My UBER cheap HT setup (first projector) updated 2/15

[Gillbot]

Ok, take it easy on me. This was my "entry" into the PJ world to see if it was feasible and worthwhile. So far, I'm liking it but the wife isn't 100% sold yet.

Keep in mind, this is project is UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Don't mind the mess, the toys are there to entertain my 2 year old while I work.

Proxima Ultralight x350 from eBay for $180
Old shower curtain for a screen $0
L Bracket from hardware store for $6
T bracket bent to fit bottom of PJ, $3
Misc nuts and bolts $2
sound system $0 from friend







I had to hang it a bit lower than i'd like to get it under the ducting for the HVAC. I could move it to the other side of the HVAC duct but that severely shrinks the screen size. When I was testing it out, I was around 96" diagonal for a screen. I haven't seen what the final size is after hard mounting yet though.

All of this is going to be temporary until we decide if this is where we want it mounted for good.

 

[nsafreak]

For such a low budget that's not bad at all. The aspect ratio on the projector would probably bug me a bit (I'm too used to 16:9) but specwise it's not too bad. The only thing that I would see if you could fix is somekind of better homemade screen. The wrinkles in the shower screen would drive me batty. Otherwise not too bad of a start.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

haha. Old shower curtain! Great thinking, although maybe you could get at least a run of fabric or something from walmart. Unless the shower curtain works great.

 

[mshan]

Saw this DIY screen on another forum: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=77097.0

These are supposed to be same screens Monoprice sells, but with free shipping (also available via Amazon): http://www.favientertainment.com/Projector_Screen_s/4.htm

I believe Elite screens are supposed to be better quality budget option, but are more expensive.





edit: another cheap option might be to search for the pull down non-widescreen screens teachers use in classrooms.

 

[Gillbot]

For such a low budget that's not bad at all. The aspect ratio on the projector would probably bug me a bit (I'm too used to 16:9) but specwise it's not too bad. The only thing that I would see if you could fix is somekind of better homemade screen. The wrinkles in the shower screen would drive me batty. Otherwise not too bad of a start.

I wanted at least 720p widescreen with component and/or hdmi but for the price, I settled. The screen was hastily tossed up, it will be replaced or fixed eventually.

haha. Old shower curtain! Great thinking, although maybe you could get at least a run of fabric or something from walmart. Unless the shower curtain works great.

it actually works VERY well when I compared it to the blackout fabric typically suggested.

Saw this DIY screen on another forum: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=77097.0

These are supposed to be same screens Monoprice sells, but with free shipping (also available via Amazon): http://www.favientertainment.com/Projector_Screen_s/4.htm

I believe Elite screens are supposed to be better quality budget option, but are more expensive.





edit: another cheap option might be to search for the pull down non-widescreen screens teachers use in classrooms.

I'll probably replace it with a pulldown and change the location but we haven't decided yet. As i said, we're just playing right now.

EDIT: we tried it on our bay window pulldown blind and that would make a good pulldown screen too but the cost is much more than the shower curtain.

 

[Gillbot]

Latest progress:

Media Player mounted:


Wiring Job:


Audio System:


In Action:






Entertaining my little poo butt:


UH OH, Busted!


Yes, all of this to let her watch cartoons and such. WELL worth it IMHO, look at that face!

 

[simonizor]

Great setup for less than $200. The shower curtain seems to work pretty well, and the wrinkles seem like they're pretty much invisible when you've got an image projected on to it.

 

[Gillbot]

Great setup for less than $200. The shower curtain seems to work pretty well, and the wrinkles seem like they're pretty much invisible when you've got an image projected on to it.

Yeah, you can't see them for the most part. I haven't really even tried stretching it either. It needs hung up and edged properly, but much of this was done hastily just to see if it would work. After I get it going and am confident in it, I may spend a little more money and set it up properly. Frame the screen in and stretch it better, hide the wiring above the ceiling tiles and use proper wall plates, etc.

 

[Gillbot]

Well, the wife reclaimed her shower curtain so I went to walmart and grabbed a 74" roll up blind. We are reorganizing the basement room so i'll post new pics when I get everything updated.