Misc Basement A/V Projects

[Peter Loeser]

Hey guys - been meaning to share a few little projects I did a while back. We have lots of usable living space in our basement, which will eventually be finished. In the meantime we've been using it as a hangout/play area for the kids. Ultimately we'll have a play area, seating/bar area, movie theater, full bath, and guest bedroom. As a result of moving around the same time as several other family members, we accumulated a bunch of TVs, receivers, etc. so I decided to make use of them in the main open area of the basement. Here's the kids area initially and then after building a shelf into the wall and cleaning up some wiring. It's a 60" LG Plasma TV, Yamaha AVR (hidden), Definitive Mythos passive soundbar, Atlantic Technology 12" sealed sub, with an Xbox One as the source. The Xbox is set up to power on/off the TV and receiver so it's very user friendly. It gets a good bit of use, particularly in colder months. When we get to the next phase of finishing the space I'll add some in-wall/ceiling speakers to round out a simple surround system. Still needs some paint and trim but you get the idea. Lighting will be updated when the ceiling goes up.

 

[Peter Loeser]

This space is around the corner from, and an extension of the family/play area. It will eventually get some base cabinets, sink and probably a game/dining table of some sort. My goal here is to have an extra TV for time like March Madness, Olympics, Super Bowl, etc when we might have a group of friends with kids over and watching multiple events, playing games, etc. It also would make it comfortable for dads and kids to hang out downstairs while the moms attempt to enjoy a few moments of peace (aka The Bachelorette and margaritas). Anyway, it's another 60" LG Plasma, a Niles in-wall powered soundbar, and at the moment just an older Apple TV for netflix. Will probably update it to a new Apple TV depending on how much use it gets once the bar area is more functional. The Niles soundbar installation required a bit of head scratching initially, but once I figured out the mounting system it's quite simple and clever. Everything nests nicely between the studs, including the power supply, so you only end up with low voltage wiring in the wall. It sounds good enough for what we'll use it for. Eventually I'd like to configure the main basement area for music, ie "Alexa play Christmas music in the family room" or something along those lines. My goal with all of our AV setups is to keep all the electronics and wiring out of sight. Hence the in-wall subs, soundbars, etc being a common theme. I will likely eventually do an in-wall sub for the setup in the first post as well. I know it doesn't improve performance but there's something really satisfying to me about getting very good quality sound from a stealth installation.

 

[Peter Loeser]

Bonus behind the scenes of the flush shelf installation. It protrudes into a big closet under the staircase. The kids got to play with tools and make a mess

 

[phillihp23]

Good ideas. Always best to get these kind of projects finished before you paint it all up and move furniture in.

 

[Tony V.]

This is a great use of space! Love the in wall soundbar and movie cubby.

 

[Sonnie]

I can see you are having fun with the kids there... no wonder you have been so busy.