Hello All,
I'm building out my 1st HT setup in the lower level of a split-level ranch. The room is 12X20 with drop ceilings, an exterior door, a door to the garage, and my 52" LCD mounted about 5' from the floor between 2 windows. My questions involve a surround sound layout... My couch is on the back wall (eyes 10.5' from the screen) and the left wall is open to the other room (hopefully the .bmp upload will clarify). Basically, I'm wondering if a 6.1 or 7.1 setup makes sense seeing how the couch is against the back wall. Also, any suggestions on the side speakers? I'd like to avoid floor stands since it's a high traffic room, and am concerned with ceiling speakers in a drop ceiling. I'd like to thank everyone in advance for any assistance they can provide. Time & $$$ are limited, so I'd like the 1st attempt to be successful.

I think in your situation I would skip the rear surrounds. I would still wire for them just in case, but with them directly overhead they're not going to lend a whole lot to the soundfield. How low is your drop ceiling? This will help us determine the best placement for your surrounds.

Thanks Bass Addict... My ceilings are just over 7' off the floor with 6" or so between the suspension grid and the floor joists above. The tiles are fiberglass and flimsy, but I plan to replace them with the dense/rigid cellulose versions.

You can mount your side and rears in the ceiling.

Just be careful how heavy they are.

I used some Definitive Techs Di-Bi poles for my side surrounds and regular round ones for my rears. With my basement layout it was crucial to have as much open space as possible. I think I did the most economical and versatile design.