Here is a shot of where I would like my screen to go. The major problem being that window near the wall. It has to "stay" there meaning it is the only egress window from the basement. This will not be a diedicated theater room, more of an open floor plan. I'm looking to place the projector about 12' away on a ceiling mount. What things must I get in order before I start my framing. (i.e. what gain screen, what's the max size I should go with,16:9 or 2.35:1.....) I was looking at either a 1080UB or a Panny AE2000u(the green tape is showing off a 120" screen 16:9) basically the max size I thought I could fit
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/jesterr1/HT/062808004.jpg

Here's a stitched view, to show I'm starting from scratch(basically now that I've thrown it out to the world, I have to start...right??:D)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/jesterr1/HT/stitch.jpg

All opinions welcomed!

For the window issue as you are planning to use the room for other things and may want the light, you could use black out blinds or black out lining on the back of some curtains which should cut out the light. That way you could open them when you need light or .... god forbid.... if you actually needed the egress.

The screen would be more a preference based upon what movies/tv you plan on watching. I went 16:9 on mine only because I have a lot of old 4:3 movies and I get a better fit and viewing area for the 4:3 stuff.

Good luck !

What about putting the screen on the wall where you are standing in the 2nd pic, (opposite wall)? This way the window is not right next to the screen.
If curtains/blinds do not work you could always build a removable window plug.

I had a similar issue like this in my theater. you can build a removable panel, or build a flush mount door that swings out of the away of the egress, kind of like a solid shutter. Or you could just tint the window using limo black if you are only worried about light.

Not sure what you budget is but the Erskine Group offers various levels of plans. The cost of the plans are nothing compared to the mistakes you can end up making. I've done three theaters possibly on my forth now, believe me I've hit just about every pit fall a person can hit.

So what's the plans for the rest of the basement?

The egress window with it's light, would be better used for an activity space, such as playroom or gym. I'm thinking the egress window wall as a screen wall but with the screen mounted down by the treadmill. You can hide the pipes by building a soffit and you have a niche on the side wall near the back, that'd make a good space for an equipment rack.

Thanks guys. The plan is to keep it as open as possible. There will be the "theater" area, used for movies, gaming, and probably for watching sports(Sunday NFL parties). There will be a bar, bathroom, shop/storage area, and a bonus room that will be a craft area for the wife for a while, eventually turning into a kids playroom. Budget is staying low right now, knowing full well that it will exceed it once I get into the electronics.

Bar cove, you can also see where the plumbing is roughed in for bathroom
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/jesterr1/HT/062808002.jpg

I'm thinking of using this as the equip rack niche
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/jesterr1/HT/062808009.jpg


jlachanc- I had thought about using the wall against where I am standing, but with the large soffit for the ductwork and Ibeam, I'd have only ~8' of distance between the screen and the projector. Plus we thought we'd have the abality to watch the big screen from the bar area as well, even though I plan on having a plasma/lcd against the back wall of the bar.

My wife came up with an idea last night regarding that window well, it has a cover on it, what kind of things could I do to the window well cover that might stop the light but not interfere with the ability to get out if needed. She suggested painting the underside of the cover black as opposed to blocking off the window, would that do more harm than good? I'm thinking with moisture, and heat it would be a breeding ground for mold. Plus having the extra light down there during the day could be beneficial some times.

I'm an engineer so overanalyzing everything is kind of my downfall...:o

A black shutter on a track would be a thought for covering that window during viewing time. I remember seeing someone do a shutter on each side that sat in a track similar to how shower doors are installed. They could be slid over the window when the movie started - pretty slick.