I have a small section of the unfinished basement to work with. First off, I will need to hire someone to do the design, construction, and all electrical work; in short, everything. I am not the do-it-yourself type at all. The basement space is: 21 feet in length; 11.5 width; 7.5 height. I don't know if we're allowed to ask this question, but if anyone has the name of good, reputable HT designer/builders in Maryland, I'd really appreciate the information. At this point I plan to go with my current setup:
-Denon 5308ci (as pre-pro) to replace current 4806 (AVS purchased)
-two Cinepro Amps
-Samsung 710AE projector
-Draper 9-foot motorized screen
-Samsung 60 inch HDTV (behind screen; used for casual viewing)
-Pioneer Bluray
-Toshiba HD DVD
-Samsung 5000 to be added later
-Panasonic DVD recorder
-JVC S-vhs
-Monster 7000
-two SVS subs
-Klipsch RF7 spkrs
-Klipsch RC7
-Klipsch RS7
-Klipsch RF3 pair as center surrounds

Good luck on you HT endeavor.I think the one true joy of a Home theater is to be able to say, "this was my idea" I understand not being hands on,I pesonally am inept with anything having a motor or wheels, but your first step should be your vision, or at least a rough scetch of what you would like to sit in and enjoy. Any designer is going to ask you for basics of what you want anyway, so why not put a little of your personality into it. Some of the greatest inventions started as a cocktail napkin sketch. Have fun !!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/mahler007/TheatreRoom

No one has had experiences with Maryland (Montgomery County, etc.) contractors? I do have Myer Emco coming by next week for a look-see, but they may be out of my price range.

For inspiration here is a theater built by a first time builder.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=767522&highlight=curtis

He bought the plans and did the work himself.

Also check the sticky thread above on installers for other contacts.

Be interesting to see how Myer Emco charges for install work. I've found that their equipment prices are actually in line with what I've been finding online. I got a really good deal on a Dennon 3807 at a warehouse sale. Of course it's still in the box, but that's another story.