Thanks. I use my ATV mainly for music and photos but am curious what surfing the web (on rare occasions) on the ATV would be like. Maybe Apple will move the ATV from a hobby to a serious media hub in the near future.
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Post your home theater setup
- Thread starter Cave Man
- Start date
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Pioneer PDP5070HD 50" plasma, Yamaha HTR-6090 AVR, Yamaha DVD player (never use it now that I have the Apple TV), Oppo HDMI switch, Apple TV, Comcast HD STB, Slingbox AV, Harmony One remote, Infinity TSS-4000 L/R/C and sub, and TSS-1100 surrounds. The Apple TV is supported by an HP EX490 server with 6TB of internal disk and an upgraded CPU (Intel 2.8GHz E6300) running an iTunes 9.02 client. The Slingbox and Apple TV are hardwired to gigabit ethernet drops.
Video Equipment
Samsung HL-67A750 67" 1080p DLP
DirecTV HR21-700 HD DVR + 1 TB WD ext. drive
Apple TV 160GB
Sony Playstation Slim 120 GB
MS Xbox 360 Elite
Nintendo Wii
Audio Equipment
Arcam DiVA AVR300 7.1 Receiver (DD EX, PLIIx; DTS ES, 96/24; used as a pre/pro, except for rear channels w/120 WPC @ 4 ohms)
Arcam Alpha 10P/3 Power Amp (3 x 170 WPC @ 4 ohms)
Arcam Alpha 9P Power Amp (2 x 140 WPC @ 4 ohms)
Speakers
Front L/R: Dynaudio Audience 72
Center: Dynaudio Audience 122C
Surround Side L/R: Dynaudio Audience 52SE
Surround Rear L/R: Dynaudio Audience 62
Sub: Dynaudio Sub500 (250 W)
Harmony One remote with PS3 Adapter
Samsung HL-67A750 67" 1080p DLP
DirecTV HR21-700 HD DVR + 1 TB WD ext. drive
Apple TV 160GB
Sony Playstation Slim 120 GB
MS Xbox 360 Elite
Nintendo Wii
Audio Equipment
Arcam DiVA AVR300 7.1 Receiver (DD EX, PLIIx; DTS ES, 96/24; used as a pre/pro, except for rear channels w/120 WPC @ 4 ohms)
Arcam Alpha 10P/3 Power Amp (3 x 170 WPC @ 4 ohms)
Arcam Alpha 9P Power Amp (2 x 140 WPC @ 4 ohms)
Speakers
Front L/R: Dynaudio Audience 72
Center: Dynaudio Audience 122C
Surround Side L/R: Dynaudio Audience 52SE
Surround Rear L/R: Dynaudio Audience 62
Sub: Dynaudio Sub500 (250 W)
Harmony One remote with PS3 Adapter
My Setup, no "home cinema" more like some entertainment stations through the house:
Living Room:
LED TV: 40" Samsung LE-40A789
Streaming Client: Popcornhour A110
BluRay
laystation 3 Slim
SatPVR: Dreambox 8000 HD SatPVR
AV Receiver: Sherwood 5.1
Speakers: 2 x Heco Victa 500 + Subwoofer + Frontspeaker
Remote: Harmony One + PS3 Harmony Adapter
Bedroom:
LCD TV: 22" Samsung 225MW
SatPVR: Dreambox 7000 SatPVR
"Office" (more like: My Playground):
LCD TV: 32" Sony Bravia V4000
SatPVR: Dreambox 800 HD SatPVR
Streaming Client: Popcornhour A100
Game: Playstation 3 Fat 80GB
Streaming clients are connected to a Synology 509+ with a 7,3 TB Raid 5 volume (5 x 2 TB Western Digital green Harddrives) over Gigabitethernet. Sometimes i use the Mac mini to transcode/stream podcasts to the PS3.
Living Room:
LED TV: 40" Samsung LE-40A789
Streaming Client: Popcornhour A110
BluRay
laystation 3 SlimSatPVR: Dreambox 8000 HD SatPVR
AV Receiver: Sherwood 5.1
Speakers: 2 x Heco Victa 500 + Subwoofer + Frontspeaker
Remote: Harmony One + PS3 Harmony Adapter
Bedroom:
LCD TV: 22" Samsung 225MW
SatPVR: Dreambox 7000 SatPVR
"Office" (more like: My Playground):
LCD TV: 32" Sony Bravia V4000
SatPVR: Dreambox 800 HD SatPVR
Streaming Client: Popcornhour A100
Game: Playstation 3 Fat 80GB
Streaming clients are connected to a Synology 509+ with a 7,3 TB Raid 5 volume (5 x 2 TB Western Digital green Harddrives) over Gigabitethernet. Sometimes i use the Mac mini to transcode/stream podcasts to the PS3.
Samsung 40" LCD 1080P HDTV Model LNT-4066F
late 2009 Mac Mini base model - Plex, EyeTV 3.3, ESPN360 (godsend)
EyeTV hybrid 2009
Audioengine A5 speakers
Seagate 1TB external- for all media
G-Tech G Drive 500 GB - backup for all personal media
Dinovo Edge Keyboard
Apple Remote
So I finally went the Mac Mini HTPC route and it's really sweet. I was able to cut $100 a month from my cable bill. I kept the basic channels so I wouldn't need an antenna and I still get RoadRunner through TWC. Thru a family members account and at the guidance of an ESPN rep, I get access to ESPN360 even though TWC isn't one of the providers. It's what made the switch possible... well, that and the HGTV Plex plugin for the wife.
The whole setup can be controlled mostly by the Apple Remote. It's taking a bit to get used to, but we're getting the hang of it. Got the Dinovo Edge Mac Edition but the battery was shot. Tried to replace it through Logitech, but it's discontinued, so I got the Windows version instead. Plan on getting iPhones later this year, too, so I'm seeing those as the missing link for complete one device control.
All my media is on the Seagate External by FW800. I've only got my OS and Applications on my internal. Both are plenty fast for what I need right now. I'm backing up the most important stuff: photos, movies, and music on a spare 500GB drive I already had. Everything else could easily be replaced in the event of a crash.
That's it. Thanks for all the posts and help I've gotten to get this up and running!
late 2009 Mac Mini base model - Plex, EyeTV 3.3, ESPN360 (godsend)
EyeTV hybrid 2009
Audioengine A5 speakers
Seagate 1TB external- for all media
G-Tech G Drive 500 GB - backup for all personal media
Dinovo Edge Keyboard
Apple Remote
So I finally went the Mac Mini HTPC route and it's really sweet. I was able to cut $100 a month from my cable bill. I kept the basic channels so I wouldn't need an antenna and I still get RoadRunner through TWC. Thru a family members account and at the guidance of an ESPN rep, I get access to ESPN360 even though TWC isn't one of the providers. It's what made the switch possible... well, that and the HGTV Plex plugin for the wife.
The whole setup can be controlled mostly by the Apple Remote. It's taking a bit to get used to, but we're getting the hang of it. Got the Dinovo Edge Mac Edition but the battery was shot. Tried to replace it through Logitech, but it's discontinued, so I got the Windows version instead. Plan on getting iPhones later this year, too, so I'm seeing those as the missing link for complete one device control.
All my media is on the Seagate External by FW800. I've only got my OS and Applications on my internal. Both are plenty fast for what I need right now. I'm backing up the most important stuff: photos, movies, and music on a spare 500GB drive I already had. Everything else could easily be replaced in the event of a crash.
That's it. Thanks for all the posts and help I've gotten to get this up and running!
pardon the mess we just built the wall for the tv and I havent really had time to clean everything up. plus the flash shows all the wires more then you can see them normally. when your standing infront of the setup all you can see is the devices its all dark behind them so you cant see the wires.
58" Samsung B860 Plasma
Apple TV w/ 320gb external HD
Playstation 3
Xbox 360
Wii
Slingbox Solo
Verizon Fios HD DVR
Denon AVR w. All Bose speakers
Klipsch 8" Powered sub
58" Samsung B860 Plasma
Apple TV w/ 320gb external HD
Playstation 3
Xbox 360
Wii
Slingbox Solo
Verizon Fios HD DVR
Denon AVR w. All Bose speakers
Klipsch 8" Powered sub
Mac Mini
Yamaha RX-V665 A/V Receiver
Classic xBox running XBMC, converter for connection via HDMI to Receiver
Mac Mini running Plex 0.8.5, Linkyo converter for HDMI to receiver
All media streamed via PowerLine 200mbps adapters from D-Link DNS-323 with two 1TB Western Digital green HDs
(planning to upgrade NAS server to Intel Entry Storage System SS4200-E NAS based upon thread on MacRumors Forums started by pastrychef)
Vizio 37" 720p LCD HDTV
Panasonic dual DVD/VHS connected to receiver via optical audio / component video
TiVo Series 2 connected to receiver via composite Video/Audio (Red White Yellow...)
Onkyo subwoofer, main, front and surround speakers (wired)
Main system controlled without difficulty by Logitech Harmony One remote, although Snatch Remote for iPhone/iPod Touch functions perfectly with Plex
Separate setup in basement with another classic xBox running XBMC, generic 29" Daewoo TV (circa 2001), with media streamed from DNS-323 via PowerLine 200mbps adapter
XBMC is fantastic, but in my assessment Plex blows XBMC away for use on a Mac system.
Yamaha RX-V665 A/V Receiver
Classic xBox running XBMC, converter for connection via HDMI to Receiver
Mac Mini running Plex 0.8.5, Linkyo converter for HDMI to receiver
All media streamed via PowerLine 200mbps adapters from D-Link DNS-323 with two 1TB Western Digital green HDs
(planning to upgrade NAS server to Intel Entry Storage System SS4200-E NAS based upon thread on MacRumors Forums started by pastrychef)
Vizio 37" 720p LCD HDTV
Panasonic dual DVD/VHS connected to receiver via optical audio / component video
TiVo Series 2 connected to receiver via composite Video/Audio (Red White Yellow...)
Onkyo subwoofer, main, front and surround speakers (wired)
Main system controlled without difficulty by Logitech Harmony One remote, although Snatch Remote for iPhone/iPod Touch functions perfectly with Plex
Separate setup in basement with another classic xBox running XBMC, generic 29" Daewoo TV (circa 2001), with media streamed from DNS-323 via PowerLine 200mbps adapter
XBMC is fantastic, but in my assessment Plex blows XBMC away for use on a Mac system.
main room
42 inch vizo lcd wall mounted with all Boston speakers and sub. kenwood reciver and a blueray player.
man town
42 inch toshiba lcd with hd dvd player.
bedroom
48 inch mitishubi rear projection 720 p with hd dvd player yamaha reciver with cambridge sound rears and center and snell acoustic tower and veledone 8in with a 10 passive sub
all on comcast hd and a wii on all tv
42 inch vizo lcd wall mounted with all Boston speakers and sub. kenwood reciver and a blueray player.
man town
42 inch toshiba lcd with hd dvd player.
bedroom
48 inch mitishubi rear projection 720 p
with hd dvd player yamaha reciver with cambridge sound rears and center and snell acoustic tower and veledone 8in with a 10 passive sub all on comcast hd and a wii on all tv
I just sold my house where I lovingly installed integrated wiring and built-in surround sound in the living room and the office/man cave. Now my Harman Kardon DPR 2005 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Digital Path Audio/Video Receiver is gathering dust in the garage and I'm starting all over.
The same set-up is in both the Living room and the Family room:
Panasonic TH - 50PZ85U - 50" plasma TV - 1080p
AppleTV
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR HR23 HD DVR
In the bedroom:
Sony 50" Plasma KDE-50XBR950
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR HR23 HD DVR
Slingbox Solo
In the boys' room:
TC32LZ800
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR HR23 HD DVR
AppleTV
In the Office / Man Cave:
iMac i5 27"
2TB WD MyBook Mirror Edition (x2)
1TB Time Capsule
External LG HD-DVD BluRay Player HL-DT-ST BDDVDRW GGC-H20L
SlingPlayer for TV from the bedroom
Plex for most everything plus 1080p MKV
Front Row for iTunes Store content
Soundsticks for stereo audio :-(
As you can see, disks are history. Every disk immediately gets ripped to a hard drive then the disk gets stored away in the garage. All movies are streamed from the iMac's external hard drives to the AppleTVs. I really miss somewhere to watch a good ground thumping surround sound action movie, but the kids are at an age that I would need a separate home theater and I just do not have the space.
The same set-up is in both the Living room and the Family room:
Panasonic TH - 50PZ85U - 50" plasma TV - 1080p
AppleTV
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR HR23 HD DVR
In the bedroom:
Sony 50" Plasma KDE-50XBR950
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR HR23 HD DVR
Slingbox Solo
In the boys' room:
TC32LZ800
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR HR23 HD DVR
AppleTV
In the Office / Man Cave:
iMac i5 27"
2TB WD MyBook Mirror Edition (x2)
1TB Time Capsule
External LG HD-DVD BluRay Player HL-DT-ST BDDVDRW GGC-H20L
SlingPlayer for TV from the bedroom
Plex for most everything plus 1080p MKV
Front Row for iTunes Store content
Soundsticks for stereo audio :-(
As you can see, disks are history. Every disk immediately gets ripped to a hard drive then the disk gets stored away in the garage. All movies are streamed from the iMac's external hard drives to the AppleTVs. I really miss somewhere to watch a good ground thumping surround sound action movie, but the kids are at an age that I would need a separate home theater and I just do not have the space.
You know the Harmony One can be programmed to control Plex as well? It takes a little work but once set up properly, it works great. I only have to bust out my iPhone if I need to enter anything via keyboard.
I did, although I wasn't clear in my post. I use the Harmony One exclusively for all TV/TiVo/Receiver/Plex functions - the iPhone/iTouch Snatch remote was only for controlling Plex before I bought the Harmony One. There are some nice remotes from Snatch for controlling iTunes, Safari, and the trackpad is helpful for Mac functions, but for Plex, the Harmony can't be beat.
Here's my main viewing area:
Processing & Power:
Pre-amp/Processor: Anthem AVM-50 w/ Anthem Room Correction upgrade
Amplifier: B&K Components Reference 200.5
Video:
Projector: Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Screen: Carada Criterion 100" 16:9 BW (1.4 gain)
Speakers:
Main Speakers: Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.5 (rosenut)
Rear Speakers: Paradigm Reference Studio Esprit v.4 (rosenut)
Center Speaker: Paradigm reference Studio CC-690 v.5 (rosenut)
Subwoofer: (2) JL Audio Fathom f113 (gloss black)
Source Devices:
Blu-ray Player: Sony PS3
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A30
Media Manager: Escient MX-531
DVD/SACD Changer: Sony DVP-CX777ES
Sat HD/DVR: DirecTV HR-20 Video
Game System: Microsoft XBox 360; Sony PS3
Power Management:
PS Audio Power Director 4.7
Component Cabinet:
BDI Avion 8529
Other:
Remote - Harmony ONE
Video Distribution - Slingbox Pro-HD
iTunes Access: AppleTV
Black MacBook (2008)
AirPort Extreme
Pictures:
Processing & Power:
Pre-amp/Processor: Anthem AVM-50 w/ Anthem Room Correction upgrade
Amplifier: B&K Components Reference 200.5
Video:
Projector: Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Screen: Carada Criterion 100" 16:9 BW (1.4 gain)
Speakers:
Main Speakers: Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.5 (rosenut)
Rear Speakers: Paradigm Reference Studio Esprit v.4 (rosenut)
Center Speaker: Paradigm reference Studio CC-690 v.5 (rosenut)
Subwoofer: (2) JL Audio Fathom f113 (gloss black)
Source Devices:
Blu-ray Player: Sony PS3
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A30
Media Manager: Escient MX-531
DVD/SACD Changer: Sony DVP-CX777ES
Sat HD/DVR: DirecTV HR-20 Video
Game System: Microsoft XBox 360; Sony PS3
Power Management:
PS Audio Power Director 4.7
Component Cabinet:
BDI Avion 8529
Other:
Remote - Harmony ONE
Video Distribution - Slingbox Pro-HD
iTunes Access: AppleTV
Black MacBook (2008)
AirPort Extreme
Pictures:
Nice setup! I'm thinking of going with some paradigm's myself for my future setup. Probably monitor 7's or 9's though.
Questions:
Your room seems pretty bright. Do you have some strong shades on those windows for the projector? They look like light blocking shades... How does the projector function with the shades open?
Does the sound just blow you away?! I suppose though if you went with the paradigm's, you're shooting for quality over quantity of sound. But wow!
Thanks. We keep the blinds closed when viewing the projector during the days and yes, they are blackout shades. There is still ambient light coming from the kitchen/sliding glass patio door, but the projector is planty bright enough to project a viewable image without having to put it in "torch mode". Obviously, night time viewing is ideal.
Yes, the sound does have a lot of impact. The 2 JL Audio subs play a big part in that.
PLease help
I've seen you have POA 2800 amp
Im stock with set up my system
I have avr 789 and cant figure volume control to use both units together
THank you
I've seen you have POA 2800 amp
Im stock with set up my system
I have avr 789 and cant figure volume control to use both units together
THank you
Here you go.
Home Theater Equipment List:
Denon AVR 3808CI
Denon POA-2800 powering the Fronts
Monitor Audio S6's Fronts
Monitor Audio SLCR Center
Niles PR-6 In-Wall surround speakers
SVS PB12-ISD Subwoofer
Panasonic 58" 1080P Plasma
Sony N460 BD DVD Player
DirecTV HD DVR HR20-100 W/750 GB HD
AppleTV Digital Media Player Networked to an iMac
Nintendo Wii
Panamax 5400-EX Power Conditioner
Home Theater Master MX 500 Remote
Niles OS-10 Patio Speakers
Bluejeans Cable (Belden): HDMI and Interconnects
Belden 12 ga. DIY Speaker Cables
Salamander Synergy A/V Cabinet
Use an interconnect from the L and R preouts on the AVR into the L and R inputs on the amp. The AVR will control the volume on the amp with the volume control.
Major update since my original post back when the thread started ...
Sony XBR 55HX929 TV
Sony BDP 790 blu-ray player
Denon 4311 AVR with Audyssey Pro calibration
ATV3 (fed from Mac Mini and QNAP 10 TB NAS)
Tivo for OTA with antenna
B&W DM604 S1 front speakers
B&W DM601 S1 surround speakers
B&W CM C1 center (the old and new 600 series centers sound terrible to me)
Hsu VTF-15H subwoofer
I have considered updating the L/R & surround speakers to either CM9/CM3 or 683/685 with Crown XLS amps, but haven't convinced myself to spend the cash.
Sony XBR 55HX929 TV
Sony BDP 790 blu-ray player
Denon 4311 AVR with Audyssey Pro calibration
ATV3 (fed from Mac Mini and QNAP 10 TB NAS)
Tivo for OTA with antenna
B&W DM604 S1 front speakers
B&W DM601 S1 surround speakers
B&W CM C1 center (the old and new 600 series centers sound terrible to me)
Hsu VTF-15H subwoofer
I have considered updating the L/R & surround speakers to either CM9/CM3 or 683/685 with Crown XLS amps, but haven't convinced myself to spend the cash.
WOW amazing setup guys. Would be better if you guys posted pictures like the other guys to see how you have it setup.
I'll be adding mine this weekend new tv comes in today! I am like a little kid at the candy store waiting for bestbuy to come in! sucks I have to wait till i get out of work!
I'll be adding mine this weekend new tv comes in today! I am like a little kid at the candy store waiting for bestbuy to come in! sucks I have to wait till i get out of work!
I am going to be a little short on specifics, not being home, but here goes:
60" Pioneer Plasma Monitor
32" Vizio LCD Monitor
Mac Pro 3,1
Klipsch center channel, sub-woofer, side and rear channel speakers
JBL L-90s left and right front speakers
Pioneer 7,1 receiver
Mac Pro is connected to receiver through HDMI and TosLink cables
plus assorted external drives, playstations, power scrubber, and other home electronics stuff
60" Pioneer Plasma Monitor
32" Vizio LCD Monitor
Mac Pro 3,1
Klipsch center channel, sub-woofer, side and rear channel speakers
JBL L-90s left and right front speakers
Pioneer 7,1 receiver
Mac Pro is connected to receiver through HDMI and TosLink cables
plus assorted external drives, playstations, power scrubber, and other home electronics stuff
Mac Mini - both Plex and XBMC + external Blu-ray burner
WD 7 port router (cabled all devices other than iPhone/iPad/printer)
Marantz NR1602 AVR
Oppo BDP103 Blu-ray player
TiVo 3
QNAP NAS 559pro and 469L (approx 17.75 tb of storage for media)
Panasonic VT50 65" plasma television
3 Goldenear AON 3 speakers for Left, Right and Center speakers (getting rear/surround speakers later)
Original remotes, Harmony One Remote, iPhone app remotes including Roomie.
3 AVR rated battery backup units - 900 to 1500.
Retired - Pioneer Kuro 50" Plasma, 2 AE routers, Dune Base 3, ATV3 (all but the TV given away as the TV was damaged during a move and was too expensive to repair).
btw, Caveman, nice to see you here! Last posts I have seen have been on Plex forums long ways back.
WD 7 port router (cabled all devices other than iPhone/iPad/printer)
Marantz NR1602 AVR
Oppo BDP103 Blu-ray player
TiVo 3
QNAP NAS 559pro and 469L (approx 17.75 tb of storage for media)
Panasonic VT50 65" plasma television
3 Goldenear AON 3 speakers for Left, Right and Center speakers (getting rear/surround speakers later)
Original remotes, Harmony One Remote, iPhone app remotes including Roomie.
3 AVR rated battery backup units - 900 to 1500.
Retired - Pioneer Kuro 50" Plasma, 2 AE routers, Dune Base 3, ATV3 (all but the TV given away as the TV was damaged during a move and was too expensive to repair).
btw, Caveman, nice to see you here! Last posts I have seen have been on Plex forums long ways back.
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We live small, yet are big movie fans and music listeners. Tiny but effective:
Hardware- MacMini 2009 retrofitted with BR player and 750Gb Scorpio Black
- D-Link DGS-108 to handle all the data in the house (gigabit switch). No Wifi in here. I can transfer 10Gb MKV's in 4 minutes between any computer.
- Acer AL2723W: I wanted a small PVA or IPS 1920x1200 screen (I want my subs outside the movie) that handles 23.976, 50 and 60 Hz, well this one does all! Removed the plastic though: it was ugly. Now it is a nice minimalist metal framed display. Like those embedded LCD monitors.
- Sony DVP-NS 930V SACD/DVD player (only for SACD/CD)
- Onkyo TX-SR701 receiver: It only runs on optical in or on 5 channel in for SACD, no use for all the video switching, but it still does a fine job in decoding DTS/DD
- Canton Karat 5.0 speakers. The woofers in the 2 main speakers are so big, I don't want a sub with it. I'm not interested in sub-sound anyway, they don't use it in the movies I like. Huge center speaker though: most important
- Equinux Tubestick for DVB-T free-to-air reception.
Software: - Snow Lopy
- Firefox: All TV-shows over IP-tv (Dutch channels are free to view live), DVB-T stick as backup for the free-to-air channels. We have no interest in series or commercial TV stations. We're movie aficionados and watch an occasional public TV show.
- XBMC
- uTorrent
- The Tube (DVB-T watching and time-shift)
- A lot of ripped kiddo DVD's to watch them on demand (and keep the kids away from the endless commercial-injected live streams)
- Lots of rented Blu-Rays and DVD's. Yes we still have a very high quality and cheap video store around the corner.
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