I'd like my screen to be equal distance from the top and both sides of the proscenium, which will be about 2 feet in front of the screen. Drapes will be behind the proscenium and will hide them when open.

Does anyone know how much space I should allow between the proscenium and the top or sides of the screen? Granted, I need to leave enough space so that those sitting on the side of the theater can see the screen without obstruction, but how much more than that should I leave?

Also, I plan on having 2 rows of seating, both on risers. How far apart should they be in order to accommodate comfortable recliners? Can I get away with 5 feet? It's okay that someone would have to "un-recline" their chair for someone to get by. I'd like to keep the rows as close together as possible to minimize the difference in viewing angles between rows. Thanks so much for your help and advice. It is sincerely appreciated.

Cant tell you on the proscenium, but you will need more than 5 feet of riser for the seats. If they are wall-hugging seats, they will slide forward when reclining and bump into the front row. If they arent the wall huggers, they will need more space behind them. I just set up my riser at 6 1/2 feet deep, and although the seats dont meet, I am tall enough that my feet touch the seats in front when reclined.

My experience says use a 6 ft 8 inches deep riser or more.

As for the front end design it would help to know a little bit more about your overall concept and shape of the proscenium and stage to give you a recommendation. Do you have a napkin sketch of what you are thinking about.

Here is a gif of my proscenium. Each layer steps back 4 inches allowing light to project onto the layer behind it. I am thinking about a 14' width 16X9 screen size but am having trouble getting proper viewing angles for both rows. I may go down to 12' and make the front row my "sweet spot." My viewing distance for the back row is 23' which makes the front awfully close with a viewing angle of 45 degrees. My thoughts are of having the first row on a 7" platform (height) and the second on a 21" (height). Not sure yet if I will build a small stage in front of the screen. I have so many questions, I don't know where to start!
Thank you for any advice. I need it!!
-E

Here is a gif of my proscenium. Each layer steps back 4 inches allowing light to project onto the layer behind it. I am thinking about a 14' width 16X9 screen size but am having trouble getting proper viewing angles for both rows. I may go down to 12' and make the front row my "sweet spot." My viewing distance for the back row is 23' which makes the front awfully close with a viewing angle of 45 degrees. My thoughts are of having the first row on a 7" platform (height) and the second on a 21" (height). Not sure yet if I will build a small stage in front of the screen. I have so many questions, I don't know where to start!
Thank you for any advice. I need it!!
-E

Hmm, that's beautiful...but it seems pretty ambitious for a beginner? Are you sure you should be focusing on this first though? Or did I miss something and the rest of the room is done and planned out?

CD

My experience says use a 6 ft 8 inches deep riser or more.

As for the front end design it would help to know a little bit more about your overall concept and shape of the proscenium and stage to give you a recommendation. Do you have a napkin sketch of what you are thinking about.

So BIG, now they have to start providing the napkin sketches? :D

CD

I'm assuming that you are planning an acoustically transparent screen. So back to your original question there really isn't a requirement one way or another for the distance from the screen to the proscenium Just what looks right and doesn't block the view.

I think your design looks intriguing. I also think it deserves a STAGE.

Hmm, that's beautiful...but it seems pretty ambitious for a beginner? Are you sure you should be focusing on this first though? Or did I miss something and the rest of the room is done and planned out?

CD

No, the room is not planned out. I guess I should really start with viewing distances and locations of rows. That will impact how big of a screen I end up with. So I guess my first question should be this:
Considering that I want two rows of recliners, should I:

A. Go with a 14' wide 16X9 screen which will give my back row (23') a 34 degree viewing angle and front row (17') a 45 degree viewing angle or

B. Go with a 150" wide 16X9 screen which will give my back row (23') a 30 degree viewing angle and front row (17') a 40 degree viewing angle or

C. Go with a 144" wide 16X9 screen which will give my back row (23') a 29 degree viewing angle and front row (17') a 39 degree viewing angle or

D. Go with a 132" wide 16X9 screen which will give my back row (23') a 27 degree viewing angle and front row (17') a 36 degree viewing angle.

E. ????

The room is a dedicated Home Theater, mainly for Blu-Ray movies and HBO-style HD entertainment.

Do you think I should re-post this question under a new thread?

Thanks so much for any advice.
-C

I'm assuming that you are planning an acoustically transparent screen. So back to your original question there really isn't a requirement one way or another for the distance from the screen to the proscenium Just what looks right and doesn't block the view.

I think your design looks intriguing. I also think it deserves a screen.

Big, what do you mean by this? I'm not quite following. Thanks so much for your interest in my project.
-E

I am seeing a very large screen which translates into an expensive projection system. At the same time, I'm seeing a very large room (to accommodate the large screen and viewing angles). A large room says a sizeable sum of money on speakers and amps with the capability to reach reference levels in a room of that size. In other words, you're on a course to spend a fair amount of money on this adventure. I do admire your desire to work out all the details on your own. On the other, an investment of this size would suggest you seek outside professional guidance on this project. You might wish to investigate that as a direction. There are a few out there you could start conversations with: Tony Grimaini (PMI), Terry Montlick, Richard Rives, Keith Yates ... to name a few.

oops my bad, stage not screen.

I am seeing a very large screen which translates into an expensive projection system. At the same time, I'm seeing a very large room (to accommodate the large screen and viewing angles). A large room says a sizeable sum of money on speakers and amps with the capability to reach reference levels in a room of that size. In other words, you're on a course to spend a fair amount of money on this adventure. I do admire your desire to work out all the details on your own. On the other, an investment of this size would suggest you seek outside professional guidance on this project. You might wish to investigate that as a direction. There are a few out there you could start conversations with: Tony Grimaini (PMI), Terry Montlick, Richard Rives, Keith Yates ... to name a few.

Hi Dennis,
Yes, I (knowing nothing) absolutely do need some help. I have been discussing my HT with a local (So. Cal.) HT specialist but I believe the more I know, the better he'll be. Or at least I may be in a better position to figure out that I'm with the wrong guy, hopefully before it's too late. Our home is almost all framed. Electrician and HVAC almost complete, except for the interior of the theater and it's now time to get serious and make some decisions. So that's why I'm posting. To learn about HT so that I can better figure out what I do and don't want, what I do and don't need, and what I can and can't afford. My HT space is 22' X 27' with the screen on the 22' side.

And while we're on the subject of $$$, how much is a projector that could properly fill a 14' wide 16X9 screen? Would say a Pioneer Elite VSX 7.1 receiver (130 watts per channel) be a proper choice for audio/source switching or is something more required? And as for speakers, can I get away with in-wall? I am not Steven Spielberg and don't need the ultimate in acoustic design. That said, I'd like it to be a good as it reasonably could be, without glaring problems that diminish the enjoyment of the room. I'm guessing some people could (and do) spend bazillions on their HT. On the equipment side, what would be your guess for a ballpark number of cost? (I know that is an incredibly hard thing to assertain without knowing my precise tastes but any stab in the dark would be appreciated.) Maybe I am thinking beyond what I'd like to spend...

Thanks so much for any and all insights and advice.
-E

oops my bad, stage not screen.

I kept scratching my head, endangering the few hairs I have left, wondering what you meant. I think you're right about the stage. Perhaps only the width of inside the proscenium so as to not shorten it (the proscenium), as apposed to running it the entire width. Maybe up 14" (2 steps) with lights under each one? Thanks. I'll do another sketch and repost.