Building an HD Theatre

[FiberOptic]

I am re doing my basement and was looking for input on the type of ceiling speakers that folks use.  Also looking for recommendations on the optimal design and setup.  Thanks for the assistance:rock:

[gparris]

If you belong to HDTVoice, I have my basement HT setup with the in-ceiling speakers pictured there.
I used Klipsch speakers for the 7.1 surround with a drop ceiling...amazing!
You must use good speaker cable 14 gauge or better and terminate all cabling to the back of your wall's junction box behind where your AVR will go, as a suggestion.
Further, when you install the ceiling speakers, aim the tweeters towards the listening area to focus the sound for an optimal solution.

Maybe this helps you out...I had a electrician install mine as the wiring was going in (before the drop ceiling got installed).

[Bigdog]

I also have a 7.1 setup in my basement and use Klipsch all the way around as well. Even have a set of 2.1 for my PC as well.

[FiberOptic]

If you belong to HDTVoice, I have my basement HT setup with the in-ceiling speakers pictured there.
I used Klipsch speakers for the 7.1 surround with a drop ceiling...amazing!
You must use good speaker cable 14 gauge or better and terminate all cabling to the back of your wall's junction box behind where your AVR will go, as a suggestion.
Further, when you install the ceiling speakers, aim the tweeters towards the listening area to focus the sound for an optimal solution.

Maybe this helps you out...I had a electrician install mine as the wiring was going in (before the drop ceiling got installed).

I saw your pictures, how many did you put in the ceiling?  Dumb question what is avr

[gparris]

Thanks for your comments, you're welcome.

The 2 side surrounds in the ceiling (one right and one left) were placed to the sides from the seating area with the speakers internally aimed to the listener.
The back surrounds (one left and one right) were placed about 4-6 feet apart in back of the seating area about 2 feet since I had the space, again focused towards the back of the listener's heads.

AVR= Audio Video Receiver, as used for audio amplification and decoding, video switching and possible conversion.

Does this help you?

[FiberOptic]

I am re doing my basement and was looking for input on the type of ceiling speakers that folks use.  Also looking for recommendations on the optimal design and setup.  Thanks for the assistance:rock:

Here is my next question for everyone, I have Directv and want to set up my basement ahead of time  (wiring through wall etc), but I am not ready to call DTV to do install and bill me for another connection.  Is there any guidance you can provide regarding the type of coax cable and terminations I need to set up, so when I do call DTV, all I need to do is just have them meet me at these new termination points.  Thanks

[Matt Heebner]

I have had Directv for close to 10 years now, and I have always done all the wiring myself, and up till the latest upgrade to the new slimeline dish, always installed my own dishes as well.

What you will need first off is a  roll of RG6, preferably a solid copper core, not copper plated. The cheaper stuff is usually copper plated, but to be honest I am not sure it will make any kind of difference unless you are running it hundreds of feet. I usually buy a roll of 250 feet, that way I will have plenty for future runs as well as make new cables from the wall plates to the satellite receiver.You can find pretty good deals at Menards, etc.

Second you will need a coaxial striper. you can get real fancy ones that are costly, but I have a simple cheap one that does the trick for me. Here are some strippers

Third you need a compression tool. I started off with a crimper but it does not do a good a job as compression tools....not even close. You can make professional looking cables, and they can be weatherproof if you have the correct ends. Here are some compression tools. If you buy the correct tool, you can even make your own RCA cables or componant cables.

Last you need a good quality compression F connector. Here are some F connectors

All of these things can be had at Menards, Home Depot, etc. While it might seem kind of steep initially to get the correct tools for the job, it is well worth it to have this equipment. You will be able to make runs all over your house and never have to worry about running out of cable, or having bad terminations.

Hope this helps.

[FiberOptic]

I have had Directv for close to 10 years now, and I have always done all the wiring myself, and up till the latest upgrade to the new slimeline dish, always installed my own dishes as well.

What you will need first off is a  roll of RG6, preferably a solid copper core, not copper plated. The cheaper stuff is usually copper plated, but to be honest I am not sure it will make any kind of difference unless you are running it hundreds of feet. I usually buy a roll of 250 feet, that way I will have plenty for future runs as well as make new cables from the wall plates to the satellite receiver.You can find pretty good deals at Menards, etc.

Second you will need a coaxial striper. you can get real fancy ones that are costly, but I have a simple cheap one that does the trick for me. Here are some strippers

Third you need a compression tool. I started off with a crimper but it does not do a good a job as compression tools....not even close. You can make professional looking cables, and they can be weatherproof if you have the correct ends. Here are some compression tools. If you buy the correct tool, you can even make your own RCA cables or componant cables.

Last you need a good quality compression F connector. Here are some F connectors

All of these things can be had at Menards, Home Depot, etc. While it might seem kind of steep initially to get the correct tools for the job, it is well worth it to have this equipment. You will be able to make runs all over your house and never have to worry about running out of cable, or having bad terminations.

Hope this helps.

Yes definitely thanks so much