Ceiling drywall is mudded, but will require more attention as it was my first attempt. No pics of that yet. 2nd attempt on riser construction yielded far better results from the ButtKicker unit.

Here is a link to my album for some progress pictures. Walls will be painted the same color as was test painted before- navy-ish/dark blue. Contemplating having the ceiling the same color with a complimentary color(tan/sand) for crown moulding/baseboards. Sound panels, when finally installed, will probably be of the same basic color. Not sure what carpet color we'll be using, but it's sure to be in the brown group- most likely a light tan.

Here's one pic of the tv and fireplace mocked up:



Center channel will be semi-flushed in above the monitor. I hope to have that framed in today as well as starting the a/v equipment inset on the left of the fireplace. Components will be recessed but the back will be open to allow plenty of ventilation. On the opposing side, I hope to be able to construct a slide-out cabinet for dvd storage. Both sides(a/v rack and dvd drawer) will be concealed with a speaker grille type frame and cloth mounted on hidden hinges. Should look sleek if it is completed as I see it in my mind.

That's a big "IF!"

 

lookin good skip

 

pioneer elite unit, pretty solid. i have installed many of them over past 4 years. looks good, if you need a hand ever just let me know.

 

very nice.
what kind of display is that?

 

Looking good skip. Does that fireplace actually put off any heat?

 

Only if you are proficient with taping/mudding drywall!

Rick, Pioneer Elite 50"(PRO1130HD). The speakers that come with it are mounted on the sides. I went ahead and left them attached despite the very low chance that they will ever be used. It was a "just in case" deal. L/R speakers will be mounted on the wall at screen heighth. I can't afford "good" in-wall fronts. I think I remember them to start at ~ $550/each. Right now is not the time to go completely in debt. I'm close... but not here yet.

 

Where did you end up getting it and if you don't mind, at what price. I know what retail is on that.

 

Local Tweeter(2.5 miles from house) for a price of $5500(MSRP $6500) and the mount for $150($200). Then I received 5% off of that total before tax was applied. One year interest deferred. At the end of that year, I'll roll it over to a lower interest card.

The only haggling I did was for the price of the mount. I found it online and they matched it. Pioneer does not authorize their Elite series to be sold online. They(Tweeter) currently have a Pio 42" for $2499 on their website. Same polycarbonate front as the Elite. I've recommended this one for my asst. mgr.

Tep, if you plan on gaming a ton, I would not recommend a plasma. Great strides have been made to reduce burn-in, however, it can occur. We played about 8 hrs of NFS:MW-BE without watching some other material and have visible ghosting where the speedo gauge was. It'll go away, but still unnerving at the purchase price.

 

Yikes, yea that would be unnerving. I'll probably go with the DLP Samsung HLR 61" or the new Sony XBR Sxrd 60".

 

Originally, I thought going from a 53" HDTV to 50" was going to be a bad idea, but I'm pleasantly suprised. A 60" would have left me very little room on ether side for speakers.

If you want my opinion of both of those sets, I'll convey them over the phone. I did a ton of research before making a final decision. I ended up going $2500 over budget just on the set.