DIY Network

Hideaway Video Projector Box Take home theatre and gaming to the next level. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-304

Video projectors can be expensive – and movie buffs and videogame players want to get the most out of that investment. Host Karl Champley helps this family stay wired by replacing their flimsy projector shelf with a swanky hideaway video projector box, sometimes called a mantis box for the way it folds out. He also helps them build a custom videogame console cabinet for all their gaming supplies, as well as a space-saving Murphy bed that folds down when the game room becomes a guestroom.

Replace a flimsy shelf...

with a sleek, ceiling-mounted projector box.

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Hideaway Video Projector Box

Tools: safety glasses electric screwdriver screwdriver nail gun sandpaper circular saw paint rollers, trays, brushes studfinder

Materials: primer and paint ¾ inch birch plywood screws nails wood glue scrap wood expanding aluminum legs latch

Figure A

• Determine layout. Take a good look at the room and determine the best locations for the projector and screen. For this project, Karl installed the screen in front of the cabinet housing the Murphy bed. Check the specifications for the projector to determine the correct distance from the screen. Try to lay out the system so the mantis box will screw into the ceiling joists for greater stability (figure A).

  Tip: If this is a new layout for the projector and screen, turn on the projector and check the image quality on the screen before attaching the mantis box to the ceiling. It's a lot easier to change the layout before the box is screwed into the ceiling.

• Design the box. Measure the projector and sketch out a design for the mantis box. The box should be large enough for air to circulate around the projector. Design the box as one piece; it will be cut in half later. One end of the box should be open; this is where the projector light will come out. For the top of the box (which will go against the ceiling), use horizontal wood supports instead of a solid top.

• Measure and cut plywood. Measure and carefully cut 3/4" plywood to the dimensions in the design. Use a spade bit to cut a wide hole in one of the pieces to accommodate the projector's power cord; Karl placed this hole in a top corner of one of the sides.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw or any other power tools.

• Build the box. Assemble the box using wood glue and nails. To create a curved bottom for the box, as in Karl's design, spread glue over the edges that will attach to the bottom, then attach one end of the piece to be curved with screws. Gently bend the wood down over the box, using screws to secure.

  Tip: If the plywood doesn't bend over the curve easily, soak it with water before installing. Use plenty of screws to keep the top from springing out of position.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Cut the box. Cut the box in half horizontally along the opening line.

• Add some support. Attach small pieces of scrap wood, if desired, to the inside floor of the box to keep the projector in position.

• Prime and paint. Prime and paint the box as desired (figure B).

• Add hardware. Place the two halves of the mantis box together and join with four small, expanding aluminum legs. Use screws to attach the legs. Also attach a latch to hold the bottom and top of the box closed when the projector is not in use.

• Attach to ceiling. Use screws to attach the mantis box to the ceiling joists (figure C). If there aren't joists in the correct position, screw a ledger board into the joists across the box location, then screw the box into the joists.

• Install the screen. Mount the projector screen to the ceiling using two eye hooks; mount the hooks into ceiling joists for greater stability. Karl's surprises for the new video game room included a new, state-of-the-art projector and a new screen with a remote control.

RESOURCES :
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Projector People

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AccuScreens