I'm about to wire my basement for my 7.1 FP setup. I'm going to be going with a 121" or 135" electric drop down screen which will be recessed in the ceiling.

Now my question is, will it be ok to mount the Center, Left, and Right channels on the ceilings, pointing down towards the listening area? Having a perforated screen is not an option, and I really don't want to place the the center channel under the screen, as I have a small child and do not want him to "play" with the speaker. Left and right's could be mounted lower on the wall.

(I'm set with my rears and surrounds, as I'm going with In-ceilings)

Not sure what the question is. You don't want to use an AT screen so the correct position is out. You don't want to put it below the screen. And the screen type is such that you may not put it above the screen. One of your choices needs to change.

I think he is asking if he can ceiling mount them in front of the screen pointing down angled toward the listening area.

But I think what Cathan is saying is also that you have not left yourself any options, so what could we suggest if we say no it won't work.

That about right?

It sounds like he wants to put them in the ceiling, in front of the screen. It might sound funny having the center screen dialogue coming down from the heavens.

Maybe put the front speakers in the side walls next to the screen and use a "phantom" center?

Or put a metal grill over the center speaker and put it under the screen?

Yes, I would place the mount on the ceiling, in front of the screen. I believe there is a 16" of non viewable area, so the speaker would not impede into the viewing area.

So there you go. :)

I won't preach regarding childrearing, but I have two young daughters, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, and they've been taught to never touch daddy's "toys", just like they should never touch the stove or an outlet. Yes, it took consistency and constant attention, but now I have no fear that they'll mess with either my 7.1 front projector system downstairs, or my 5.1 plasma setup in the family room (and they never have messed up anything, for the record, despite playing constantly around both systems).

With that being said, I personally would never sacrifice sound-quality based on something that 1) may or may not happen, and 2) can be prevented fairly easily. I personally would go with a properly setup system, especially given the expense that you're already putting into it, rather than to sacrifice a fairly important aspect which won't even be an issue in a couple of years, if ever.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now (and please believe me that I'm not implying anything negative about your childrearing skills, because, as a pediatric physical therapist, I've learned that this is an area where NO ONE can claim to be an expert or claim perfection).

No offense taken, my child is actually just 11 months, and he's just at the beginning stages of understanding the word "NO". Believe me, don't play with daddy's toys, will always be stressed :)

I guess part of my hesitation for putting the speaker below the screen is also for aesthetic reasons (which I know isn't a popular reason around here), but because the screen will be electric and be hidden in the recess when not in use, a center channel hanging 2-3 feet from the floor. Would look kind of strange when the screen isn't down. The room will also not be a dedicated theater, so it will be in use from time to time when the screen isn't down.

No offense taken, my child is actually just 11 months, and he's just at the beginning stages of understanding the word "NO". Believe me, don't play with daddy's toys, will always be stressed :)

I guess part of my hesitation for putting the speaker below the screen is also for aesthetic reasons (which I know isn't a popular reason around here), but because the screen will be electric and be hidden in the recess when not in use, a center channel hanging 2-3 feet from the floor. Would look kind of strange when the screen isn't down. The room will also not be a dedicated theater, so it will be in use from time to time when the screen isn't down.

Depending on the room, you could use in-wall speaker in the proper locations. Paint the grills the same color as your wall and they practically blend in.

How about a center channel on a stand, and a wall plate speaker jack. You could simply move the speaker into place before the movie and plug it in.

try these
http://www.triadspeakers.com/products/icm8lcr.html