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 Technology & | |
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Technology & | |
Photo of the HS20 mounted inverted in the theater:
HD DVD & SD DVD Playback:
For standard & HD DVD playback, The Bridge use a Toshiba HD-A30 HD DVD player. Awesome video and audio; excellent upconverted SD DVD; all over HDMI.
Blu-ray HD Playback:
For playing Blu-ray HD optical discs, The Bridge utilizes a Sony PS3 (40GB model). A USB IR received has been added to allow control from the existing IR-based Pronto Unviersal Remote Control. The PS3 is also connected to the projector using an HDMI to DVI adapter.
Audio System:
The Bridge uses a 7.1 channel Yamaha RX-V1600 Dolby Digital EX, THX Select2 Surround Sound Receiver (120 watts x 7 channels) as the main audio component. It is driving 3 Polk CSi-130's for the front and center channels, a pair of Polk FXi/50's for the surrounds and a pair of Polk RT15i's for the rear channels. The powered subwoofer is a Velodyne CHT-12.
Tactile Transducers:
A Bass Shaker Pro is installed under each of the front row seats to augment the subwoffer. They are powered by 75wpc Dynaco power amp.
HDTV Feed
In April of 2007 I upgraded my television service by switching to Verizon FiOS. The picture quality is fantastic compared to my previous cable provider (Comcast). I am now using a Verizon-supplied Motorola QIP6416 High-Definition multi-room DVR to provide both HD and SD TV signals to the projector via component video cables.
Lighting:
For lighting control, I went with the X10 standard with controls and switches from www.smarthome.com. I have decided to use their line which supports "scenes" so I can program the various dimmers and switches to achieve multiple different lighting effects, everything from all lights on to all light off and several combinations in between.
Screen:
To save money, I constructed my own screen. I built two different versions, the first with a wooden frame and "blackout cloth" screen; the second with an aluminum frame and a matte white vinyl screen. For details on these two screens, visit my DIY Projects Page.
Remote Control
For the theater remote control I chose the Philips Pronto TSU-3000. This is primarily a touch screen remote with some hard buttons. A key feature is that it can be programmed and the user interface designed using your PC. The benefits to me are that I can put just what buttons I need on the primary screens and leave the others elsewhere. Also, with my aging eyes, I can make the buttons large and high contrast so I can read them without reading glasses, a problem with many other remotes. The hard buttons allow quick access to common functions such as volume, stop, play, pause, etc. without having to look at the touch screen at all.
Power Conditioning:
For power cleaning I utilize a Monster Cable HST-2500 unit. It provides power to the equipment in the rack as well as the projector.
IR Distribution:
For IR distribution (to get the remote control to work the stereo when the units are located behind and to the side of where you sit) I again chose www.smarthome.com and their IR distribution equipment. It turned out to be relatively inexpensive and provides just the features I was looking for.
DVR Programming
In order to program the DVR without having to power up the projector, I installed a small 8" 16:9 LCD TV from Audiovox (PLV16081). The only chnage I made was to paint the case black to better match the decor of my room. The picture below is of the unit before painting.
Click on the thumbnail below to see a photo of the above listed equipment on the shelves in the theater:
So what does it all look like when it's done? Read on...
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