I'm currently in the planning stages for my dedicated home theater. As you can imagine, I want to do this once and get it right the first time. I was wondering if there was one that existed so that new theater builders like me do not leave out any critical components. I did a search but did not find a complete checklist. I assume some of these things would be optional while other would be mandetory. I was thinking of something like this (this is only an example. Again I am not new to the forum but new to the dedicated home theater scene so assuming this needs a lot of work, with your help of course!).... Then these could be hyperlinked to either a thread or a forum section about that particular component/topic. Some of these you might say 'duh' but in an effort to be thorough I would included even the obvious items (like paint. Might be a no-brainer but seems many agonize over color choices making it a critical component). Thoughts?

NOTE: I'm not trying to start any debates here over some of the items but trying to get more of a complete list. (meaning please no religious wars like 'my GG is better than your quietrock')

Item #1: $$$$$ cuz this sh1t aint cheap!

Construction:
framing, 2x5/8 sheetrock walls, celiing (quietrock or other), tape, mud, spackle
Acoustic caulk for seams
Backer boxes for recessed can lights and large electrical boxes
decoupling clips
green glue
soffits
moulding/trim
insulation (r19 ceiling, r13 walls)
solid heavyweight door
decorative columns
stage w/ sand
screen wall
riser w/ insulation
bass traps
furring strips
acoustical treatment (Linacoustic, batting, GOM, other fabric)
carpeting
equipment storage
heating/cooling -- to address both capacity and sound isolation
suggested measurements/minimums (or at least optimal)? (aisle widths, room between sating rows, screen to first row, etc)
paint/stain etc

lighting/electrical:
*confirm you have enough circuits at your panel for all your equipment*
grafik eye, insteon, or zwave
recessed cans, 6" and/or 4"
accent lighting/rope lighting
sconces
step lighting
electric for seats/butt kickers
wiring, gang boxes, outlets, switches, wall plates, conduit (projector to rack, rack to electrical panel, other)
Power bridge for the PJ and subs
Putty pads for electrical boxes

video/inputs:
projector (anamorphic lens, ceiling bracket, hush box)
screen
masking
bluray player
sat/cable box
gaming - xbox360, ps3
home theater pc
cat5e or cat6 (3)
hdmi (2)
component

audio:
receiver
speakers - fronts, center, sub(s), surround, rears
speaker wire, coax, toslink, banana plugs

misc:
equipment rack
surge protection
ups backup
Universal remote
ir repeater

etc, etc, etc
Thoughts? obviously some of these items would get the 'optional' tag and I'm sure I missed a few dozen things but just trying to get the ball rolling here. Maybe this will help new guys like me get organized and actually take the leap.

You left the most important item off the list

$$$$$$:D

You left the most important item off the list

$$$$$$:D

updated. ;)

You can use GG with your ceiling.

You can use GG with your ceiling.

third on the list under construction

Only things I see are:

Construction - You want mud, not spackle for the drywall. Spackle is for touch ups. Acoustic caulk for seams. Backer boxes for recessed can lights and large electrical boxes.

Lighting/electrical - Power bridge for the PJ and subs. Putty pads for electrical boxes.

Video - HTPC

Backer boxes for recessed can lights and large electrical boxes.


I just read that thread. I will make the additions. Thanks!

Add Insteon and perhaps Zwave as lighting control options.

Under "Electrical" I would add something about making sure you have enough power/circuits at your panel for the room (lighting/power outlets/equipment rack and pj).

Looks like a good list with one exception....

I don't see "Beer" listed ANYWHERE! :confused:

Should be under every category at least once, and perhaps between every third line item (at maximum) within categories.

Add Insteon and perhaps Zwave as lighting control options.

Are these alternatives to Grafik Eye? If so, I'll add them on the same line.

Under "Electrical" I would add something about making sure you have enough power/circuits at your panel for the room (lighting/power outlets/equipment rack and pj).

made the note

Looks like a good list with one exception....

I don't see "Beer" listed ANYWHERE! :confused:

Should be under every category at least once, and perhaps between every third line item (at maximum) within categories.

Wouldn't that be like adding 'make sure there is air in the room to breathe' ;)

Conduit to projector location.
HVAC plan, addressing capacity and sound isolation.

Conduit to projector location.
HVAC plan, addressing capacity and sound isolation.

Thanks. I have conduit under electrical and heating/cooling under construction. I'll add your additional comments to clarify their uses.

Added furring strips since there is a thread about it a few down.

HAT channel for sound isulation on the ceiling and possibly the walls?

CJ

Have you taken a look at CJO's thread. His first post is as close to a compendium as we have.

Have you taken a look at CJO's thread. His first post is as close to a compendium as we have.

That is exactly what I was working towards. The thread was buried on page 3. I have been in there before looking at his pics.

Add

2" conduit for projector and 3/4" for speaker locations
Identify prospective projector locations and mounting options