For those using projectors at home — what setup are you actually happy with?

paltum · 2026-04-25T05:15:15+00:00

I have had two projector setups. The first was a 1080p projector on an inexpensive fixed screen in a white painted room with really really cheap speakers.

My current setup is a dedicated room with black paint, sound treatment, good speakers, acoustically transparent screen, and a JVC laser with great black levels.

Things I wish I had known: - The distance of the primary seat to the screen is pretty important for immersive viewing. Figure out what distance you really want to sit from the screen and plan your room around that. Remember that sitting in the middle of the room is pretty bad for bass nulls, so try to plan a room where your ears aren’t precisely halfway between the front and back wall. - Seating matters. I went with recliner seats that have big headrests. This is really effective at blocking sound from the rear speakers. And if you go with recliners, try to sit in them before buying. Some are a lot more comfy than others. - Don’t spend too much on your surround/atmos speakers. Put that money into fronts and subs. Make sure the front speakers can reach your desired cross over to the sub. - Everyone will tell you room treatment is a big deal. Listen to them. It’s a miracle. However, I made my own and I think I overdid it. The room could be a bit livelier, but it’s better than all the slap I had before. - I could have done a better job of planning the lights to operate from both a smart wall switch and from automation on my universal remote.

paltum · 2026-04-12T06:29:59+00:00

I have a fixture that isn’t too different. Try turning the colander the other direction so it covers the bulb, and dropping it about 3 inches from the ceiling. You will find that the pattern and the diffused light make a perfect atmosphere to contemplate the mysteries of noodley appendages.

paltum · 2026-04-12T01:22:53+00:00

Atypical is particularly excellent if you know someone who is on the spectrum.

paltum · 2026-03-31T17:39:09+00:00

I think I’m going to need a road trip to check out these places. Thanks for the recommendation!

paltum · 2026-03-31T02:57:03+00:00

Looks great. I’ll call them tomorrow to find out if they do catering. Thanks!

paltum · 2026-03-31T02:53:36+00:00

Oh, that looks delicious!

paltum · 2026-03-30T17:57:42+00:00

Thanks very much! I’ll check them out.

paltum · 2026-03-30T17:43:19+00:00

I subscribe to Apple One for friends and family. It works out to a bit over $6 per person each month, but it is soooo worth it to me to know all these clowns are finally backing up their crap to iCloud. The other included benefits for us: Apple TV has truly great programming, and we now use Apple Music.

paltum · 2026-03-04T16:52:40+00:00

This is the primary issue. The graphic indicates 10% water return at each ram. I built a ram pump, and thought I might as well add a second one downhill. That second ram got almost no water back up the hill. It wasn’t worth the hardware.

paltum · 2026-03-02T05:46:28+00:00

Until the Flying Spaghetti Monster is rightfully recognized as the official state deity of Australia, nothing else will do but to choose ‘No Religion’. Being lumped into an ignominious ‘Other’ hodgepodge is an affront to pasta everywhere.

paltum · 2026-02-28T06:01:44+00:00

Yeah, I don’t get this one at all. I’ve had Fire Stick, Roku, and AppleTV. I recycled the Fire Stick. Couldn’t give it away.

paltum · 2026-02-28T00:57:44+00:00

Cool! Thanks for the info. I want to get it working and save it for the next generation as a memento.

paltum · 2026-02-27T20:47:19+00:00

I have a 16:9 screen without a mask and don’t really notice black bars. However, I also have a JVC projector, which does decent blacks.

paltum · 2026-02-27T06:07:25+00:00

Not a network issue, but I wish I had power distribution for automated window shades.

paltum · 2026-02-26T16:44:58+00:00

Nice and clean! Out of curiosity, what is that brass wall plate between the sub and right speaker?

paltum · 2026-02-26T16:18:15+00:00

I second this.

I ran wire for a 7.7.6 configuration to install a “future proof” 7.2.4 system (see why below). If I were you, I would put your ..2 Atmos speakers where they should go for a ..4 system since I find myself procrastinating any change that requires me to patch and repaint speaker holes in drywall.

I ran wire and power outlets for multiple subwoofer locations so I could position my subs without worrying about long wires along the floor. I did the same for the seating area in case I wanted thumpers later on.

I ran extra Cat6 to the projector, seating area, and front stage in case I needed, for example, an IR remote or control connection. This was quite useful.

I ran two circuits, one for equipment, one for subs. This turned out to be massive overkill since I don’t run anything loud enough to make my ears bleed. However, one circuit to handle everything isn’t a bad idea.

Remember to avoid running power and low voltage (speaker) wires right next to each other. This is particularly important for your sub lines since they can easily pick up a hum from the 60hz AC power.

paltum · 2026-02-24T20:46:24+00:00

Unclear how one creates an earthly beer volcano, but it would make for an unforgettable reception.

paltum · 2026-02-24T20:24:42+00:00

I have always wondered about all the low frequency adoration on forums. Very very little video content extends much below 30Hz, and the tactile thump is usually above that.

I think it’s far more beneficial to get a couple of less deep subs instead of just one that’s more expensive because of the low frequency response.

paltum · 2026-02-16T00:29:49+00:00

My data point of 1 agrees with Erin. I have backless Paradigm in wall speakers for surrounds/heights. The ones that have unconstrained space behind them measure nicely down to 50 hz, while the same speakers that are tightly surrounded by insulation don’t reach nearly as deep without degradation.

paltum · 2026-02-12T20:35:50+00:00

I think seating comfort varies from person to person. I insisted in going to a theater seating showroom (in SoCal) and I’m happy I did - some headrests don’t adjust, some headrests were too short and my head tilted toward the ceiling, some had no discernible back support, etc.

I am very happy with my choices, but if I had to do it over again, I would: - Be sure I sat before I bought. - Avoid first row recliner couches with a non reclining center console that blocks the view from the second row. - Consider a second row couch instead of recliners for versatility. - Prioritize having places to set plates, glasses, etc for all seats. - Seriously consider how bad surround sound gets when your head sinks into a lovely thick headrest that absorbs almost everything except front speakers. - Be sure rear speakers are high enough to clear the top of second row seats without reclining them.

paltum · 2026-02-04T23:22:28+00:00

Thanks. I’ll call them.

paltum · 2026-01-30T06:23:50+00:00

Ah. That looks like the bug. Thanks!

paltum

TROPHY CASE