Lifestyle Planner

Video

The obvious place to start is with the screen. Screens vary widely in size, shape and technology, so speaking to an audio/video specialist (he/she might be from the same home systems installation firm that's handling the other systems of your house) can recommend the best type of screen based on your viewing tastes.

Or, if the architect has already drawn up the room, the A/V specialist can determine the right screen size. There might be a lot of back and forth happening between the A/V firm and the architect at this point.

For example, if you've decided that you'd like to use a video projector in the theatre, the architect may have to redesign the ceiling to better accommodate the projector and the accompanying screen. Or, if you've told the architect that you'd like at least one window in the room, the A/V firm might opt for a rear-projection TV rather than a video projector.