Above is an older front photo of my home theater, and I need to post up new photos. My living room is set up differently now, with a Panasonic TC-P50VT20 plasma TV, and Panasonic DMP-BDT300 Blu-ray player. Overall, the remainder of my setup is a combination of mainly mid-level components, upgraded and done as tastefully as I could afford since it all began for me in 1996. There's a little of the old and a little of the new, and it's been fun and educational. Of course, I also look forward to continuing the process!

Most photos in this gallery were taken with my Canon PowerShot SD1000 point-and-shoot digital camera, and a few with a Sony DSC-H5 digital SLR camera. My Canon camera tends to push red a bit on the screenshot images taken with it.

Television shown is Sony KDL-40XBR4 (40", 1080p, 120Hz, 10-bit LCD panel). I have done some personal calibration on the TV, along with one service menu tweak, and the resulting picture quality is very good. I have retired this TV to my bedroom, having replaced it with the Panasonic VT20, which is 3D-ready and offers superior motion-resolution and deeper black levels. The VT20 is networked via ethernet to my home network, and my BDT300 BD player is connected via Wireless N.

Front main speakers are Polk Audio T90e tower units. Center channel is a Polk Audio CS2, angled up a few degrees to focus its dispersion better. Stand is a glass three-shelf system with black powder-coated frame and cable organizer along back spine.

Audio is processed and amplified by a Pioneer Elite SC-05 receiver. I have been immensely impressed with this receiver, which uses Class D amplification and allows for quite a few user-adjustable parameters for sound shaping and room calibration. Of course, it decodes both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and I am set up for 7.1 channel audio. A few more details on the receiver are mentioned a couple photos down.

Blu-ray player shown is a Sony BDP-S350, which now resides in my son's bedroom. I have kept up with the player's firmware, and overall, it has been a tried and true, problem-free performer. BD-Live worked perfectly on it (not currently networked in my son's bedroom), and not one disc ever had a problem playing on it.

In between my original Sony BDP-S350 and the Panasonic DMP-BDT300 Blu-ray players, I also picked up the Sony BDP-S570, and have been very happy with it! The Sony S570 is now situated in my bedroom, along with my Sony XBR4 TV. It is networked via Wireless N, and its disc loading times are truly remarkable. Both the Sony S570 and Panasonic BDT300 players are 3D-ready.

All HDMI cabling is by Philips. Nothing special, but the wires do have an attractive build to them.

My longtime vinyl friend, the Technics SL-5 linear tracking turntable is seen in this photo, to the right of the TV (closeup photo and details further below). I decided that I wanted to make vinyl playback a permanant part of my home theater.

As you probably already know, "Cars" is the movie which is playing on this photo, and the next one.

Here's a view of the basic room layout. Oak Blu-ray/DVD shelf is seen in the corner, and Polk Audio R150 surround speakers on each side of the couch. Unseen is the Polk Audio PSW125 subwoofer, which is strategically located against the curtains to the side of the couch, as well as the Polk Audio R150 surround-back speakers for 7.1-channel audio.

Over the years, I had owned two Sony A/V receivers, but when it came to my last upgrade, the Pioneer Elite SC-05 won me over and pretty much does it all, and does it superbly, exceeding expectation.

7.1 channels, Class D amplification, THX Select2 Plus certification, Wolfson DAC processing, decodes advanced lossless audio, Faroudja DCDi 1080p video upconversion, 9-band EQ for each individual speaker channel, room acoustic phase correction, pre-in/pre-out, three zone outs, HDMI pass-through, Sirius/XM ready, network media playback, programmable/learning remote control, and a plethora of additional features and functions. Thus far, very much worth it!

I have performed one firmware update on this receiver, going from version 3.7.30.7468 to 3.7.34.7682. Updating is not automatic, but requires the user to browse to the receiver's IP address via a web browser on the same network, and uploading the firmware update file to the receiver.

This particular photo was very challenging to take, as the front face of the SC-05 has a glossy, piano black finish which reflects everything. A combination of still-photo timing and non-reflective black material laid on the carpet in front of the receiver did the trick. To say the SC-05 is a gorgeous-looking piece of equipment seems an understatement. Strikingly beautiful may not even be a good enough description.

Here is a comparison of the Polk Audio T90e speaker to the Sony SS-U6030 (12" woofer, 4¾" cone midrange, and 1¾" cone tweeter in sealed enclosure). The Sony's served me well for 13 years (and are still brand-new in appearance), but it goes without question that the Polks produce noticeably more sonic detail and clarity.

Polk Audio R150 surround and surround-back speakers complete my 7.1 channel system. Inexpensive, yet very effective. 5¼" woofer, ¾" tweeter, ported enclosure.

DIY gold-plated banana plug speaker wire connectors are used throughout each wire terminal. For a 7-speaker system, that's 14 pairs - 28 total plugs to install. 16-gauge, brown-jacketed wire handles the amplifier audio, and its color conceals nicely in brownish carpet!

Back-surround speakers on a couple table stands for now. Will find a more final solution eventually. All four of my surround speakers are at the exact same height, but will eventually figure out a way to get the surround-backs a bit higher.

Front-firing 12" driver with downward-firing round port. Y-connector into left/right subwoofer input to allow for on-unit crossover control (the LFE input bypasses the crossover control - typical of many powered subwoofers). I added some polyfill to the interior of the enclosure. Personally, I have found this sub to exceed review opinions.

For years, I just mixed the LFE channel into my front main speakers, and it sufficed. However, adding a subwoofer was one of the most significant sound improvements I made. Yes, I have not yet removed the protective plastic film over the Polk Audio emblem. =)

Due to the odd shape of my living room, and its open connection to the other areas, the optimal placement of the sub is at the wall alongside my couch. If you're like me (a DIY-er), and don't feel your sub is doing as much as it should from your listening position, consider other locations seriously. It makes a tremendous difference and is worth the effort. The sub has short "feet" and rests on a wood panel to prevent the port opening from pressing against the carpeting. This also significantly improved the quality of the sub's performance.

Adding about 4-ounces of flame-retardant polyfill to my Polk Audio PSW125 subwoofer helped deaden some enclosure resonances and improved the quality of the sound. The sub already had a minimal amount of padding inside, but not enough. The trick was not to completely stuff the enclosure with polyfill, but to add just enough to diffuse the sound inside a bit.

This turntable spins selections from my vinyl collection. This particular model was produced from 1982 to 1983. It utilizes a direct drive platter and zero-error, 90-degree, linear-tracking tonearm. Audio Technica elliptical-stylus cartridge running at 1.25 grams (which is standard for P-mount cartridges).

"Kill Bill, Vol. 2" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" BD (IMAX scene) taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"The Wizard of Oz" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"Speed Racer" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"The Matrix" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"Children of Men" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"How The West Was Won" (Smilebox Version) BD taken with Sony DSC-H5 digital SLR camera.

"Kung Fu Panda" BD taken with Sony DSC-H5 digital SLR camera.

"Ghostbusters" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"WALL·E" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"I, Robot" BD taken with Sony DSC-H5 digital SLR camera.

"Sunshine" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"Blade Runner" BD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

"Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" upconverted DVD taken with Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera.

Gallery rating:

(4.5) (175 ratings) Show ratings

Gallery rating:

(4.5) (175 ratings) Hide ratings

Member		Jan 23, 2011 15:03:36
Member		Jan 17, 2011 16:13:28
Member		Jan 10, 2011 20:59:42
Member		Jan 10, 2011 12:13:33
Member		Jan 10, 2011 04:30:32
Member		Dec 13, 2010 12:10:07
Member		Dec 09, 2010 14:42:20
Member		Dec 05, 2010 19:31:55
Member		Nov 18, 2010 22:39:31
Member		Nov 15, 2010 20:10:41
Member		Nov 09, 2010 16:56:48
Member		Nov 09, 2010 04:56:51
Member		Nov 09, 2010 02:31:30
Member		Nov 07, 2010 14:05:35
Member		Oct 01, 2010 11:36:52
Member		Sep 27, 2010 18:07:39
Member		Sep 20, 2010 22:34:36
Member		Sep 07, 2010 02:59:31
Member		Sep 06, 2010 14:17:47
Member		Aug 11, 2010 13:25:05
Member		Jun 14, 2010 23:27:49
Member		May 31, 2010 14:12:53
Member		May 28, 2010 19:49:38
Member		Apr 15, 2010 04:32:26
Member		Mar 23, 2010 23:49:40
Member		Mar 23, 2010 13:22:17
Member		Feb 26, 2010 15:25:04
Member		Feb 23, 2010 15:17:05
Member		Feb 21, 2010 09:30:01
Member		Feb 13, 2010 11:44:36
Member		Feb 09, 2010 11:45:27
Member		Feb 06, 2010 11:45:54
Member		Feb 03, 2010 06:50:59
Member		Jan 22, 2010 19:58:23
Member		Jan 19, 2010 00:15:29
Member		Jan 12, 2010 19:28:53
Member		Jan 10, 2010 21:29:00
Member		Jan 04, 2010 19:42:24
Member		Jan 03, 2010 13:47:03
Member		Dec 30, 2009 20:15:55
Member		Dec 22, 2009 14:44:58
Member		Dec 19, 2009 23:03:30
Member		Dec 19, 2009 19:31:15
Member		Dec 15, 2009 20:03:41
Member		Dec 09, 2009 01:21:42
Member		Dec 02, 2009 12:18:51
Member		Nov 30, 2009 08:33:54
Member		Nov 10, 2009 20:11:23
Member		Nov 07, 2009 02:28:48
Member		Nov 02, 2009 07:50:02
Member		Oct 30, 2009 09:26:05
Member		Oct 20, 2009 16:18:39
Member		Oct 18, 2009 22:08:29
Member		Oct 12, 2009 15:56:20
Member		Oct 11, 2009 15:50:36
Member		Oct 10, 2009 11:52:24
Member		Oct 04, 2009 20:27:31
Member		Sep 29, 2009 07:23:45
Member		Sep 20, 2009 00:51:13
Member		Sep 16, 2009 21:59:14
Member		Sep 16, 2009 19:53:18
Member		Sep 16, 2009 15:32:09
Member		Sep 05, 2009 07:18:37
Member		Sep 03, 2009 09:18:12
Member		Aug 26, 2009 04:03:27
Member		Aug 16, 2009 15:10:37
Member		Aug 12, 2009 07:04:56
Member		Aug 11, 2009 12:13:22
Member		Aug 04, 2009 12:47:25
Member		Jul 31, 2009 14:53:35
Member		Jul 26, 2009 17:39:25
Member		Jul 22, 2009 14:12:45
Member		Jul 21, 2009 01:38:06
Member		Jul 17, 2009 12:07:32
Member		Jul 14, 2009 14:29:38
Member		Jul 10, 2009 00:07:27
Member		Jul 03, 2009 01:47:04
Member		Jun 29, 2009 19:52:28
Member		Jun 28, 2009 01:20:05
Member		Jun 26, 2009 17:51:47
Member		Jun 21, 2009 23:52:41
Member		Jun 18, 2009 21:02:50
Member		Jun 17, 2009 17:57:27
Member		Jun 17, 2009 09:13:53
Member		Jun 14, 2009 01:22:13
Member		Jun 13, 2009 20:27:39
Member		Jun 13, 2009 18:09:29
Member		Jun 13, 2009 16:38:25
Member		Jun 08, 2009 13:57:28
Member		Jun 07, 2009 04:07:41
Member		Jun 06, 2009 17:31:10
Member		Jun 03, 2009 19:23:59
Member		May 27, 2009 22:44:30
Member		May 26, 2009 21:07:23
Member		May 26, 2009 08:29:05
Member		May 18, 2009 06:14:17
Member		May 14, 2009 21:05:22
Member		May 12, 2009 23:27:10
Member		May 12, 2009 08:38:06
Member		May 12, 2009 08:19:47
Member		May 12, 2009 08:02:58
Member		May 05, 2009 12:43:42
Member		May 05, 2009 01:49:27
Member		Apr 27, 2009 02:21:19
Member		Apr 26, 2009 09:32:58
Member		Apr 25, 2009 23:46:03
Member		Apr 16, 2009 15:44:34
Member		Apr 10, 2009 15:57:20
Member		Apr 07, 2009 11:51:13
Member		Mar 30, 2009 12:05:14
Member		Mar 21, 2009 12:01:46
Member		Mar 17, 2009 20:30:20
Member		Mar 13, 2009 19:49:45
Member		Mar 08, 2009 22:54:56
Member		Mar 07, 2009 18:37:09
Member		Mar 05, 2009 00:50:24
Member		Feb 24, 2009 19:09:33
Member		Feb 22, 2009 23:34:47
Member		Feb 21, 2009 18:38:48
Member		Feb 19, 2009 17:55:43
Member		Feb 18, 2009 09:15:22
Member		Feb 17, 2009 23:44:27
Member		Feb 15, 2009 19:54:51
Member		Feb 11, 2009 14:23:26
Member		Feb 10, 2009 09:08:07
Member		Feb 09, 2009 04:10:52
Member		Feb 05, 2009 11:34:37
Member		Feb 05, 2009 08:35:31
Member		Feb 04, 2009 18:28:34
Member		Feb 04, 2009 18:12:18
Member		Feb 04, 2009 03:31:24
Member		Feb 02, 2009 18:40:58
Member		Feb 01, 2009 11:57:32
Member		Jan 31, 2009 00:02:29
Member		Jan 30, 2009 19:03:45
Member		Jan 28, 2009 12:03:14
Member		Jan 28, 2009 08:33:30
Member		Jan 28, 2009 07:42:34
Member		Jan 28, 2009 00:32:55
Member		Jan 27, 2009 23:05:42
Member		Jan 27, 2009 22:29:16
Member		Jan 27, 2009 21:08:46
Member		Jan 25, 2009 04:27:27
Member		Jan 22, 2009 19:22:56
Member		Jan 22, 2009 16:35:04
Member		Jan 22, 2009 04:21:44
Member		Jan 22, 2009 01:24:46
Member		Jan 18, 2009 18:14:52
Member		Jan 18, 2009 15:42:34
Member		Jan 17, 2009 17:43:05
Member		Jan 17, 2009 17:06:14
Member		Jan 15, 2009 23:01:34
Member		Jan 12, 2009 22:59:26
Member		Jan 12, 2009 07:41:12
Member		Jan 11, 2009 21:31:51
Member		Jan 10, 2009 16:54:35
Member		Jan 10, 2009 11:49:23
Member		Jan 10, 2009 00:19:28
Member		Jan 09, 2009 05:15:50
Member		Jan 08, 2009 18:22:26
Member		Jan 08, 2009 18:19:14
Member		Jan 05, 2009 18:06:41
Member		Jan 04, 2009 22:01:32
Member		Jan 04, 2009 21:41:54
Member		Jan 04, 2009 14:32:08
Member		Jan 04, 2009 03:41:09
Member		Jan 03, 2009 21:44:12
Member		Jan 03, 2009 18:38:16
Member		Jan 03, 2009 11:56:42
Member		Jan 02, 2009 19:34:25
Member		Jan 02, 2009 14:22:23
Member		Jan 02, 2009 14:20:34
Member		Dec 30, 2008 11:44:55
Member		Dec 30, 2008 05:14:38
Member		Dec 30, 2008 01:11:27

Comments (82)

Show comments

Comments (82)

Hide comments

TRASHSTAR  » Apr 10, 2011 06:56 PM

Cool setup and some great speakers and components! Cool screenshots too!

nezff  » Feb 02, 2011 06:30 PM

very nice setup 10/10

minimo  » Jan 10, 2011 04:30 AM

Good stuff man, love the polks!!

Phoenix Theory  » Jan 04, 2011 02:37 AM

would love to see that plasma

LordoftheRings  » Dec 30, 2010 03:05 AM

Luv your screenshots Rob! Bob

robmlisanti  » Dec 13, 2010 12:10 PM

Awesome...nice set up!

sandip  » Dec 13, 2010 06:29 AM

nice set up

kevon27  » Nov 09, 2010 04:57 PM

Yep, this is quality.. Polk Audio awesomeness.

Rodrigues  » Nov 09, 2010 04:39 AM

Great shots!

stevo4264  » Nov 09, 2010 02:32 AM

your screenshots are amazing.

Spurrier Sucks  » Sep 20, 2010 10:35 PM

Those are some goodlooking screen shots.

Caroline  » Aug 14, 2010 07:07 AM

Just learning how this all works and fantastic

theuserjohnny  » Aug 11, 2010 01:25 PM

Great set up! The calibration you've done to your TV looks fantastic! (Episode 3 looks fantastic for a DVD when compared to your bluray screenshoots)

beyond 1000  » Jul 27, 2010 12:48 AM

I like your setup. Very cozy little theatre. Love the receiver...good choice. Enjoy your movies lots on this.

TheFactor  » Jun 14, 2010 11:28 PM

Very clean and beautiful setup and love the Polks to !!!!

jjmbxkb  » Feb 26, 2010 03:24 PM

Beautiful setup.

D_M  » Feb 06, 2010 03:31 PM

Nice! I love your Avatar. Run Lola Run is stunning on Blu!

BluBrown  » Feb 03, 2010 06:54 AM

Great setup! Screenshots look awesome....doesn't the lit up Sony logo bother you when the room is dark? I had to shut mine off right away but maybe you just get used to it. Awesome HT either way.

DAK4  » Feb 01, 2010 05:26 PM

Nice setup, I actually have the same Turntable! It's still plays excellent!

snsguy  » Jan 22, 2010 07:59 PM

Great setup!!! You did a great job in being efficient without making it losing the overall look a home theater. Good job!

ZedsDead  » Jan 20, 2010 11:46 PM

Really like your components and your screen shots are simply marvelous.

Bluyoda  » Jan 09, 2010 04:54 AM

Very nice setup, and terrific screenshots man! Awesome!

jonmoz  » Dec 26, 2009 03:32 PM

Nice set up and awsome photos.

Shanester  » Nov 30, 2009 08:16 AM

Nice set up with excellent screen shots!!

ls7z06  » Nov 28, 2009 11:58 PM

Very nice set up, and great job on the screen shots! I never can get them to turn out well. You have done a very nice job.

rzareiser  » Nov 11, 2009 07:04 PM

sexy receiver

Noel198  » Nov 10, 2009 08:11 PM

Wao! i like your TV, nice set up

DangeRuss  » Oct 30, 2009 09:28 AM

Nice setup....kudos for the turntable. I like the rustic look

bmwone  » Oct 20, 2009 04:23 PM

Incredible screen shots! Love the way you set everything up. Great cozy atmosphere

Alpha Sixx  » Oct 11, 2009 03:51 PM

That TV is ridiculously clear!!!

joker552  » Oct 06, 2009 01:37 PM

So how do you have your picture settings calibrated to look that good?

SeanMF  » Sep 16, 2009 10:01 PM

I like the upgrades/new shots

Dcryption  » Sep 16, 2009 07:54 PM

Nice setup! I like the Bravia and those screenshots are awesome!

PEEKABOO2K  » Sep 13, 2009 10:55 PM

REALLY NICE SET UP LOVE YOUR SONY TV AND PIONEER AMP NICE SCREEN SCREENSHOTS I HAVE A CANON SD750 HOPEFULLY I CAN TAKE SOME NICE PICS LIKE THAT

bluraymaven  » Sep 02, 2009 12:36 PM

awesome setup & pics, you rock !

duneaholic  » Aug 12, 2009 07:05 AM

Man how do you get those awesome pics without a flash? Nice setup btw. Edit: nevermind I see what you wrote...I've gotta try that!

4x12  » Aug 08, 2009 02:36 AM

Dude, your screenshots look killer!! I wanted to look into another set of speakers, i'm either getting tired of my Energy's or G.A.S. is hitting me up again! I might look into the Polks... theres a few sets I i really like in here and I noticed 1/2 the time they are Polks. BTW, how much of a difference would you say loading in some extra Polyfill into the Polks did and was it worth it? sweet setup.

LaMp-PoSt-MaFiA  » Jul 03, 2009 01:40 AM

i like your sofas!!! lol . my mom has some just like them(no offense). as for your set up and poly fill mod, love them too! im a DIY-ER as well.

PitbullMike  » Jun 13, 2009 06:10 PM

Re rated my ratings BTW

PitbullMike  » Jun 13, 2009 06:08 PM

WOW the picture quality on your Sony is awesome:)How did you take such a good pic with your tv on?I have a pretty good camera but all I get is a huge glare when I try and take pics with the TV on.Should I look for certain options?

will0775  » Jun 13, 2009 04:40 PM

10 from a fellow SC-05 owner.

Rob J in WNY  » Jun 13, 2009 02:55 PM

Again, thank you for the nice comments, everyone. On subsequent movie viewings, I love doing screenshots. The trick is to center the camera on the screen, using a tripod (or set the camera on some kind of level support), and use a short timer to take the picture. No flash, and you may have to make manual exposure adjustments. I did some personal calibration on the my Sony XBR4 which really helped to bring out dark detail and produce more visually realistic color. My screenshots still do not do the TV justice at all. Bluubyu: The logo decal on my SC-05 has been off for awhile now. Took that pic when I first set it up. I'll put up a new pic, eventually. Indeed, the monolithic piano-black aluminum faceplate is very striking without the decal! stevo: The SC-05 went beyond my expectation for functionality and sonic reproduction. Your SC-07 makes some improvents on that, too! I'm sure you are enjoying yours!

Bluubyu  » Jun 08, 2009 01:58 PM

Very nice, now all you have to do is take that sticker off of the front of your 05 and it will look even cleaner.

stevo  » Jun 07, 2009 12:39 PM

Nice set up, how do you like the 05 . I own the Elite 07 and just love it which is a big statement since i owned seperates for over 10 years.

EvilE981  » Jun 03, 2009 07:25 PM

man I love your fronts, My polks are black and silver. But I like the complete black look of your with the silver speakers so much better.! That screen shot of bladerunner is nuts man!!!

CallingMrBenzo  » May 27, 2009 10:44 PM

wow very very clean set up.... looks great

ACEOFSPADES  » May 26, 2009 08:28 AM

great tv and your camera truly shows how good this model lcd tv really is. it's just some people don't really understand.

Rob J in WNY  » May 20, 2009 01:25 AM

Just wanted to say thanks for all the nice comments. Someday, I'll figure on a more permanent way to set up my surround-backs, but I must say that they do sound good where they are. The "OUTATIME" licence plate came from a trip to Universal Studios, Hollywood back in 1993. I actually had it on my vehicle for awhile, but after moving to NY state, I couldn't keep it on (two plates required in N.Y.). I have to say that the Pioneer Elite SC-05 has really helped to open up the sound, but that may be in part to the uncompressed audio and the purity it brings to movie audio. Certain CD titles played through it do sound better than ever, though. Those are titles which I like to call my "reference" ones. Amplifier quality DOES make a difference once you know what to look - and listen - for.

talstarone  » May 18, 2009 06:17 AM

Incredible pic on your Sony...The Pioneer Elite looks Awesome to say the least,I could only imagine how it must sound.And finally what else can I say but I know you have to be getting incredible performance from the Polk speakers and Sub.A First Class Set-Up!

grizzlybrett13  » May 17, 2009 02:55 AM

Wall-E and TV trays FTW

	Chitty Chitty Bang Bang   $19.99 $4.99
	Valkyrie   $19.99 $4.99
	Sleeping with the Enemy   $16.99 $4.99

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals »