Simulator/home theater in Jacksonville, FL

[Jaxpaj]

We are building a new home and I have a room 15' 7"X 20' 6". Is there anyway to make the room convert into a home theater or is the room too small? Have others done this? I have read through the forums and it seems to be a consensus that a person should try out different simulators before purchasing and Protee appears to be a board favorite. I have no idea where in NE FL I can go.

I wish I could hire someone like Bubba22 to purchase and install for me. From reading the forum it sounds like you can save thousands of dollars and get a great simulator. Any and all suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. This entire project seems overwhelming unless you just throw a ton of money at it.


Thanks

[Bubba22]

Would love to come help you install. Most things can be sourced cheaply here. Look at Par2Pro (Cory), golfsimulator guys and custom design golf for stuff like impact screen, mat, enclosure etc.

[Jaxpaj]

What are your thoughts on a budget for a finished room? With the room demensions would there be space for spectators/recliners?

[Bubba22]

Depends on how fancy you go. You will have some room for spectators depending on the room layout. I would suggest you get a good impact screen and high end computer. Don't go cheap on that stuff. Cklguy 2013 did a recent install, perhaps he or anyone else can jump in here.

[Jaxpaj]

We are looking for a nice finished product. I am mainly interested in accurate feedback/practice. Here are some ideas of what I would love to get. My biggest concerns are installation and getting as good of a deal as possible on the components so I can stretch the $$.

[Bubba22]

You can certainly save money and do it yourself if your handy. Hiring a contractor would also be a good idea.

[mthunt]

You left out the most important thing. The ceiling hight. Your other dimensions are fine.

Here's some costs:
-Launch monitor or Protee $5-10k
-hitting surface 1-2k
-computer 1k
-software 2k
-screen 1k
-projector 1k
-wall padding or carpet 1k
-misc (wires ect) 1k
-construction - sky is the limit

I built a very high end set up doing everything myself. That's what I spent.

[keither5150]

I built my own Sim/Home Theatre room. I raised the floor 2.2 inches to match the height of my golf mat. The furniture is on wheels so it can be easily moved around. My room is 15x30. Home theatre screen is mounted out of sight between the main floor joists. The golf screen is hung on hooks 16 inches ahead of the wall unit. Protective curtains on tracks hide away behind the 8 foot doors in the wall unit. It takes about 15 min to switch from movies to golf. Padded ceiling consists of 1/2 4'x3' panels covered in 10lb carpet underlay, covered by heavy black fabric. So far it has proven very durable. Panels can be removed if needed. Have fun!

[Jaxpaj]

What ceiling height is optimal? We have been talking about 10-12ft and the possibility of a vaulted ceiling.

[Jaxpaj]

keither,

Do you have 2 screens, one for the theater and another for sim? I have heard you need a couple of feet between the screen and objects behind, is that always the case?

[keither5150]

Yes, I have 120 inch for home theatre. and 13'x9' for golf. I just measured between the golf screen and the wall unit, I have 20 inches. I also have foam wedges wrapped in heavy fabric directly in front of the hooks. Ceiling height.... more is better.

[Bubba22]

What ceiling height is optimal? We have been talking about 10-12ft and the possibility of a vaulted ceiling.

Go as high as you can. If you can do 12 then do it.

[TaS]

I have 10.5 and I'm 100% comfortable (6'4" tall).

[Ronsc1985]

Try contacting.


Tim Polce / PGA Professional
Florida Certified Building Contractor
License #CBC1258850
Gopher Birdie Incorporated
7051 Whitney Ashton Lane
Zephyrhills Florida 33544
813-997-PUTT (7888)
timpolce@pga.com
www.gopherbirdie.com

I purchased my used GC2 system from him and he was very helpful and completely honest.

[Jaxon]

keither5150 do you have two projectors (one for the theatre, one for sim) for the different screen positions?

[keither5150]

I thought of doing that. Short throw is better for golf. I bought the best one within my budget for movies. Then I designed the room to make it work. I am hitting 12 feet away from the screen as a result. If money were no object, I would have 2 projectors.

[keither5150]

It only takes a few seconds to change screen positions.... I have the settings saved in the projectors memory.

[Jaxon]

Thats keither5150 your set up looks good.

I am playing with the idea of having a multi functional room for a sim and a media room. Do you mind me asking what projector you have?

[keither5150]

I have a Panasonic PT-AE4000 series, I bought it about 4 years ago. It is more suited for movies than golf. High contrast ratio= good for movies whereas brightness and short throw is better for golf.