Hey Everyone,

Im just starting my Home Theater project...

Why do most threads of builds on here have stages? Are there advantages to them?

What am I missing?

thanks,
AO

1) Design statement
2) Part of a strategy to elevate speakers to proper height
3) If built properly (air gap next to walls and filled with sand) provides for some acoustic isolation for subwoofers as part of soundproofing strategy.
4) If built large enough (bigger then arms length) provides a deterrent for those who would put finger prints on your screen.
5) Place for the kids to perform
6) Something to take up all that space between the screen and the first row of seating (see #1)

Thanks Big mouth.

Ok ill do it :)

Next question...

How do I determine width and height?

thanks!

that is totally up to you. Visit some of the constuction threads here for ideas. Sandmans, BritinVa, Chinadog, etc.

Here are a few shots of mine. Next time I will do it taller. I get a one step warning when someone thinks they want to touch my Firehawk screen.

Some naked shots:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3309.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00502.jpg

All dressed:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00540.jpg

here is a thread for more ideas:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=769702

In my case, it made an excellent A/C distribution plenum....

Pics Here (http://nightskypictures.com/theater/theater.htm)

oops, forgot one of the reasons is that it is part of a strategy to break up the squareness and parallel surfaces of the room thereby altering the standing sound wave patterns of the room. A science beyond my skills but not others around here.