[dholly]

BreaKaoss - I happen to be a huge Denon fan and currently use an AVR 1803 and DVM-1805 in the family room with my HD CRT. The big Denon all-in-one is too rich for my blood though. I am thinking of buying an Outlaw Audio Model 770 7-channel Amplifier and Model 950 Preamp/Processor to use with my current speakers in the HT room, and picking up a smaller set or speakers or in-walls for use in the family room. We don't want the big speakers in view anymore.

kloh - I really like the idea of a couple swivel recliners in addition to fixed or sofa seating. I also appreciate the ceiling lighting input. I have yet to decide on a drop w/ acoustical tile or drywall ceiling but, since this is in the basement, I kind of like the idea of retaining easy joist access for the future just in case. With a 14-block + cap high wall, I have plenty of headroom for a drop ceiling, even with a couple of riser platforms. I had already decided on separate entry, foot path, wall sconce, seating, stage, kitchenette and stage lighting zones on dimmers but I'm not real big on rope lights. I may split the seating zone by row per your suggestion, that does seem like a good idea. Since I do have good light control in this room, I was leaning towards a black stage wall with a lighter theme thruout. Of all the gallery pics I've seen, I do much prefer the lighter surroundings to a dark hole of a room. I've even picked this PJ and screen in part because the contrast, lumen and gain specs should work fine in a lighter color scheme. I'm already wiring for 7.1, but the extra sub and video support hadn't crossed my mind. It certainly would be cool to have flanking flat panels to each side of the big screen! That would definitely put me over budget, thanks a lot!

I can't believe kloh is the only A/V phile here. Keep the ideas coming!