57U

This post has been approved by AdminJoe.

57’s Home Theatre Setup, Assistance, Consulting, Training and Optimization

Many of you know me as a moderator on this forum. I am not a professional installer, nor am I a professional calibrator, however, I can be of assistance to people who are setting up their home theatres and are having “basic” problems.

I am able to assist with the following:

- Setup/optimization of a TV using AVIA and your DVD player (user settings only).
- Setup/optimization of your TV using Spyder* calibration device and your DVD player.
- Connecting components to each other, to optimize performance
- Recommending placement of the components
- Setup/optimization assistance with A/V receiver/speakers (SPL Meter)
- Optimizing the setup of STB(s) with your TV(s)
- Recommending alternate ways of connecting components
- Recommending alternate seating arrangements and lighting
- Recommendations regarding cables, connections, placement.
- Discuss A/V connections through A/V Receiver, or direct to TV
- Help with “translation” of your operating manual(s) into layman’s English
- Show you how to operate your system best
- Tips on “better/easier” ways to do things
- Basic assistance with remote control(s).
- Assistance in getting your remote(s) to control other equipment
(not always possible depending on the remote and equipment)
- Assistance with spouses, children in operating the equipment.
- Minor installation assistance
- Consultation before purchase, including home survey, recommendations, etc.
- Supply of cables if requested (at prices much lower than most stores)

Quick Consultation:

When you're ready to arrange the Setup, it's a good idea to contact me if you're planning on purchasing any equipment just before the setup. Many people purchase equipment that they regret because it doesn't do what they expect.

For example, people buy a HTiB, but it doesn't have any digital audio inputs for DD5.1 sound, or it doesn't have enough of them if they need more than one device connected.

Also, many people are confused about HDMI inputs on AVRs. People assume that they will be able to use the HDMI for audio in the AVR, when, in fact, most less expensive AVRs don't handle the HDMI audio at all, requiring separate digital audio connections. etc.

This can usually be done in a few minutes at no charge. If it takes longer, then I'll charge my consulting fee, which is usually $30/hour added to the setup fee.

Operating Manuals:

Operating manuals for all equipment, remotes, etc should be available for me to assist you with that particular component, although I can often find my way around without them. Downloads of operating manuals are often available from the manufacturers’ websites.

Spyder Optimization:

I have a Spyder “calibration device” that is useful for setting up TVs. It uses the “Spyder,” a setup DVD, your DVD player and my computer to adjust the user settings on your TV to the “optimum” (via user controls only). I do not, and will not, go into the service menu of your TV. Spyder doesn’t adjust sharpness, so I use AVIA for that and to confirm the Spyder settings. Spyder uses the same Sencor sensor on the screen that the professional calibrators use.

DCAM Convergence for Hitachi CRT-based RPTVs:

I would be pleased to assist in optimizing the Hitachi DCAM convergence and show you how to do it in future. If you have the convergence adjustment instructions for another make of TV, I’d be pleased to assist. There are certain models where a special remote is required.

Price List:

The price for “consultation and optimization” is C$100. This includes up to 3 hours of my time on-site for any of the items listed above, at your home, at your convenience. (this $100 covers about 5 hours total time, including travel, pre-discussions, some research on your equipment and my vehicle costs)

Additional or a shorter time is possible and can be negotiated.

Where available?

Around the GTA. Distances of more than 20 km from Yonge & Eglinton will typically be priced at about $1 per additional km, one way over 20 km). (So, if you're 40 km away, the price would be roughly $120 instead of $100) I don't think it'd be economical for me to travel more than say 200k one way, so that an overnight stay is not required.

Smokers:

I am allergic to cigarette smoke, so if you are smokers, I will come to your home, if no one smokes inside while I’m there. Pets are not a problem.

My Background:

I’m a recently-retired professional engineer, who sold technology into the Oil/Gas industry for 31 years.

My hobbies and interests include: Home Theatre, computers, good red wine, good beer, X-C skiing, cycling, running, travel, BBQ’ing and cooking. I've always been very interested in audio video equipment.


I have no “store association”, therefore I act as an independent consultant if requested.

(I do not wish to assist with setting up HTPCs - not my speciality, but I can certainly work with an HTPC that's incorporated into the overall HT)

I am not interested in making a full time business out of this. I'm hoping to do this a couple of days a week.

In the same way that people hire a contractor to add a deck to their home or for a bathroom renovation or an interior decorator or architect before renovating, they should not be embarrassed to hire someone to consult with or to properly optimize their Home Theatre.


Please PM me with your contact information - e-mail and/or phone number if you're interested.

__________________
57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.