Home cinema, projector or OLED? + Sound System!
Discussion
Hello,
Not posted in here before ...
Looking at a small Home cinema / chill out room set up.
We have a main lounge etc so this is solely about supporting films / gaming / media.
The room is appx 4m x 3.5m.
We were thinking of either a projector or a 55-65 OLED LG (based on other threads in here).
Any recommendations aswell as a basic / starter sound system?
Not posted in here before ...
Looking at a small Home cinema / chill out room set up.
We have a main lounge etc so this is solely about supporting films / gaming / media.
The room is appx 4m x 3.5m.
We were thinking of either a projector or a 55-65 OLED LG (based on other threads in here).
Any recommendations aswell as a basic / starter sound system?
I previously had an Epsom HD projector in my lounge and was very happy with it. Just over a year ago, I decided to move to 4K - and figured I may as well get a bigger TV and ditch the projector (because of my room layout, my projected image was only 72" diagonal). I bought a 65" OLED.
Part of me still thinks I want the slightly bigger image a projector would give me. But only a small part - the TV picture is stunning - in all lighting conditions. The HD image (not 4K) is also far far better than both the projector, and the Pioneer 42" plasma it replaced. I don't think I will ever go back to a projector - especially not considering the amount of money I'd have to spend for a comparable picture (if that's even possible).
Part of me still thinks I want the slightly bigger image a projector would give me. But only a small part - the TV picture is stunning - in all lighting conditions. The HD image (not 4K) is also far far better than both the projector, and the Pioneer 42" plasma it replaced. I don't think I will ever go back to a projector - especially not considering the amount of money I'd have to spend for a comparable picture (if that's even possible).
It's all down to size. Projectors are still the only way to get a true cinematic scale wow factor. Even 75 inches doesn't do it. Go over 100 and you get it.
The costs are low too. My 1080p dlp cost under £750 . An optoma. And the picture is amazing. I've no 4k sources and 4k projectors cost what the hd ones did 5 years ago. £2k plus. I run a 135" screen and 1080p looks pin sharp.
I fancy the total blacks of oled but I've done screen size comparisons and even 75" (£2k ish) is dwarfed by 100" plus.
My optoma blacks look fine (I never think about them, put it that way) and the image is always cinematic. Electric drop down screen was £150. 120" and less are under £80.
The costs are low too. My 1080p dlp cost under £750 . An optoma. And the picture is amazing. I've no 4k sources and 4k projectors cost what the hd ones did 5 years ago. £2k plus. I run a 135" screen and 1080p looks pin sharp.
I fancy the total blacks of oled but I've done screen size comparisons and even 75" (£2k ish) is dwarfed by 100" plus.
My optoma blacks look fine (I never think about them, put it that way) and the image is always cinematic. Electric drop down screen was £150. 120" and less are under £80.
Lord.Vader said:
Perhaps £2-3k, inc sound system.
Sorry Dave didn’t see your post and thanksgiving vex i know you are certainly in the know.
I haven’t had a projector before.
A new 65" OLED is going to eat up most of a £3k budget. Downsizing to a 55" would be much cheaper but offer a very different proposition to a 70"+ projector/screen combo.Sorry Dave didn’t see your post and thanksgiving vex i know you are certainly in the know.
I haven’t had a projector before.
Other thing to consider with the sound system is to buy the speakers in stages, start with the front three then add the rest later when funds allow. That way you'll get far better quality speakers. I'd also strongly recommend getting second hand speakers at that level of budget.
I am trying to understand what the £3k would get me, do I need an OLED or would, for the ‘Home cinema’ experience be better going for a projector.
If a 120” screen is sub £150 and a decent projector sub £1,500; it leaves enough for a good sound system (B+O? Or are they more for music? Seems to be a few B+W second hand on eBay) which is be quite happy with, as I said it’d mainly be a second lounge for gaming
so no ‘lag’ is a major factor, I think that’d be related to the frame / refresh rate? I don’t know, new to this!
If a 120” screen is sub £150 and a decent projector sub £1,500; it leaves enough for a good sound system (B+O? Or are they more for music? Seems to be a few B+W second hand on eBay) which is be quite happy with, as I said it’d mainly be a second lounge for gaming
so no ‘lag’ is a major factor, I think that’d be related to the frame / refresh rate? I don’t know, new to this! Edited by Lord.Vader on Tuesday 23 January 09:39
If the room is dedicated for games/movies, IMO a projector is much more of an event. 1080p on a Blu-ray is still a brilliant picture, at over 100".
We've just done this and initially my wife was dead against the idea, but now she loves it. I think if we'd opted for a big TV instead of the projector/amp/speakers, we'd end up just watching a film in the main room.
Budget wise I did the whole lot for less that £2k, including odd bits like adaptors, wiring etc
We've just done this and initially my wife was dead against the idea, but now she loves it. I think if we'd opted for a big TV instead of the projector/amp/speakers, we'd end up just watching a film in the main room.
Budget wise I did the whole lot for less that £2k, including odd bits like adaptors, wiring etc
I have a projector (optima 1080p job for £550) and a Denon AV reciever https://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p-37600-...
Pretty budget but it's fantastic!
Pretty budget but it's fantastic!
Fixed screen should be possible, as well as a fixed projector; the idea is to install a false ceiling to hide it all away / run all the wiring.
Sorry for my ignornace but what does the Denon thing actually do, in the past I’ve just had my surround sound (sub) plugged into the telly with the additional speakers plugged into the sub.
Why is there such a difference between the two screens? I assume it needs covering with curtains or some such to prevent UV / dust or whatever damage? As it would be opposite a window.
Sorry for my ignornace but what does the Denon thing actually do, in the past I’ve just had my surround sound (sub) plugged into the telly with the additional speakers plugged into the sub.
Why is there such a difference between the two screens? I assume it needs covering with curtains or some such to prevent UV / dust or whatever damage? As it would be opposite a window.
Takes all your visual and audio inputs (Xbox, freeview HDR, firestick, turntable & Laptop for me) and manages them all for better surround sound with only one HDMI input into the TV
It's got separate amps for each audio channel out so you get much better sound (7.2 + Dolby ATMOS if you need it)
That one has the benefit of two HDMI Outputs so I can easily switch between the TV and the projector and it can also send the turntable audio to my kitchen HEOS speaker via some wireless magic
There are lots of options so all depends on what you want from your surround sound within your budget
Decent quality speakers/audio are just as important as the screen for me
It's got separate amps for each audio channel out so you get much better sound (7.2 + Dolby ATMOS if you need it)
That one has the benefit of two HDMI Outputs so I can easily switch between the TV and the projector and it can also send the turntable audio to my kitchen HEOS speaker via some wireless magic
There are lots of options so all depends on what you want from your surround sound within your budget
Decent quality speakers/audio are just as important as the screen for me
The Denon is a home cinema amp. This is the core of your system.
It takes the signal from your BluRay player (or other source), strips the audio and sends the video to your TV/Projector or whatever. The sound is then processed and amplified out to all of the speakers (except the subwoofer, which has it's own amplifier). Your previous system did the same thing, but the amp for everything was built into the subwoofer. A 'seperate' home cinema amp/speakers allows for more flexability (you can add whichever speakers you like, for example). The all-in-one systems are generally cheaper, usually featuring small and limited speakers for the main channels, relying on the sub for all the bass. I'm sure some of these systems are better than others but my experience of them is that they are shrill and tinny.
Went from an Epson 6100 projector (so nothing special) to a 55 inch OLED (not by choice) and I really miss watching on the PJ. As others have said it's just so much more immersive. £2k would get you a great projector, like the Epson 7300:
https://www.epson.co.uk/viewcon/corporatesite/prod...
I had an optoma screen.
Good sound system doesn't need to cost much, a decent home cinema amp is £200:
https://www.richersounds.com/tv-home-cinema/av-rec...
and then a set of Mission 75 series speakers from ebay (I have a pair of 752, a pair of 751, a 75c and a 75as subwoofer). So you'd maybe get two pairs of 751's (for front and rear pair) and a 75c (centre) for £250, then £100 for a subwoofer and you'd have a great sounding system.
It takes the signal from your BluRay player (or other source), strips the audio and sends the video to your TV/Projector or whatever. The sound is then processed and amplified out to all of the speakers (except the subwoofer, which has it's own amplifier). Your previous system did the same thing, but the amp for everything was built into the subwoofer. A 'seperate' home cinema amp/speakers allows for more flexability (you can add whichever speakers you like, for example). The all-in-one systems are generally cheaper, usually featuring small and limited speakers for the main channels, relying on the sub for all the bass. I'm sure some of these systems are better than others but my experience of them is that they are shrill and tinny.
Went from an Epson 6100 projector (so nothing special) to a 55 inch OLED (not by choice) and I really miss watching on the PJ. As others have said it's just so much more immersive. £2k would get you a great projector, like the Epson 7300:
https://www.epson.co.uk/viewcon/corporatesite/prod...
I had an optoma screen.
Good sound system doesn't need to cost much, a decent home cinema amp is £200:
https://www.richersounds.com/tv-home-cinema/av-rec...
and then a set of Mission 75 series speakers from ebay (I have a pair of 752, a pair of 751, a 75c and a 75as subwoofer). So you'd maybe get two pairs of 751's (for front and rear pair) and a 75c (centre) for £250, then £100 for a subwoofer and you'd have a great sounding system.
Edited by varsas on Wednesday 24th January 13:43
I've built a home cinema instal in my last three homes and I'm really getting the hang of it. I initially started off with a separate movie room but we (and it's a personal thing) felt we didn't use it enough so have built the last two systems into our living rooms.
I've always done things on a budget and I've picked up some bargains on eBay as with a lot of things these days, second hand AV equipment isn't worth too much.
I've got;
Yamaha Aventage BluRay Player
Chromecast for streaming
Sky TV Box
All going into a Yamaha Aventage AV Amplifier, this then sends the signal to either a Phillips 55" Ambilight LCD TV via HDMI cable or a JVC HD 3D Projector depending on what we're watching-as the PJ is mounted a fair distance from the amp I've connected it up with CAT6 cable for reliability.
I mounted the speakers in the ceiling and have a sub tucked away.
It's all controlled by a Harmony Remote. So at the push of the button everything turns on and is controlled by one remote control whether we want to watch the TV as normal or enjoy the full Projector Big Screen event.
I'd recommend (if you're dipping your toe in to see if you like it) buying a brand new projector, ceiling mount and screen, a harmony remote and some decent cabling. This is the stuff you want to fit and forget about. Wire your cabling up to a wall mounted AV Plate. You could spend £1500 of your budget there and then pick up some speakers, an amp and a bluray player off eBay simply to suit your budget, if it isn't to your tastes you can upgrade easily whenever you like/have the budget.
I've always done things on a budget and I've picked up some bargains on eBay as with a lot of things these days, second hand AV equipment isn't worth too much.
I've got;
Yamaha Aventage BluRay Player
Chromecast for streaming
Sky TV Box
All going into a Yamaha Aventage AV Amplifier, this then sends the signal to either a Phillips 55" Ambilight LCD TV via HDMI cable or a JVC HD 3D Projector depending on what we're watching-as the PJ is mounted a fair distance from the amp I've connected it up with CAT6 cable for reliability.
I mounted the speakers in the ceiling and have a sub tucked away.
It's all controlled by a Harmony Remote. So at the push of the button everything turns on and is controlled by one remote control whether we want to watch the TV as normal or enjoy the full Projector Big Screen event.
I'd recommend (if you're dipping your toe in to see if you like it) buying a brand new projector, ceiling mount and screen, a harmony remote and some decent cabling. This is the stuff you want to fit and forget about. Wire your cabling up to a wall mounted AV Plate. You could spend £1500 of your budget there and then pick up some speakers, an amp and a bluray player off eBay simply to suit your budget, if it isn't to your tastes you can upgrade easily whenever you like/have the budget.
Now you have the basics - just focus on the key elements.
1) Projector or OLED? Oled won't give you the wow factor once you've seen a big (100+") screen projected image. It's your own personal cinema. (you can get a 1080p optoma DLP for under £450 now). One great advantage of projectors is you can have a sensible sized TV - i.e. not an eye sore, and then your massive screen is hidden away until you drop it down.
2) AV Amp - you really need this is you are taking this seriously. Forget sound bars and surround coming from your TV. The amp will feed all your speakers - front left, centre, right, then rear left and right , your subm and , if you fancy, rear rear, and even ceiling if you want atmos (I can't be arsed with this 0 too much of a mess). As mentioned, your amp will reduce your remotes to one or two, and it will allow you to use regular speakers, and it will switch all your video and audio sources for you - this really makes life 100% easier.
3) Speakers - get some "real" ones. This is a totally random selection but it gives you the idea:
https://www.richersounds.com/tv-home-cinema/speake...
I prefer dipole rears (more triangular) and fire firwards and backwards so you can't locate them too easily - more natural sounds.
Don't skimp on the centre speaker - it does more work than all the rest put together.
This should give you an idea. 40" vs 135"
1) Projector or OLED? Oled won't give you the wow factor once you've seen a big (100+") screen projected image. It's your own personal cinema. (you can get a 1080p optoma DLP for under £450 now). One great advantage of projectors is you can have a sensible sized TV - i.e. not an eye sore, and then your massive screen is hidden away until you drop it down.
2) AV Amp - you really need this is you are taking this seriously. Forget sound bars and surround coming from your TV. The amp will feed all your speakers - front left, centre, right, then rear left and right , your subm and , if you fancy, rear rear, and even ceiling if you want atmos (I can't be arsed with this 0 too much of a mess). As mentioned, your amp will reduce your remotes to one or two, and it will allow you to use regular speakers, and it will switch all your video and audio sources for you - this really makes life 100% easier.
3) Speakers - get some "real" ones. This is a totally random selection but it gives you the idea:
https://www.richersounds.com/tv-home-cinema/speake...
I prefer dipole rears (more triangular) and fire firwards and backwards so you can't locate them too easily - more natural sounds.
Don't skimp on the centre speaker - it does more work than all the rest put together.
This should give you an idea. 40" vs 135"
Been looking into this myself having just moved house.
Lounge is about 5m x 5m.
Was going to go 65” OLED with a 1080p projector (4K too big and expensive) and about £2k worth of amp, speakers etc. I’m very green when it comes to this as we’ve never had space for anything like this kind of setup before.
But am I better scrapping the TV and spending the budget on a decent 4K projector with an electric screen? Would rather a fixed screen for picture quality but like the flexibility of drop down so we can keep a clean look.
Will mainly be used for sports; F1, Moto GP, Boxing, MMA and a bit of football and the occasional film.
PS.For scale the TV on floor in the picture is a 43” destined for kids playroom we used to set up SKY Q (recommended by the way!)
Any thoughts or suggestions very welcome.
Lounge is about 5m x 5m.
Was going to go 65” OLED with a 1080p projector (4K too big and expensive) and about £2k worth of amp, speakers etc. I’m very green when it comes to this as we’ve never had space for anything like this kind of setup before.
But am I better scrapping the TV and spending the budget on a decent 4K projector with an electric screen? Would rather a fixed screen for picture quality but like the flexibility of drop down so we can keep a clean look.
Will mainly be used for sports; F1, Moto GP, Boxing, MMA and a bit of football and the occasional film.
PS.For scale the TV on floor in the picture is a 43” destined for kids playroom we used to set up SKY Q (recommended by the way!)
Any thoughts or suggestions very welcome.
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