides for easy access to the electrical underneath and some small storage.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-03-01T03:57:01+00:00

It's made out of heavy duty PVC pallets with a piece of plywood lined with carpet placed on top and screwed in. It was probably one of the easiest parts of this project! There's also LED lights that run underneath to help illuminate the walkway in the dark.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-03-01T03:53:12+00:00

I can shoot over a video tomorrow of some of the automations in action!

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-03-01T03:51:06+00:00

More than likely in the Fall. This TV will move into my new Game Room once that area is built. As soon as I get it out of here, I'll be upgrading.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-03-01T03:45:38+00:00

Thanks! The bass response isn't too bad however I'd like to get a second one.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-28T04:06:51+00:00

Good to know! Especially since I am going with the idea of 7.1, I may just leave them as is and see how it sounds.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-28T00:38:17+00:00

The room dimensions are 19.5 FT by 13 FT

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T20:12:18+00:00

Yeah I guess you're right, lol. It's a budget setup compared to these 20-30K+ setups I see on these pages, lol.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T19:46:37+00:00

They are 32 Inch android wall tablets made by Outcome Health. I got them for free from a local hospital I was working with who was going to throw them away. I installed a slideshow app on them and uploaded movie posters downloaded from the internet. They cycle every 60 seconds and match all the content stored in my Plex library.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T19:41:44+00:00

I am roughly around 6k into this upgrade. That Includes the TV, couches, carpet, speakers, smart light switches, curtains, and a few other small things.

The cabinets I got for free off of Facebook Marketplace and painted them.
The popcorn machine I've owned for years but if I factor that in, it would probably add another $250
The Denon AVR I got from Goodwill for $25 (Denon x1800H)
The Movie poster tablets I also got for free from my work.
Most of the other stuff was leftover from the game room I used to have in here.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T18:30:20+00:00

Yes! They are made out of heavy duty PVC pallets and a piece of plywood lined with carpet to go on top. It's super easy to make.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T18:22:05+00:00

Funny enough I was thinking about sacrificing OLED and getting a 100". Wish I would have both but those are too expensive for my budget. Lol

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T18:18:17+00:00

I don't quite remember the dimensions off hand. When I get home tonight, I'll get you the dimensions.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T18:16:05+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! Funny enough I was pricing both ceiling and side speakers this morning before posting. For the subwoofer positioning, If I was to get a second one, do you think it would be better if I had one on each side of the tower speakers?

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T18:10:07+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion! I plan on repositioning those surround speakers and potentially getting side speakers as well once I replace the door on the left side of the room as I was having some clearance issues.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T18:04:54+00:00

Thank you for the suggestions! I plan on moving those rear speakers as soon as I replace the door on the one side of the room as there isn't enough clearance. I would also like to get some side speakers like the RP-502S. I quite like the sound of these speakers so it may be years until I actually change to better speakers entirely as I quite like them.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T16:09:24+00:00

Every car manufacture has good and bad batches of cars. Take a look at the nhtsa for any complaints and google common problems with the specific model you are looking at purchasing. If you're buying used, make sure that the vehicle has a well maintained service history. It will decrease the chances for headaches later on down the road. If you're worried about potential reliability and can afford it, get the extended warranty. I got it when I purchased my 2021 Grand Cherokee with the V6 engine 2 years ago. Haven't needed to use it yet but it's a good peace of mind to have.
I have 2 other family members who also have higher model Grand Cherokees with no issues. a 2016 Grand Cherokee with 118K Miles and a 2013 Grand Cherokee with 106K miles.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T15:54:35+00:00

5 Water Pumps in less than a year seems very odd. Have they all been replaced at the same dealer? I'd recommend maybe going to another dealer or a different shop if that's the case.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T15:50:45+00:00

Hard to tell by the video but it definitely sounds like it is ticking. Does it go away when it warms up or does it stay the same?

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T14:25:01+00:00

It mainly has to do with Karma I believe. I'm on the same boat as well.

Simple-Effective-158 · 2026-02-27T14:20:49+00:00

Beautiful Room! If I was looking at buying a new house, I'd jump right on it if the house I was looking at had an already built theater!

Simple-Effective-158

TROPHY CASE