Hey guys. I've been reading this forum like a mad man! It's overwhelming. There's just too much info so I figured I'd start my own thread.

Here's the bottom line. I bought a new house. I have space for a nice little home theater (if a wall comes down) and I want to do it right. I want it to be middle-range (no 17,000 dollar anamorphic projectors or anything like that) and I want it to look good.

I don't have a clue about construction and such so I know I need to hire a home theater installer. I live in Simi Valley, California (about 20 miles northwest of LA).

So, I'm open to all kinds of suggestions and help. But most importantly, anybody have experience with a quality home theater installer that I can trust in either Los Angeles or Ventura County California?

I can't go too crazy (which is difficult for me), but I still want something that feels more than a TV with speakers all around.

My initial equipment goals are:

LCD front projector
Screen (obviously)
Speakers (1 center, 2 front, 4 surround, 1 or 2 subs)
Integrated A/V receiver
HD-DVD player
Blu-ray player
Video game systems (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3)

My initial design goals are:

Nice seating with one riser (maybe a total of six seats)
Acoustic Padding
Sconces
Carpet (acoustic?)

I have ideas for what equipment I want, but haven't settled on anything yet.

That's about it. The room isn't ideal as one side is open. My wife refuses to let me close it off, so I'll have to curtain it off. I know this will hurt the acoustics, but I figure she's agreed to let me spend a good chunk of change on a home theater, I can make that concession.

Once again. Advice? Help? Suggestions? Good HT installer recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

A couple suggestions:
- Look thru the custom installer database sticky thread near the top of this Room Construction forum
- Search on the CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association) web site for a local CEDIA member

A couple suggestions:
- Look thru the custom installer database sticky thread near the top of this Room Construction forum
- Search on the CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association) web site for a local CEDIA memberYes. And keep reading like a madman so when you interview potential installers / contractors you know what you're talking about - and perhaps more importantly - they know you know what you're talking about. Information is power.