What kind of home theatre set up do you have? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

monstertodd · 04-09-2010, 09:46 PM

I plan on building a new home theater system. I'd like to incorporate a computer with external hard drives, wireless keyboards, and wireless mouse.

What kind of set up do you guys have specifically with a computer in the mix?

I was thinking about building my system around a Mac mini. Anyone have any experience using the mac mini as a home theater PC (mac)? I noticed that Mac's don't use HDMI. Is there a DVI to HDMI adapter plug out there?

If I don't go that route, then I'll break down and build my own PC (begrudgingly).

What sort of receivers, speakers are you guys using? Is there a noticeable difference between 5.1 and 7.1? I know what 5.1 and 7.1 mean, but is there a noticeable real world difference between using 5 +1 speakers as opposed to 7 + 1 speakers?

How is it adapting a PS3 to one of these systems?

Shardik2SS · 04-09-2010, 09:57 PM

I don't have a CPU integrated with mine but this is what I have.

Samsung UN55B8000 LED TV
Onkyo SR805 7.1 Receiver
PS3
Velodyne Mini-Vee Sub
Mirage Omnistat OS3-FS (fronts)
Mirage Omnistat OS3-CC (Center)
Mirage Omnistat OS3-SAT (rears)
Furman Power Conditioner/Surge Protector

PS3 works great with this system which is why I haven't bought a primary blu-ray player. Besides the PS3 blu-ray is supposed to be one of the better ones on the market based on some reviews I've read.

I haven't used 7.1 but it does sound nice. All it means is the addition of 2 speakers which should be placed on the left and right of your sitting position. It just adds more depth to the surround sound but 5.1 sounds great as well.

Here's a good guide for speaker placement.

http://www.crutchfield.com/Learn/lea...placement.html

Skidpuppy · 04-09-2010, 10:35 PM

Yes, DVI to HDMI adapters/cables exist.

I built my theatre several years ago in our basement. No HTPC but I do use my laptop with it sometimes to play games. I just use a USB extender cable for the keyboard and mouse.

Optoma 720P projector
Dalite 104" 16:9 screen
PS3 (Sony is going to release a Blu-ray 3D software update at some point)
Denon 5.1 receiver (room is wired for 7.1)
Klipsch speakers
Bass shakers installed in the chairs wired off a second receiver.

*Camaro_Corvette* · 04-09-2010, 10:38 PM

Onkyo 5100's I believe. 7.1 Love it! Got the rear speakers directly behind my couch. Freaks my dog out everytime

Got my PS3 and my PC hooked into it. I build my own PC's. No mac for me. HDMI FTW!

Oddball · 04-09-2010, 10:39 PM

100 watt bulb and hand puppets.

Indpowr · 04-09-2010, 10:51 PM

Downstairs
M&K R&L
B&W Center
B&W Rears
2 Powered Subs
Onyko 7.1 True HD - Blue Ray
Blue Ray Player
56" DLP 1080P

---------
Upstairs
Full room dedicated to a theart
110 inch screen
Harmon Kardon 7.1 receiver
Bose Center
B&W rears
Forget the names of the towers R&L
Powered Sub
No blue ray
Infocus 1080i projector

I rare use this room so I stole all of the good idems and brought them downstairs.

monstertodd · 04-09-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oddball

100 watt bulb and hand puppets.

Wow, now that is an awesome setup dude!

Oddball · 04-09-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monstertodd

Wow, now that is an awesome setup dude!

I'm NOT proud.

Big Brunsy · 04-10-2010, 05:25 AM

I got me a stock LS home theatre system. Factory TV speaks. The Bose home theatre system stayed with the X when I moved out

MEDISIN · 04-10-2010, 06:27 AM

OP, I would recommend reading up over at AVS forums. Lots of helpful advice over there. Helped me get my ideal system up and running a few years back. Funny thing, no two people do home-theater the same!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

The sub-section below deals with HTPC, which IMHO is the real-game changer when it comes to home-theater. From gaming, to blu-ray, dvd, web surfing, recording live TV, music, streaming content, you name it. How did I ever live without it

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

kdbolt70 · 04-10-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEDISIN

OP, I would recommend reading up over at AVS forums. Lots of helpful advice over there. Helped me get my ideal system up and running a few years back. Funny thing, no two people do home-theater the same!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

The sub-section below deals with HTPC, which IMHO is the real-game changer when it comes to home-theater. From gaming, to blu-ray, dvd, web surfing, recording live TV, music, streaming content, you name it. How did I ever live without it

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

AVS Forum is Godly.

Just be careful, you can blow the cost of a Camaro in HT components pretty quick over there!

Iroczlover · 04-10-2010, 07:42 PM

dont know the names of everything, but we have a panisonic 42" tv, with a samsong sound system with 5+1. the back speakers are on a wireless system which works great if power is on to it lol
can hook a laptop/desktop to it if we want but we havent yet. along with the wireless.

going to wait until we find a newer place before we change anything

Rogue Leader · 04-11-2010, 12:02 AM

Lots of good advice here. my only advice:

Don't use a Mac.

DVI to HDMI adaptors do exist, but there is no audio transmitted through them. Theres just WAY more options available to you using a PC.

Urthman · 04-12-2010, 12:48 PM

Mine is a low budget deal that I've pieced together over a period of about 3 years.

Optoma 720p projector
108" screen (actually painted on wall)
PS3
Wii
Onkyo TX-SR707 receiver
Polk audio center speaker
Insignia front and rear speakers
yamaha sub
reclining theater seats

camarowa · 04-12-2010, 04:09 PM

Have a Polk Audio setup. Neighbor works for Roland US and set it up for me. Don't know any details, but it sounds good. Not that into audio stuff but knew I needed something more than the tv speakers.

Sawyer · 04-12-2010, 04:11 PM

Bose cinemate. Nothing great but I like it.

Buhmblbe · 06-26-2010, 01:52 AM

Research research research before you build. I must have done about 3 months of planning before building a dedicated home theater / media room in our basement. It's got:

Pioneer Elite Receiver-My second one-Pioneer is great!
(It has a function to auto set up/balance the speakers for optimum sound whether you've got 5.1 or 7.1-Yes I think 7.1(7.2 in my case)is well worth it)

7.2 Surround sound=
Klipsch speakers for the Mains,Rears,Surrounds and Center Channel
Sunfires for both Subwoofers
(The centers,subs and Mains are integrated into the stage and side towers along with a separate shelf in the right side tower for the PC)

EPSON High Def Projector

Da-Lite 110" Screen

4 Berkline Home Theater leather reclining power seats complete with blue light cup holders
PS3
Blu Ray Player
HD DVD Player(Yes, I have one of the 3 in the USA

)
VCR(For us old timers)
Modified HP PC for all my internet and gaming fun
Lots of different lighting with dimmers for theater effects
So much wiring it'll make your head spin(I spent a few thousand just on the wires

)
MX-3000 Remote Control

It's always a work in progress. Have fun with your set up and check out all the online forums dedicated to Home theater before you spend a nickel on your supplies/components.
Ticket booth and of course a popcorn machine

Here are some cheesey pictures of the set up from my nephew's birthday party a few years back...

Shardik2SS · 06-26-2010, 02:02 AM

Very nice set up. Unfortunately I don't have a basement or a room to accommodate something like that unless I decided I didn't want to park my baby in the garage anymore.

Good choice on the Elite and Klipsch. My next speakers are going to be the Legacy Whisper.

v6sonoma · 06-26-2010, 02:33 AM

FYI the new Mac mini has HDMI built in and also comes with a DVI adapter. It would make a great HT PC the only down side is no blu-ray. But thats what a PS3 is for! Also out of the box you can use a blutooth keyboard and mouse or the little front row remote for basic stuff.

Blade · 06-26-2010, 08:08 AM

Samsung 40" LCD TV
Sony 5.1 Component System
PC hooked up through HDMI video card
PS3 hooked up through HDMI

Yes you can get DVI - HDMI cables or adapters.

I will probably unhook my PC and sell it or something once ESPN and hulu's paid service drops on the ps3. I use the PS3 to watch MLB.tv and play games right now. The PC is for hulu and ESPN3, everything works amazingly well together. The sound out of the PC is hooked up by a regular audio cable. The sound system splits up the sound based on what the feel is providing. HULU provides surround and ESPN too. MLB.tv on the PC didn't, but solved that problem by getting the PS3 app

Good luck

04-09-2010, 09:46 PM	#1
monstertodd Allyourbasearebelongtous Drives: 2010 Cyber Grey Metallic 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tega Cay, South Carolina Posts: 3,498 View My Garage	What kind of home theatre set up do you have? I plan on building a new home theater system. I'd like to incorporate a computer with external hard drives, wireless keyboards, and wireless mouse. What kind of set up do you guys have specifically with a computer in the mix? I was thinking about building my system around a Mac mini. Anyone have any experience using the mac mini as a home theater PC (mac)? I noticed that Mac's don't use HDMI. Is there a DVI to HDMI adapter plug out there? If I don't go that route, then I'll break down and build my own PC (begrudgingly). What sort of receivers, speakers are you guys using? Is there a noticeable difference between 5.1 and 7.1? I know what 5.1 and 7.1 mean, but is there a noticeable real world difference between using 5 +1 speakers as opposed to 7 + 1 speakers? How is it adapting a PS3 to one of these systems? __________________

04-09-2010, 10:35 PM	#3
Skidpuppy ACE5 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Suwanee, GA Posts: 337	Yes, DVI to HDMI adapters/cables exist. I built my theatre several years ago in our basement. No HTPC but I do use my laptop with it sometimes to play games. I just use a USB extender cable for the keyboard and mouse. Optoma 720P projector Dalite 104" 16:9 screen PS3 (Sony is going to release a Blu-ray 3D software update at some point) Denon 5.1 receiver (room is wired for 7.1) Klipsch speakers Bass shakers installed in the chairs wired off a second receiver. __________________ SIM 2SS/RS LS3, Vararam, RX Catch Can, SOLO HF Cats, Flowmaster AT Catback, Skip-Shift Eliminator. 404HP/414TQ

04-09-2010, 10:38 PM	#4
Camaro_Corvette 50.335252,6.947103 Drives: Finally! 2013 VR 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 20,475 View My Garage	Onkyo 5100's I believe. 7.1 Love it! Got the rear speakers directly behind my couch. Freaks my dog out everytime Got my PS3 and my PC hooked into it. I build my own PC's. No mac for me. HDMI FTW! __________________

04-10-2010, 05:25 AM	#9
Big Brunsy Drives: Silverado Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Le Mars, Iowa Posts: 2,293	I got me a stock LS home theatre system. Factory TV speaks. The Bose home theatre system stayed with the X when I moved out __________________

04-10-2010, 06:27 AM	#10
MEDISIN Drives: 2011 CTS-V Sedan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chapel Hill, NC Posts: 840 View My Garage	OP, I would recommend reading up over at AVS forums. Lots of helpful advice over there. Helped me get my ideal system up and running a few years back. Funny thing, no two people do home-theater the same! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/ The sub-section below deals with HTPC, which IMHO is the real-game changer when it comes to home-theater. From gaming, to blu-ray, dvd, web surfing, recording live TV, music, streaming content, you name it. How did I ever live without it http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26 __________________ 2012 - Present: 2011 CTS-V Sedan, A6, Black Raven 2009 - 2012: 2010 2SS RS IBM M6 Photos, MGW Shifter, BMR Trailing Arms/Tunnel Brace, Roto-Fab CAI, VMAX Ported TB, Kooks 6511-Complete (Headers, X-Pipe, Mufflers), dyno tuned by R.P.M. = 415 hp/412 lb-ft.

04-09-2010, 09:57 PM	#2
Shardik2SS How U Doin? Drives: #21,644 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Californication Posts: 24,583 View My Garage	I don't have a CPU integrated with mine but this is what I have. Samsung UN55B8000 LED TV Onkyo SR805 7.1 Receiver PS3 Velodyne Mini-Vee Sub Mirage Omnistat OS3-FS (fronts) Mirage Omnistat OS3-CC (Center) Mirage Omnistat OS3-SAT (rears) Furman Power Conditioner/Surge Protector PS3 works great with this system which is why I haven't bought a primary blu-ray player. Besides the PS3 blu-ray is supposed to be one of the better ones on the market based on some reviews I've read. I haven't used 7.1 but it does sound nice. All it means is the addition of 2 speakers which should be placed on the left and right of your sitting position. It just adds more depth to the surround sound but 5.1 sounds great as well. Here's a good guide for speaker placement. http://www.crutchfield.com/Learn/lea...placement.html

04-09-2010, 10:39 PM	#5
Oddball Drives: attentively Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,085	100 watt bulb and hand puppets.

04-09-2010, 10:51 PM	#6
Indpowr Account Suspended Drives: Corvette C6 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 7,039 View My Garage	Downstairs M&K R&L B&W Center B&W Rears 2 Powered Subs Onyko 7.1 True HD - Blue Ray Blue Ray Player 56" DLP 1080P --------- Upstairs Full room dedicated to a theart 110 inch screen Harmon Kardon 7.1 receiver Bose Center B&W rears Forget the names of the towers R&L Powered Sub No blue ray Infocus 1080i projector I rare use this room so I stole all of the good idems and brought them downstairs.

04-10-2010, 07:42 PM	#12
Iroczlover The Krazzy bytch Drives: Which car I have 9 vehicles? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Yelm, wa, Hell if I think about it to much Posts: 7,850	dont know the names of everything, but we have a panisonic 42" tv, with a samsong sound system with 5+1. the back speakers are on a wireless system which works great if power is on to it lol can hook a laptop/desktop to it if we want but we havent yet. along with the wireless. going to wait until we find a newer place before we change anything __________________ I am not a man I have boobies. Cars are like women, If you treat her rough shes going to complain & you will hear about it. If you treat her right she will purrrrrrrrrrrrr Personal website www.HPIV.net Greatest Camaro club around www.pnwcc.com PNWCC is now on facebook Current cars owned , 72 Skylark vert,86 fiero GT, 87 Iroc-z, 90 Vette Vert , 95 Z28, 99 Silverado K1500, 2010 CGM Camaro 2ss/rs ,2012 sonic Turbo

04-11-2010, 12:02 AM	#13
Rogue Leader Iatefiberglassinsulation Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island Posts: 3,582 View My Garage	Lots of good advice here. my only advice: Don't use a Mac. DVI to HDMI adaptors do exist, but there is no audio transmitted through them. Theres just WAY more options available to you using a PC. __________________ I'm Brick Tamland. People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late. I like to eat ice cream and I really enjoy a nice pair of slacks. Years later, a doctor will tell me that I have an I.Q. of 48 and am what some people call mentally retarded. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Daily Driver 1996 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT - Tow Vehicle 1993 Volkswagen Fox - Race Car (yes seriously) "Like" my race team on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farfrumwinnin

04-12-2010, 12:48 PM	#14
Urthman Future Camaro Owner Drives: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4dr Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 555 View My Garage	Mine is a low budget deal that I've pieced together over a period of about 3 years. Optoma 720p projector 108" screen (actually painted on wall) PS3 Wii Onkyo TX-SR707 receiver Polk audio center speaker Insignia front and rear speakers yamaha sub reclining theater seats

04-12-2010, 04:09 PM	#15
camarowa Drives: 2013 SVT Raptor, sold 2010 Camaro Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: PNW....almost canada Posts: 1,866	Have a Polk Audio setup. Neighbor works for Roland US and set it up for me. Don't know any details, but it sounds good. Not that into audio stuff but knew I needed something more than the tv speakers. __________________ - Pfadt Suspension Package; Springs & Sways - Brembo Brake Upgrade (Yellow); Courtesy Fesler Built - Custom Magnaflow Exhaust - Blacked-Out Bowties & RS Emblems, Front bowtie delete - Full Dynamat Extreme Trunk Coverage - Tinted side markers - Interior DSV Customs Leather Upgrades - Airaid CAI V2 - Forgestar F14 Gunmetal 20x9, 20x11 - Doug Thorley Shorties

04-12-2010, 04:11 PM	#16
Sawyer Drives: '13 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,354 View My Garage	Bose cinemate. Nothing great but I like it. __________________ 2013 Mustang GT Black M6

06-26-2010, 01:52 AM	#17
Buhmblbe Growing Up=Optional Drives: 2010 Camaro Transformers 2LT RS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Setauket NY Posts: 166 View My Garage	Research research research before you build. I must have done about 3 months of planning before building a dedicated home theater / media room in our basement. It's got: Pioneer Elite Receiver-My second one-Pioneer is great! (It has a function to auto set up/balance the speakers for optimum sound whether you've got 5.1 or 7.1-Yes I think 7.1(7.2 in my case)is well worth it) 7.2 Surround sound= Klipsch speakers for the Mains,Rears,Surrounds and Center Channel Sunfires for both Subwoofers (The centers,subs and Mains are integrated into the stage and side towers along with a separate shelf in the right side tower for the PC) EPSON High Def Projector Da-Lite 110" Screen 4 Berkline Home Theater leather reclining power seats complete with blue light cup holders PS3 Blu Ray Player HD DVD Player(Yes, I have one of the 3 in the USA) VCR(For us old timers) Modified HP PC for all my internet and gaming fun Lots of different lighting with dimmers for theater effects So much wiring it'll make your head spin(I spent a few thousand just on the wires) MX-3000 Remote Control It's always a work in progress. Have fun with your set up and check out all the online forums dedicated to Home theater before you spend a nickel on your supplies/components. Ticket booth and of course a popcorn machine Here are some cheesey pictures of the set up from my nephew's birthday party a few years back... __________________ "Sleep is an inconvenience to living...Get up and start living."

06-26-2010, 02:02 AM	#18
Shardik2SS How U Doin? Drives: #21,644 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Californication Posts: 24,583 View My Garage	Very nice set up. Unfortunately I don't have a basement or a room to accommodate something like that unless I decided I didn't want to park my baby in the garage anymore. Good choice on the Elite and Klipsch. My next speakers are going to be the Legacy Whisper.

06-26-2010, 02:33 AM	#19
v6sonoma Drives: 2010 SS RS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 7,481 View My Garage	FYI the new Mac mini has HDMI built in and also comes with a DVI adapter. It would make a great HT PC the only down side is no blu-ray. But thats what a PS3 is for! Also out of the box you can use a blutooth keyboard and mouse or the little front row remote for basic stuff. __________________ Mods: BBK Intake, BBK LT's and High Flow Cats, Corsa Cat-back exhaust, Hurst short throw shifter, SLP skip-shift eliminator. 7/1/09 Placed order for IOM/IO int/ SS/RS 6M 9/26/09 Took delivery!

06-26-2010, 08:08 AM	#20
Blade Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT CGM RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Charlotte Posts: 4,501 View My Garage	Samsung 40" LCD TV Sony 5.1 Component System PC hooked up through HDMI video card PS3 hooked up through HDMI Yes you can get DVI - HDMI cables or adapters. I will probably unhook my PC and sell it or something once ESPN and hulu's paid service drops on the ps3. I use the PS3 to watch MLB.tv and play games right now. The PC is for hulu and ESPN3, everything works amazingly well together. The sound out of the PC is hooked up by a regular audio cable. The sound system splits up the sound based on what the feel is providing. HULU provides surround and ESPN too. MLB.tv on the PC didn't, but solved that problem by getting the PS3 app Good luck __________________ Signature by Bmorecam Follow me on Twitter Build Thread

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