--73.197.xx.xx

Just going to get broken or cause fights over who watches what. --47.216.xx.xxx

If anyone has any tips or thoughts on how to put together a "basic" home theater, I'd love to hear them! Thanks. --73.197.xx.xx

--136.32.xxx.xxx

Sorry, I don't know how to wire it. But I do wonder if it will cause partying and unwanted wear and tear on your property. It could be THE place for EVERYONE to hang out. I wish you well. Lets us know how it works out --68.105.xxx.xxx

I suggest using conduit to contain the wiring (think ceiling) , suspend a platform just large enough to hold the projector, and mounted speakers with the screw/s tight enough to allow aiming to get the -full sound feeling-, hopefully you will have the blacked out windows insulated like everything else there so a passerby would not get interested in learning what is there and finding out if it will work in the basement where he/she stays with you learning a week later the system was taken, I just spoke with a old classmate of my step daughters who found all the electronic stuff missing from personal home after some college guests came and watched movies at her family home. --76.188.xxx.xx

Perhaps the easiest way would be to run the cable either under baseboards or along the wall/ceiling inside of plastic or metal conduit. No one is tripping or ripping cords. I'd make it strictly a one channel system. It would be setup and no one could mess with input. A lot of kids know how to do this, but some would like to think they do and could mess it up. I'd lock up the main box and speakers and put the key in a place the responsible party alone could access. Make lots of copies of the key. --136.32.xxx.xxx

Student discount! That gave me a chuckle. Thanks Vee, you opened my eyes up. I like the platform and the conduit concepts and the theft warning. I did figure the equipment at $2k --70.192.xx.xxx

Amy, I posted before I read your last post. You got me thinking "tamper resistant". Thanks. I have had a few students try their hand at "improvements" --70.192.xx.xxx

Are you going to use a digital projector to project onto a screen? Screens are easily made by building your 2 x 2 frame and then stapling the screen fabric (sold at JoAnn's in the curtain fabric section). --98.145.xx.xxx

My mind is made up the same as LiveTheDream --24.25.xxx.xxx

Can you find used so it's cheaper and less apt to be stolen? My son's dive at college has "stadium seating" in the living room for more space. Someone figured out a way with cinder blocks and plywood to raise the back couch up so they could have enough room for 2 couches. Not sure how it would work to connect, but a lot of that age group does the gaming thing. --24.61.xxx.xx

But my mind is made up too. --108.44.xx.xx

I think this is improving in the wrong direction. Right thinking, maybe wrong application? --50.32.xxx.xx

will this be to code? exit door? all that stuff. --173.127.xxx.xx

Students do not always exercise the best judgement, so what engineering stop gaps do you plan on installing. --24.239.xx.xxx

You made this "attractive nuisance" and you would be liable for the meltdown. Let them party on someplace else. --70.208.xx.xxx

--73.197.xx.xx

Remember if it's under $2500 it's deductible under the new safe harbor rules! --173.22.xx.xx

Gee that's nice of you but it's just going to be a pain. Who is going to clean up all the beer bottles down there? Who is going to shovel up the other stuff when guys bring their girlfriends there? Biohazard! --73.33.xxx.xxx

My reality, renting to students for 11 years, is that they are, on average, respectful, considerate and caring people and I couldn't image any other group in this country I'd like to rent to more than them. --73.197.xx.xx

blue tooth speakers to cut down on the wiring? Wireless everything except the power. That's all I got. --12.156.xxx.xx

My recollections of college are a lot more like Animal house than the kids you seem to be renting to. --24.25.xxx.xxx

If you're stuck on offering perks, I'd consider a pool table and coin-op video games. Still a perk to students. Problem with equipment is that you have to keep it vented and it's technical. May result in lots of house calls to fix. If it doesn't work perfectly, and it's part of rent, you'll be asked to fix. --99.125.xxx.xxx

Thanks for all your thoughts and time. -Bill --73.197.xx.xx

Bill W, We also had great students,they were the greatest not what Ken alluded to,I never went to high school,so count me out as far as the college scene is concerned .Like someone else mentioned,wireless would be the way go go, electronics have come a long ways in a short period ,more so in a longer period. As far as code enforcement is concerned,I wouldn't worry too much about them,would be a little above their comprehension...............good luck, Charlie................................................................ --174.199.xx.xxx

And thanks too for the encouragement. I've found that being on the road less traveled really makes me feel alive but it's a little lonely at times, so I much appreciate it. -Bill --73.197.xx.xx

Miss Ally, don't forget the nickle on every empty returned? It adds up fast......................Charlie............................. --174.199.xx.xxx

Surface wiring can certainly be done to code. You just need to surround the wiring with appropriate raceways or wire-mold or conduits. My electrician did it to install a new light switch for me. --74.70.xx.xx

I have few student rental and know (guess) why Bill does that.. to stay ahead of competition. 8 bedroom unit scares me.. I guess your college nearby is different from the run of the mill colleges out there.. --73.218.xxx.xxx

Elliot, I'm curious; why does an 8 bedroom scare you? Thanks. --70.192.xx.xxx

Is it truly 8 bedroom single family or 2-3 multifamily combined? Just curious.. --73.218.xxx.xxx

Yes it's truly an 8 bedroom single family. I think when built in 1990 it was designed to serve as off campus housing. As I mentioned, by the grace of God I've never had problems with the students but I will check into what happens when a tragedy like you described, happens in a college town. Thanks! -Bill --70.192.xx.xxx

Nothing to do with Bill's wiring complexity problems.But to Miss Allys surplus empty bottles and cans. In the good old days ,I worked on some of the powerhouses,both during construction and shutdowns.Two of the Labourers put out trash bags in appropriate locations for deposit of emptys.Took home each night and disposed of them for cash.Put their two college age students through four years of college with little of their own money.So there could also be a silver lining, maybe not gold, but close enough...................Charlie..........................just saying...................... --174.199.x.xx

Bill, if the town ever does clamp down, by putting up a few partitions, you could make it a multi to comply......................Charlie.......................................... --174.199.x.xx

That's a good idea Charlie. I'll keep it for my ace in the hole --70.192.xx.xx