When building a home theater, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan before you shop for a fancy film projector or choose luxury theater seats. Decide on the best location for the theater. Print out and review the equipment checklist and research the estimated costs for each piece so you can develop a budget. Create a diagram of your home theater so you have a concrete vision for your project.

With these tools in hand, you can choose and price out your audio and video gear, seating, lighting and acoustics. As you choose among products and materials, visit home technology and home theater showrooms to get a feel for what's available in the market. While there, talk to professionals about your ideas and what products will achieve your goals.

Refer to your checklist and diagram when considering the following key components. Focus on choices that meet your needs.

• Projectors and Flat Screen TVs
• Audio Systems and Speakers
• Cables and Wiring
• Remote Controls
• Media and Content Sources
• Power Management
• Lighting
• Soundproofing
• Seating and Furnishings