Screen/Center speaker placement

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ScottMayo

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Screen/Center speaker placement
« on: 12 May 2005, 01:03 pm »
I'm putting together a HT, with a large screen (~105" widex60" high, bottom edge about 4' off the floor). I'm trying to decide if

1) The screen should start closer to the floor.
2) Where the center (a VMPS RM-30C) should go in relation to the screen.

4' up allows easy placement of the stereo gear under the screen, with the center speaker right at the bottom edge of the screen. (Having the center about 3' up puts it on more or less the same plane as the mains, which I assume is goodness). But I don't know if I'm better off building the screen out a foot and tucking the speaker behind it (I don't want to muddy the sound, though.)

The screen is going to be a DIY screen, so I've got a little flexibility in regard to size and placement.

Comments?

fabaudio

Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #1 on: 12 May 2005, 01:37 pm »
ScottMayo

 Two things to keep in mind:
  a) The higher you put the screen the more chances you'll have of getting a stiff neck.
  b) You will muddy the sound if you put the center speaker behind the screen.

ted_b

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Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #2 on: 12 May 2005, 02:42 pm »
Scott,
I have a similar sized screen, RM/X's as main speakers, and an RM30C as a center speaker.  Other than that, I can't relate. :lol:

My screen is 26.5 inches from the floor (black frame is 1.5 inches wide so screen portion is 28 inches from the floor.  As you can see from a new pic I added today (gallery) the RM30C sits on a 13 inch center channel stand and is angled up slightly.  I can probably go to an 18 inch stand (set of stands, cuz the Rm30C is a 100 lb speaker).  I couldn't go any higher with my screen because the front wall stops at 8 ft, and then slants up to a 10 ft ceiling.  Addtionally, it sits perefctly in line with the throw of the ceiling mounted Runco.  Most importanly, however, is that I wouldn;t dare go any higher anyway. The viewing angle of seated folks would be too skewed upward (strained neck as fabaudio says).  It's the same reason I can't see people putting plasmas above their fireplace.  Doesn't work visually, at least for a 2 hr movie.  

My $.02

Edit: also, for viewing, I don't think you want too much gear under the screen.  Main amps and anything requiring proximity to them for audio purposes, ok, but too many flashing lights and power indicators can be distracting in a darkened frontal view.

Ted

ctviggen

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Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #3 on: 12 May 2005, 03:37 pm »
Speaking of ugly LEDs, does anyone use anything to cover them? I'd like to cover mine, and I was thinking of using dark film (like film for tinting) for windows.  However, in CT I'm having a hard time finding it in home improvement stores.  For the ones (LEDs) I know never go off, I use black tape. But there are some that I'd like to see.

Marbles

Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #4 on: 12 May 2005, 03:41 pm »
Quote from: ctviggen
Speaking of ugly LEDs, does anyone use anything to cover them? I'd like to cover mine, and I was thinking of using dark film (like film for tinting) for windows.  However, in CT I'm having a hard time finding it in home improvement stores.  For the ones I know never go off, I use black tape. But there are some that I'd like to see.


Have you tried an automotive store?  They may have auto window tinting film..

ctviggen

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Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #5 on: 12 May 2005, 03:49 pm »
No, I hadn't -- that's a good idea.  In AZ, I could find window film at Home Depot; but, you're right; even in CT, cars have windows tinted.

ScottMayo

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Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #6 on: 12 May 2005, 04:01 pm »
Quote from: ted_b
Scott,
I have a similar sized screen, RM/X's as main speakers, and an RM30C as a center speaker.  Other than that, I can't relate. :lol:


Tell me you use Bryston amps, and I'm going to insist on a DNA test. I *hate* it when I get cloned without my permission. :-)

26" up, check. That would rule out putting most of my components under the screen, at least the ones I need to reach. I don't think I want comments from my wife about how I was seen on my hands and knees in front of my gear...

John Casler

Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #7 on: 12 May 2005, 04:04 pm »
I might suggest that you have two main considerations:

1) the height of the mains and how it relates to placing the sound in the center of the screen

2) the proximity to the floor or ceiling which can creat floor or ceiling "bounce"

As far as #1, the mains and center "can" work together to "center" the overall sound on the screen.  For example if the mains are midscreen or above and the center is below the screen angled up, the mains will help (only slightly) raise the perception of the sound towards the center of the screen.

If all three are "below" the screen the sound will likely seem to come from below the screen. (not your case)

As far as #2, in general mounting close to the ceiling is more damaging than floor mounting since floor mounting is almost always "above the floor", and carpet or rugs can be used to reduce floor bounce reflections.

Ceiling mounts are usually "very close" to the ceiling and on top of that the ceilings are usually untreated.

Ceiling mounts however "do" have an advantage for "stepped seating" arrangements, in that they can cover them better than floor mounts angled up.

And I might add that logistically the LRC is a large speaker to ceiling mount.

In placing it under the screen, it needs to be as close to the bottom of the screen as possible.

With the RM/x and the LRC, I think your only "real" option is either UNDER or "shoot thru".

fabaudio

Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #8 on: 12 May 2005, 04:18 pm »
ScottMayo

 Out of curiosity- How far from the screen will the seating area be?

 Frank

ScottMayo

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Screen/Center speaker placement
« Reply #9 on: 12 May 2005, 04:38 pm »
Quote from: fabaudio
ScottMayo

 Out of curiosity- How far from the screen will the seating area be?

 Frank


Not sure. The room is 28' deep, 25' wide. The door is centered in the back wall. Speaker placement is going to drive all the decisions; the room is mostly for audio, so I'll sit where it sounds best, and then make the video work with that. That said, I expect I'm sitting about 16' back, in front of an 8.5' wide screen.