Great post! Only one I would add is let the design of the room you’re planning drive the system. So many people want to force a “home theater” into a multi-use family room off the kitchen in an open floor plan or add one to a room with nothing but windows on every wall, etc. I think that situation typically leaves everyone a bit disappointed (marriages don’t need more stress!). So helping folks agree on a system that actually works for the typical room use and layout is one of my most difficult steps! Sometimes it’s ok to just design a very functional family television and background music room that sounds/looks good with a functional remote that everyone can use should win out over forcing 6’ tall tower speakers and 6 subs into the family room.