Whereto Begin

Welcome Greg! Most people start with a sketch (or Sketch-Up), especially in an unfinished basement project, which helps them define how they will utilize all the space, and determine how much they need to allow for the HT they're looking for. How big your HT needs to be will be determined by things like, how many people do you want it to seat (will you need 1, 2, 3 rows of chairs, which goes to length), how big a screen are you looking to end up with...will you want to do a false-front wall, etc.

Why don't you make yourself at home, look at some of the build threads...and some of the "show me..." threads...get an idea of what you like, then share some of your info, visions, and pictures always go a long way if you've got them...and then the forum can offer up some advice.

Good luck,
CD

The above advice is excellent.

Read a bunch of threads.
Think about the space.

For me, I had to clean it out before I could even think about beginning.

Welcome and good luck!

OK, here is everything you need to know to jump start your research (version 2.5)

In this forum when you are looking at the threads, left click the word views and you will get a list of the most viewed threads.

There you will find a dozen or so well documented build threads that you can read beginning to end.

you'll find

Sandman
Chinadog
Swithey
Ronnie
BritinVA
Catham
and more.

the fact that there are a lot of views means the thread was active a long time with lots of documentation and pictures.

Don't overlook Chinadogs photo album on Flikr were he has over 1000 pics of HT construction details. The link is in his thread.

My favorite pictorial reference is an old build by Kirk who did a DIY but professionally designed theater by Dennis Erskine. his photo documentation is here:

http://home.comcast.net/~kirkk/uptownparadiso.html

At the top of this section of the forum there is a sticky thread "master show me thread" be sure to check out those linked threads for ideas:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=978755

Also in the sticky threads is a riser height calculator that everyone should use to get a second opinion.

Next you can read everything you need to know about soundproofing from the library of articles on the websites of Green Glue and The Soundproofingcompany. Yes they sell product but the background knowledge is right on target.

http://www.greengluecompany.com
http://www.soundproofingcompany.com/

When it comes to projector issues your best bet is you hang out in the projector discussion threads. If you don't see your question answered ask a question. Read about the new projectors from Sony, JVC, Panasonic, Epson, Mistubishi, Planar and Optoma.

There are on-line projector calculators to help with determining the proper distance and setup. Just go to the sponsors of this site. Hint PP.

sample interactive calculator:

http://www.projectorpeople.com/promo...c+PT%2DAE3000U

That site also has a lot of background info on all the terms and issues you need to be aware of when selecting a projector.

When pulling out the checkbook: Don't buy chairs locally. We will hook you up with super deals from internet dealers who hang out on the forum all the time.
Give AVS a shout and let them compete for your dollar when you get ready to buy your gear.

One fellow AVS builder (CJO) summarized a lot of the resources/links he used in his thread this is a very impressive resource and should not be missed:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post14176345

...and when Big says "and more", he is too modest to include his own excellent room in with that list. Definitely worth a look, if you're at that "dare to dream" stage.

CD

This is a great post! Between it and your link to The Dark Knight, it is a textbook. Everyone planning a build should start here first. This advice is how I've tried to go about it, but without the big fat flashing arrow saying, "Start Here."

Yeah, unfortunately it doesn't look like the OP has chimed back in for these 2 months. G4C, did we scare you off?

CD

Nope he is still reading all the info....

That is a great post Big.

mispost!