Equipment List

BenQ 8220 DLP Projector - I researched the many different models and types of projectors for about six months before I settled on this one, and I am extremely happy with it. It has XGA resolution (1024 X 768), and the brightness is 2200 lumens. DVD’s look stunning, and the iTunes visualizer has captivated me and my friends on many occasions.

I got the projector first, and experimented with the placement using a white sheet stapled to the crown molding. I measured the projected image on the sheet, and determined that I could go with a 8’ X 6’ screen.

Ceiling mounts cost about $200 (!) so I built a “box” from a shoe shelf that I found at Home Depot. Total cost was about $20. The projector sits inverted in a cradle that I made out of scrap wood.

Da-Lite Model C 120" diagonal matt white screen - The current weak link in my system. It was very inexpensive ($150 if I remember correctly), and it shows. The surface is not tensioned, so it’s not perfectly flat. Horizontal camera pans show this defect. I fully intend to upgrade this screen.

Harmon Kardon AVR125 Receiver - Low end Harmon Kardon receiver, but at 45 Harmon Kardon watts per channel, it’s more than I need for my space.

Polk Audio CSi3 Center Channel - This thing weighs about 26 lbs., and we had to build a custom mount to hold it above the screen. It took nearly all day, but man, was it worth it! Dialog is clear, loud, and it sounds like it comes from the center of the screen because it’s angled down.

Polk Audio R20 Left and Right Front Speakers - These sound great. What more would you expect from Polk?

Infinity SAT 450 Surrounds - Due to the shape of my space, I needed four of these to create two separate surround sound zones - one zone is downstairs for the recliners and the futon, and the other is up in the dining room. We wired them in parallel to the receiver, and ran the wires along the crown molding. They sound amazing.

Sony SA-WX700 Sub - Dual 10" speakers, and 250 watts. We listened to the Polk subwoofers, but we liked this one better. It literally does rock the house.

Custom Window Coverings - To control ambient light. I got a roll of imitation black leather from a local fabric store, a grommet tool, and some cup hooks. At 2pm, it’s as dark as midnight in my theater. Total cost was less than $100 for 5 windows.

If you’re considering a new home theater, consider a front projection system! For about the same price as a decent plasma or large rear-projection TV, you can get one 4X as big! You do need to be quite handy to install it, but it’s fun. An added benefit is that it takes ZERO floor space.