If you plan on having a low rack on the floor in front of the room below the screen, better check on its specs (LxWxH) first. And add in the height of the components, if they're placed on top shelf. Take a measurement of where a comfortable point above the components to where a dropped ceiling or top of drywall ceiling would be. That's the realistic vertical size space you have to work with. It will restrict your screen size. If you don't work with these variables, you could end up in serious trouble putting it all together, i.e. screen too big for space.
Your budget will determine your projector. I also built a HT; and also am primarily an audio vs. videophile. How much will you spend on the projector? If it's under 2k, you're probably looking at an LCD or very low end DLP. And it goes up from there.
Look for projector with a low noise/power mode. Fan noise will be kept to minimum. If you've got a separate audio room and aren't expecting perfection for low budget, then the minimal fan noise will not bother you. I'm a stickler for sound and I never notice any fan noise during movies.
Want to save money? Build your own screen for under $100. I did and no one has ever figured out that it's home made.
You can see my system comments for more info on the screen.
Consider black ceiling tiles, like a real theater. Very nice for visuals, and makes the room look like an actual theater.
White/ligher ceiling tiles may be distracting in a dark room with visuals.
Lighting is critical. Don't put sconces on screen wall, etc. Take your sweet time thinking out lighting. Lutron remote lighting systems are terrific. I'm very happy I spent the extra on them.
I would get a subscription to "Home Theater Builder" magazine! Exceptionally helpful. Articles on all sorts of HT topics. You can get back issues as well. Before you push too much further, you'd do well to glance at about 6-8 issues of that magazine!
Lastly, don't be afraid to spend a bit of money on expertise. I hired an HT consultant for 1.5 hours to answer every question I had. I had 11 pages of notes/questions, and told them I wanted quick, no fluff answers (it was on my dime). I recorded the conversation for playback later. That was some of the best money I spent on the project. It helped me change several things which made the room turn out beautifully acoustically and aesthetically.
This is certainly an exciting time for you! Enjoy!
Your budget will determine your projector. I also built a HT; and also am primarily an audio vs. videophile. How much will you spend on the projector? If it's under 2k, you're probably looking at an LCD or very low end DLP. And it goes up from there.
Look for projector with a low noise/power mode. Fan noise will be kept to minimum. If you've got a separate audio room and aren't expecting perfection for low budget, then the minimal fan noise will not bother you. I'm a stickler for sound and I never notice any fan noise during movies.
Want to save money? Build your own screen for under $100. I did and no one has ever figured out that it's home made.
You can see my system comments for more info on the screen.
Consider black ceiling tiles, like a real theater. Very nice for visuals, and makes the room look like an actual theater.
White/ligher ceiling tiles may be distracting in a dark room with visuals.
Lighting is critical. Don't put sconces on screen wall, etc. Take your sweet time thinking out lighting. Lutron remote lighting systems are terrific. I'm very happy I spent the extra on them.
I would get a subscription to "Home Theater Builder" magazine! Exceptionally helpful. Articles on all sorts of HT topics. You can get back issues as well. Before you push too much further, you'd do well to glance at about 6-8 issues of that magazine!
Lastly, don't be afraid to spend a bit of money on expertise. I hired an HT consultant for 1.5 hours to answer every question I had. I had 11 pages of notes/questions, and told them I wanted quick, no fluff answers (it was on my dime). I recorded the conversation for playback later. That was some of the best money I spent on the project. It helped me change several things which made the room turn out beautifully acoustically and aesthetically.
This is certainly an exciting time for you! Enjoy!