Definitive Guide on Home Theater Construction? (1 Viewer)

[Eric Peterson]

The thread title pretty much says it all. Is there such a book on the market?

My concern is more for the construction aspects of the theater. Most of the books that I've checked out, focus on picking your a/v component and how to wire them. I have a pretty solid understanding here, not great but solid.

I'm more concerned with the following.
1. Room shape considerations
2. Sound insulation
3. Should I raise the floor for wire access, etc..
4. Electrical requirements
5. Proximity to furnace and potential outside noise
6. Wall construction for in-wall speakers
7. etc...

I'm looking to buy a house now and one of my major considerations is an unfinished basement where I can finally build my home theater. Some of these factors may come in to play in my home buying decision.

 

[Robert_J]

There is a 5 part series on the DIY channel that covers basics. But I don't see how you can have 1 book covering everything. Everyone has different goals in their theater/media room.

And since house construction varies by year, location and price range, not everything would apply. Use the basics learned on the DIY channel and dozens of sites on the 'net. For your specific situation, a professional can consult with you. Guys like Dennis Erinske can work with you from design to blueprints. You can DIY, use your own contractor or he will fly his crew to your house and they can do the work.

-Robert

 

[Eric Peterson]

Thanks Robert.

I was probably over-reaching when I said definitive, but I think that a book could easily tackle the construction aspects of building a home theater.

I'm going to be on a very tight budget, so the idea of hiring a designer or a contracter is very unlikely.

What exactly is the DIY channel? I know what the acronym means, but I've never heard of the channel.

 

[mylan]

Depending on your provider, you may or may not have it. Charter cable has it on one of the upper +100 channels:
DIY Network : Home Improvement Projects, Craft Ideas & Gardening Tips

 

[Robert_J]

I think a few of the home theater magazines have compiled articles into books or at least they have a series of articles covering building a room.

There was a great magazine a few years ago that covered covered DIY theaters. It folded after a few issues.

The best resource that I know of is the Dedicated Theater Room section at AVS Forum. There has to be hundreds of threads documenting different rooms being built. They are helpful but it can be intimidating for someone not familiar with the acronyms.

Finally, I have my own dedicated room and I've offered advice on to a few guys here. Start with specific questions or just put your ideas out to see if we have opinions. My room is about 16x24x9. I built all of the speakers, subs and the 103" screen. I ran all of the wiring except electrical. Between myself and the others here, we can get you through any issue that comes up.

-Robert