Media Room Update: Denon 2313 and Steam Big Picture
Since my old Denon 790 decided to self combust (my fault), I decided it was time to finally finish our media room. The TV is the excellent Panasonic ST50 which I wall mounted a while ago. The extendable arms are a godsend when you are messing with wires and plugs highly worth it over the standard mounts.
From my Study I ran a 15 meter HDMI cable and a 15 meter USB cable which is connected to the TV. As you can see, poking through the wall here is a powered HDMI splitter/extender which was required to eliminate Sparkle caused by loss of HDMI signal strength:
Unboxing the Denon 2313.
Shiny new Denon 2313.
The new AUDYSSEY XT Calibration is even better than on the 790 model, I didn't have to tweak anything.
The Study acts as the information hub with network cables running all through the house, during the build stage I also ran a 15 meter HDMI cable and a 15 meter USB cable (with booster) specifically for PC connectivity. These keystone wall plates accept standard cables and can be interchanged simply by replacing the type of connection insert.
And the end result is a seamless Steam Big Picture console type experience for under $50 for the wall plates and cables:
Madison 4 Lock Up Stage: Getting Close
Not long to go now, just over a month until we can move in - Hopefully!
The only negative issue at this stage is with the Builders Planbuild constructing next door who decided to put up a fence without checking with us first. It altered our plans a little bit though its workable. Fencing seems to be a common issue with house and land packages after reading various threads on the homeone forums. We just got a quote for a fence ourselves which needs to adhere to Pool regulations which this fence probably does not - we will find out when they do their last inspection.
Hopefully we can just alter the fence they have put in without to many issues.
Madison 4: Under the Stairs.
This is the space under the Stairs which I think by default is blocked in and turned into a cupboard. We left this space open and put a door right in this location in order to utilise the space. It doesn't look like much in this photo but there is a heap of useful storage space here. When I get the time I'll put some shelving in.
Madison 4: Living Area
The window directly facing you in this pic is not included in the Madison 4 by default. Putting it in definitely opens up the living room plus it will also be overlooking our pool.
Madison 4 theatre room Window.
Instead of the standard full size theatre room window, we put in a slimline one instead in order to make more use of a small area. Prior to plastering, I got permission from our supervisor to run some wires for speakers in the walls all the way out to the alfresco. I also ran a cat5 cable, HDMI cable plus a USB booster cable from the study for a bit of PC based home automation. Because its now plastered in, it's a good idea to take a heap of pics of the framework so you know where everything is.
Overall Plantation have been excellent in the quality of their workmanship, it may not be as quick as a Planbuild throw it up within a month concept, which to be honest, is probably not a great idea on an estate built on a heap of landfill.
Roof is finished
Well after a slow period things have picked up pace with the roof finally finished and the bricks delivered. Our new Supervisor is easy to communicate with though Plantation still refuse to reply to any emails or phone calls - could be the specific rep having issues, who knows?
The house next door is almost completely built though after talking to a builder, I am not sure doing all the bricking in a day is a good idea. I am possibly being a little envious of next doors build speed so I'll just keep my mouth shut about that from now on 🙂
The Roof tiles are Bristile Mallee:
We have a Slab
Things are starting to get rather exciting now with our house finally taking formation. Unfortunately the weather hasn't been great though the block has gone from being scraped to a slab within a week. Luckily there was a bit of Sunshine in between the usual torrential QLD downpours.
Home Update: Land Pics
Another update, everything is happening a lot quicker than expected. Plantation Homes has been nothing short of fantastic throughout the whole process.
We have purchased our land and have pre-approval for our house.
Everything has been signed and is now in the hands of our appointed contractor.
Some pics of our land before construction commences.
Building The Madison 4: The Plans
You can keep track of this build via this category.
We have finally decided on the Layout of the Madison 4 which is the Master to rear option, More to follow.
