Over the past several years, I’ve slowly constructed a spreadsheet to meet all of my home theater design needs. I noticed on various forums that others could probably benefit from this spreadsheet, so I cleaned it up and I’m now making it available to the public. Please download it and put it to good use!
The spreadsheet contains calculations for the following:
- recommended viewing distances for a given screen size – for both flat panels and projectors (based on THX and SMPTE standards)
- recommended viewing distances for a given display resolution – 480p, 720p, 1080p/1080i, 1440p, etc (based on Visual Acuity standards)
- various screen aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1, custom ratios, etc.)
- projector screen size & screen brightness with guidelines for recommended values (based on projector brightness and screen gain)
- projector screen size & projector mounting location (based on min/max projector throw distances)
- seat locations, a second row stadium seating platform height calculation, and a few other goodies.
theater_calculator_v4.0.xlsPlease report any problems or suggestions via e-mail or the comments form below.
Revision history:
- Version 4.0 – 26-August-2008: Added Anamorphic (horizontal expansion) front projector lens option, which adjusts projector brightness and throw ratios when selected.
- Version 3.7 – 14-June-2008: Clarified back row platform height input fields, modified formulas to prevent negative platform heights (user info message instead), changed spreadsheet defaults to better fit a typical home theater.
- Version 3.6 – 21-July-2007: Added feature to allow calculation of Visual Acuity Viewing Distance based on eyesight of the viewer. The default is 20/20 vision; changing the input to 20/10 vision with show that the viewer will be able to spot resolution deficiencies at much greater distances due to more acute eyesight.
- Version 3.5 – 20-July-2007: Fixed bug in the aspect ratio input that caused international users to have problems (problem was related to using “,” as decimal delimiter instead of “.”) Added cells to the far right of the spreadsheet to allow changing and adding custom screen aspect ratios.
- Version 3.4 – 27-June-2007: Widened columns that were causing being truncated for international users.
- Version 3.3 – 16-Feb-2007: Added 2.35:1 aspect ratio back.
- Version 3.2 – 13-Feb-2007: Changed anamorphic aspect ratio from 2.35:1 to 2.370370:1, which is the correct value for a 16:9 projector with a 4:3 anamorphic lens. Corrected spelling mistakes on one of the extra tabs within the spreadsheet.
- Version 3.1 – 15-Dec-2006: Fixed unit conversion formula that was causing “Second Row Field-of-View Width” to not calculate when any unit besides “inches” was selected.
- Version 3.0 – 13-Dec-2006: Added minimum viewing distance calculation, added conditional feedback on seating distance for each specification (seating distance too far, etc.), added first row and second row seating distances (for conditional feedback on seating distances), added field-of-view results (in degrees), added ability to calculate projector throw distances for any screen size (just enter the throw information for one screen and it will interpolate for other screen sizes), fixed mis-spelling that was causing formulas to break.
- Version 2.9 – 01-Dec-2006: Added 2.40:1, 2.70:1 screen aspect ratios, added ‘hover’ comments to better explain the different seating distances; added conditional formatting on the screen brightness result cell (red if brightness is too low, yellow if it is close to being too low).
- Version 2.8 – 20-Nov-2006: Added charts for “seating distance vs. screen size based on screen resolution” and “seating distance vs. screen size based on published standards.”
- Version 2.7 – 29-Sept-2006: Edited notes fields to improve clarity for data entry fields.
- Version 2.6 – 09-May-2006: Added LCD/Plasma support. Added 16:10 aspect ratios for LCD monitors. Added hints to help enter panel resolutions (hint lists commons resolutions). Added pixel density calculation (useful when using as a PC monitor). Added dot pitch (in mm – millimeters). Added total pixel count. Fixed spelling errors.
- Version 2.5 – 27-Nov-2004: Updated screen brightness calculation to adapt to entering screen width vs. height vs. diagonal measurement. Thanks Brad for finding the problem.
- Version 2.4 – 01-Nov-2004: First Public Release. Uses both metric and English units. Converts between many units. Gives hints for some common input values such as aspect ratio. Seating distance. Platform height. Viewing angle. Screen brightness. Many other features.
Carlton,
Your knowledge is wonderful. I have read every comment and reply! I am preparing my 22′ x 12′ bonus room to transform into my family’s home theater room. The ceiling height is 13 feet flat. I will be placing two rows of seating in which the back row will be right against the back wall. The viewers eyes should be approximately 19′ feet front the screen. The next row will allow the viewers eyes to be approximately 14′ from the screen.
I have two basic questions and then would appreciate any additional input that you may have.
What would you recommend as the ideal screen size?
If the bottom of the screen is placed at approximately four feet off the floor to allow viewers in the rear row to see then how many feet of the ceiling should the projector hang?
Thanks!!
Hi Vaks. My recommendation depends on the room, lighting, and projector. Assuming the room is dark and the projector is bright, you need at least a 123″ diagonal screen. It’s hard to go too big; room width and projector brightness will be the limiting factors.
For the screen height, you’d be better off making the screen lower and the rear row higher. The first row will be the main seating area and you don’t want to be looking up. It’s better to be in the back row looking slightly down than the front row looking up. Good luck!
Carlton,
From what i read your the guy to ask. Im undecided on two areas of the home theatre project. 1. enclosed or open. 2.size and distance of screen. I have a room i can dedicate to a HT rough dimensions of 12’8″ wide
x 17′ with 7′ high finished cieling. I want to accomodate four or five viewers comfortably. i would like to use a 120″ screen with a 16:9 ratio most likely an epson 8350 projector.
Any thoughtss would be . Thank you
[...] apple TV , Hulu etc. OTA HD is 720p or 1080i its not just the resolution but the bitrate anyway Home Theater Calculator: Viewing Distance, Screen Size | CarltonBale.com maybe worth future proofing , or removing that niggling doubt Or better yet don't use a [...]
Hi Carlton, Im now studying interior design in university and I find out that your calculator is awesome! it helped me so much for my first home theatre design. thank you very much!! =D
Gaby,
This article should be of interest to you, since you’re studying interior design: http://www.cinemaquestinc.com/ive.htm . There are additional links within the article that add even more depth.
My room is about 15.8 feet x 11.5 feet media room. I am planning for a 103\ diagonal Projector based screen but the media room is not square/rectangle as it does have a wierd shape for one of the wall and the wall is actually diagonal.
But my view to the screen from the sitting area which I suppose would be at 15\ would be straight without obstructions.
So can you experts please tell me how to setup speakers to get optimal sound 7.1 experience and also if my viewing distance/overall media room size seem to be adequate.
Appreciate your help. I am a bit concerned as media room is one big need for me and this is a new home I am considering buying…
Thanks,
I meant one of the screen size does not make right angle to other wall and it is actually quite off to 90 degree usuall angle. And to clarify diagonal screen size I am planning is 103 inches… (scree width: 90 inches).. please help me if I will be okay with the media room?
HI
how to find the exact size of a display or screen for any room..
is there any formula to calculate ?
Hi Carlton, Thanks for this important collaboration, your spreadsheet has many details that solve many of the questions we get everyday. I have only one suggestion, add the maximum and minimum distances based in lenses throw ratio. Sometimes this is the only information I have. Regards
Hi, Carlton,
I just finish a dedicated home theater room,
The room is 10′ x 10′, and i build a 85″ screen, i currently have a EIKI LC-SB20 projector i know is not a home theater projector but is doing what i need so far, i have install in wall spaeker’s and subwoofer, with a yamaha receiver.
I painted the wall’s with a martha stewart dark chocalate color very dark @ night, what i need your recomendation for a good projector, pury much i can tell you im confuse on that area, i have been reading on the new Epson 8350 for a wile as a very good entry level projector, but a sales person @ a home theater store told that i will be wasting my money, meaning to much projector for the size room and screen i currently have, please let me know your opinion on this, i really want to stay under 1K for the projector.
Thanks
L.C.
Too much projector for the room? I don’t think a projector can ever have too much brightness, resolution, or contrast, so I think that is an uninformed opinion. The new Epson 8350 is awesome and would be great in your room. If you want to same some money, go for last years model, the Epson 8100.
Carlton,
Thanks for your promp respond, i like the idea of getting the old model i think it will be a huge upgrade from what i got now, do you know were could i get the best deal for this projector.
L.C.
Carlton,
What a great spreadsheet! It has saved me a lot of time and helped me insure that was properly positioning my seating.
Regards,
Ron
my room size 14 X17 . Planning to buy Mitsubishi HC6800 or
PT- AE4000U Panasonic. Is it right to buy these or not .
If at all, what screen size is better (110 or more)?
Hey Carlton,
I need some advice. We just moved into a new house with an existing media room, but the sellers took all of their equipment. There is a cutout in the wall for a 100\ diagonal screen (which Ive purchased). The old mount for the previous projector is about 15-16ft from the front of the screen. Will the Epson 8350 work for me from this distance? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide
Jason
Not sure; you should look at the owners manual for the projector and it will tell you. If you don’t have a copy, a Google search will quickly point you to a PDF.
http://files.support.epson.com/pdf/plhc87u/plhc87uug.pdf
I was just looking at this manual earlier today – here it is.
You did not say if the screen was 16:9 or not but I am going to assume it is. If so, the minimum throw distance is 9.8′ and the maximum is 20.9′. Good luck!
Carlton, quick question. How critical is it to have 2+ feet spacing on all sides of the screen? I have a small closet that I will have to build that will come out about 3 feet from the wall that the screen is attached to. This closet will be right next to the screen. To make it seem more asthetically pleasing I was going to build a cabinet on the other side of the screen that also comes out from the main wall to house all of my components. But this will then make two objects coming out from the main wall next to the screen. Will this look odd or obstruct my viewing???
You’ll have to decide if it looks OK, each person has their own preference. As far as blocking the viewing, if seats are not directly in front of the screen, the edges will likely be blocked. Do a mock-up in your room to figure out if your seating and view are acceptable.
Carlton, I am in the process of framing a complete basement including a home theater. My theater room is 16′ wide by 20′ deep. I have two rows of seating, with the second row on an 8″ riser. What screen size would your recommend? I will be able to control lighting and am willing to spend 4-6k on a projector. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.
Hi Carlton,
Great site and lots of information. thank you. I would like to take your expert advice on a home theater projector purchasing plan. I have a room 17x17ft with 9ft height. Would Epson 8350 be a good choice for HD clarity?
thanks..
suds
Hi Carlton:
thanks for the calculator…great tool!…I hope I’m using it correctly, but I’m planning on installing a Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 9700UB on a 104″ diag. 2.35 screen [1.0 gain] with the motorized anamorphic lens. The projector has a lumen output of 1600 ansi. I’m trying to calculate the best distance to put the projector to maximize light output onto the screen as well.
I plugged in number to your calculator but when I plugged in an ideal foot-lambert rate of 16, it said the projector would only need about 433 lumens. I was a little confused since when i used the projectioncentral calculator, it guestimated that I wouldn’t be able to throw even 14 foot-lamberts on the screen.
Did I do something wrong in your calculator? Thanks in advance.
Insurroundsound
Carlton:
Great Stuff
I’ve got a 13×18 room with a 7′ ceiling. Getting a 92 (80×45) screen (88×53 exterior). I was wondering what height to mount it. I read somewhere that viewing height (~42) should be about 1/3 up from the bottom of the screen, which would make the bottom of the screen ~24. That would put the top (including the frame) 7-8 from the ceiling, which I’m concerned may look funny.
Any thoughts? Shouild I go with that or drop the screen a few inches ?
Andy,
I literally just finished my theatre room and the dimensions are almost exactly the same as yours. Here are my suggestions….
First the mount I got for the projector comes down about 5 inches from the ceiling. As far as the screen, I have it 7 inches from the ceiling to the top of the screen. I put the projector 15 inches, 5 feet back from the screen. My suggestions would be to get a bigger screen, go with the 119″ screen. that is what I have. I thought at first it woudl be too big, but it is perfect. Your eyes adjust quickly to the size and if I woudl have gone any smaller I would be upset with myself. Having a little more room below the screen for me worked out perfect because I wired in my speakers and have my center speaker below the screen on a small shelf.
My 2 cents…..
Thanks Brannen
One concern I had in sizing the screen was that I have floor standing L and R speakers (Thiel 3.7′s). I only have one row — a Salamander four seater, so the end seats are close to the wall. I want to make sure the speaker doesn’t get in the way of viewing from the two end seats.
I’ve got a lot more $ in the Audio than in the Video. I want the Thiels away from the side walls. I estimate there will only be 86″ between the speakers. I can push them a little closer to the side walls, but that will compromise audio performance a little
I figured I’d have to put the viewing distance at about 9′. I suspect your viewing distance is further back
Sorry I meant the projector is placed 15 feet, 5 inches away from the screen.
I have a question for you about screen size. I am building a theater room that is 13.5′w x 22′d. It will have 2 rows, where the back row is about 17′ back, and the front row is about 11′ back. I am planning on buying the JVC DLA-X3 projector to use. I am a do it yourselfer, but I have reached out for advice from a local home theater company. The room is completly light controlled where it could be pitch black if I wanted it. I plan on putting in a 133″ screen, but the advice I was given by the local company was that, that screen size is to large for my room, and I wouldn’t like it if I went with that size, because it would be to big. I still plan on putting in a 133″ screen, but am curious about your opinion on that.
Jason,
I think you’ll be fine from a resolution standpoint and won’t be able to pick out the individual pixels. The only caution would be for screen brightness. The JVCs are pretty bright, but even so, you’ll want the light off all the time, and projector brightness drops as the bulb ages. So get a somewhat higher gain screen and always turn the lights off, and you should be fine.
BTW, I’m 11 feet away from my 123″ Stewart Firehawk screen with my JVC projector.
Thanks for the great calculator. I am planning a 20′ X 25′ room with the Stewart 123″ (16:9) Firehawk G3 coupled with the JVC DLA RS40U. Front row will be between 13-14′. Ambient light can be fairly well controlled-although would not want to watch sporting events in a completely dark room. My question is positioning of screen off the floor. Would 36″ be a good bottom of screen height. Eye level is about 42″- I have heard something about the 1/3 rule. The ceiling height in room is 120″ but a soffitt around the room brings it down to 111″. Planning traditional seating, not tiered rows. First row (main couch) 13-14′. What do you think??
Chet, if you aren’t elevating your back row, you’ll need to raise your screen. I think you’ll be looking up at too much of an angle in the front row. I’d personally go for a lower screen height and a higher back row. Generally speaking, your front row will be occupied 100% of the time you’re watching a movie and the rear maybe 10%, so front row comfort should be first priority. Good luck and enjoy!
I guess what I need to clarify is that there is only the main couch. There is no 2nd row-so 36 ” off the floor at 13-14 feet from screen (screen is 114 X 66)would be too much of an angle??
Yes, I’d shoot for middle of screen at eye level and move the screen up from there. The bottom of my 123″ screen is about 14″ above the floor.
Carlton:
I’m building a new home theater in my basement.
The size will be 14×18. I’m planning on Panasonic PT AE 7000U. What size screen and where should my first row of seats be located?
I will have a raised platform for two rows of seats. Thank you in advance for your answer and for a fantastic website!
I have a dedicated theater that is 22′ x 12′. First Row is 11.5ft away from screen and the second row is 15.5ft away that is sitting on a 6″ step. I’ve gotten different opinions as to the ideal screen size ranging from 92″ to 100″. However, we tested a distance at a 110″ which is the max I think we would personally go because of the front row being at 11.5′ which is our ideal seating row.. Do you think 110″ is overkill or should we be go 100″? We have the Epso 8700UB with 1920×1080 resolution and plan on getting a 16:9 screen with a 1.3 gain. My fear is having too small a screen. The screen calculator suggest at a minimum of 103″ to meet THX cert. Second question: Which is safer to follow. The SMMTE or THX recommendation. We will mostly watch movies and sports. I’m a little confused. Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Scott, as long you have enough projector brightness (and you do), bigger is always better. You will have no problems with a 110″ screen. I have a 123″ screen at the same front row distance. For the specs, I use the THX Recommended as my maximum front row distance / minimum screen size. Hope this helps and good luck with your theater!
Thank you so much. The calculator is awesome!!
Hey Carlton…
I have a dedicated hall vaccent for home theater in my house having dimentions 31’3″X 13’8″. I want to setup a home theater which can accomodate atleast 15 persons at a time comfortably.
So, kindly suggest me in the same case about the seats, number of rows to be used, screen (LCD/LED/Projector), audio system.
Hoping for your favour.
I have a 32foot wide by 40 foot long room, I am looking a 55″/60″ LCD/LED TV in the front and two 40″ LCD/LED tv’s mounted 20feet from front wall one each side of the room. All will be run thru HDMI and a HDMI Splitter. Your comments?
I am currently working on a dedicated screening room, 21′ x 13′x 8′. The room will have a dark finish to it. I would like to use a Stewart Studio Tec130 Cine Curve, with dimensions; 49″x117.5″. The projector is JVC DLARS60U, with an Anamorphic lens. There will be two rows of seating(two large couches), 1st row will be 12.5′, the 2nd, on a 10″ riser, 18.5′from the screen. Ideally, I would like to install the projector at the back wall above a shelf running the width of the back wall, a throw distance of 18′. When I entered the data into your calculator, it stated a max throw distance of 13.8′ for this screen size. This would place the projector in the middle of the room. If I placed it back to 18′, will it provide enough light output for this screen? Appreciate your invaluable input soonest.
Richard, I’m assuming you checked in the owner’s manual to determine the correct throw distances. I’m not sure if that projector has a long enough throw to be that far from the screen, but you’ll have to check. You’ll need to know what type of anamorphic (horizontal expansion or vertical compression) and adapt the table.
In general, optics will cause all projectors to have better contrast ratios at far throw distances and higher brightness at closer distances. These differences aren’t hugely apparent, and I wouldn’t use this to make my location decision. Go with the mounting location that best fits the aesthetics of your room.
Carlton, I have a projector question based on these non modifiable screen/throw/view dist criteria. My max screen size I can install based on top bottom restrictions of mounting height/mantel is 86″ diagonal. My Throw is predetermined at 18′. Single row viewing distance predetermined at 8′ (+/- 6″ max)
I am having difficulty finding a projector that will throw that far with only 86″ diagonal. Any suggestions?
Budget $1000 – $2500
considerable ambient light w sliding glass door.
1920×1080 preferred, but will go 720 if I have to
considering SI black diamond screen to help with light.
(Living room, not a dedicated Home Theater application)
Thanks!
Jim,
I can’t give you an exact projector model, but you most likely will have to buy a Long Throw Lens to add replace the stock lens. Multiple manufacturers offer long throw lenses, but I’m not sure for which models. InFocus and Mitsubishi and Epson would be good starts. Read the reviews on ProjectorCentral.com and see if they mention an options long-throw lens. The biggest problems will be the price. . . lenses can be almost as expensive as projectors.
Good luck!
Hi
Do all your viewing distances apply for HD ready as well.I have a 50″ Samsung Hd ready plasma that I want to put 8.5 feet viewing distance.Is this about right?Thanks for a great site.
Carlton,
My question is probably like many others you receive. We have a room we would like to turn into a theater room, it is 19’6″L x 12’3″ x 8′ tall. We would like to utilize a ceiling mount projector and were thinking of 120″ screen. Which screen would you recommend and what type of projector should we use? We like to watch HD movies. Also what type of sound system would sound good in this room? We have a Bose 5.1 setup already but was thinking of adding additional speakers to the side walls. Any information or website you know of to help design it would be helpful. Thanks and have a great day.
Kevin
Here’s my recommended gear list: http://carltonbale.com/ultimate-technology-list
For the speakers, your best upgrade would be a true subwoofer (see link above.)
avsforum.com is a good place to start reading and comparing.
Carlton,
What a great and informative website you have. I’ve downloaded the spreadsheet, and have found it very useful.
I’ve got an important, but low-end, question for which I’d like your opinion: We’re getting an HDTV for my elderly inlaws (89 and 91). Their eyesight (particularly my Mother In-Law) is not that great. Their seating distance will be around 9 feet. We’re trying to not spend too much money. I’m looking at some 46″ 1080p LCD sets and also 50″ 720 plasma. These seem to be the best fit for our price range (under $750). From the calculator, it seems as though the 50-inch 720p is a better way to go. Do you agree? Other recommendations?
Thanks!!
Howard, I agree completely, the 50″ 720p flat screen is better, assuming it fits the room. Since your parents probably aren’t too worried about picture quality, I’d get the cheapest brand that still has a descent warranty.
Great site by the way… I stumbled upon it.
Currently couch is about 11′ back from 92″ screen. Projector is Optoma HD65. We need to replace it and want to go bigger due to the screen being over 10 years old and now has many scrapes and marks (crazy story as to why). Problem is that if I get the 106″ by Da-Lite (same model type as what we have now) it will have to go higher due to a door the screen will have to partially block. Don’t mind keeping the door shut during a movie. Our concern is that we will be looking up more at the movie now compared to before. I measured and the bottom of the 106″ screen will be about 3″ higher than our 92″ is now, and the top will be 12″ or so higher that the top of the 92″ is now. Hope that isn’t too confusing the way I wrote it. We projected the image on the wall/door to try it out, but nothing compares to actually having it on the screen. It appears that eye-level is closer to the bottom 12″ of the screen rather then the middle.
Will the extra height cause headaches like at the pre-stadium seating theaters? We have another wall to put the screen on, but it would take much more work and significant cable hiding.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Michael, I think the problem with high screens is more neck fatigue than headaches. The upside is that high screens are better if you’re in a recliner.
I think you will be right at the limit for acceptable screen height. Lower would be better, but I think you’ll be OK. The ideal setup is eye level at middle of the screen to lower 1/3 of screen. If the screen is above eye level, it’s way too high.
Only you can determine if the amount of work required to move the screen is worth the result. Having it away from the door may be more of a benefit. Good luck and enjoy!
Hello Carlton,
I really enjoy reading your posts and replies. They are very informative. I have a 20 x 13 room with a slanted ceiling starting at about 4ft with an 8ft ceiling that I’m looking to turn into a home theater. I’m looking to go with the Epson 8700UB as a projector with 2 rows of theater seating extending 101 inches wide about 41 inches high, 41”D. I’m trying to determine what size screen to go with, how far away should the first row be, and how high should my second row risers be? I look forward to your advice.
Torrance
Torrance, there is no one set screen size / viewing distance for any room. You can go big screen / sit farther away / lower screen brightness or smaller screen / sit closer / brighter image. You the spreadsheet, play with the numbers, and see what works best for you. I recommend starting with the largest screen that leaves enough space on each side for the left/right speakers and going from there.
Carlton,
That’s what I like to hear. Thanks for your feedback.
This is a great idea. People building their own HTs are always trying to determine things like screen size, viewing distance, platform height, etc. This is valuable info for any HT do-it-your-selfer.
Great site Carlton. Thanks for all the info. I’m a little confused. I was hoping to calculate the optimal seat distance for 1st and second row seating and the rise of the second row from my screen size and room size. However, the calculator has the seat distance as a user imput. Am I missing something? Sorry, if that’s a stupid question.
Great site Carlton. Thanks for all the info. I’m a little confused. I was hoping to calculate the optimal seat distance for 1st and second row seating and the rise of the second row from my screen size and room size. However, the calculator has the seat distance as a user imput. Am I missing something? Sorry, if that’s a stupid question. thanks for any help
Hello Carlton! I will be having a 16′ x 11′-10″ room sectioned off for my theater room and i’m wondering how i can take a small room and turn it into a respectable theater room? I’m not concerned about sound-proofing walls or anything, but would like to know the following:
1) Projector or Big Screen HD TV? What brand & quality for each?
2) I think i have room for two rows of seating. The back row will be a couch and the front row i plan on putting a row of 3 theater seats. Thoughts?
3) I will have 4 drop-ins for ceiling speakers, but i plan on complimenting that with a stand alone center speaker and sub-woofer. Will that work?
4) I am having a closet-size area (4′ (wide) by 2′ (deep)) in the left side corner of the room at the front to place all my electronics. What do i need to take into consideration to ensure all electronics are set up and placed properly(i.e. outlets, cooling system, cable outlet, etc.)?
5) The room will also have recessed lighting with dimmer switch control. Where should i plan to put the lighting?
I have an illustration/floor plan of my potential theater room if you need that in order to provide feedback.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time!
Ed
Hi Carlton,
I have a 19 x 11 room. plan on getting a 60″ LED but am confused about what sort of surround sound. The room has two opening, window (glass) 6′ x 4′ and a double door (teak and glass design) 72″. Should I get 7.1 or 5.1 also wha brand do u recommend. I think Bose if the best but way too expensive.
Regards,
RR
Hi Carlton, where does one access and read your reply’s to the reader’s comments/questions.
Thank You,
Richard A.
Carlton,
I would love any help you can give me. I’m a little late in asking as I’ve already had a contractor build my room out and have bought all my equipment for my room. Problem is i have made mistakes i think and would like to rectify them prior to carpet, seating, and screen/projector/receiver/speakers intallation.
Problem: 12.5′ X 21′ room. 2 rows of seats. built back “riser width of room by 5′ deep. I am told i need 6 to 7 feet in reality to accomodate the leater seating by Palliser (67″ depth when reclined). I know i will need to extend the riser by at least a foot.
2nd issue: i am now hearing that I may need to insulate this item. the original carpeting has been removed and it was built on the 2nd story floor. is there a “base echo” concern ?
Thanks!
If you want people to recline flat and sleep in the second row, you may need a bigger riser. But they won’t recline that much to watch a movie. But it depends on your chair.
If you have a powerful sub, you will definitely hear it outside the room. It’s difficult to isolate a room and requires special construction. Fiberglass in the wall will not help much.
Hey Carlton, its great reading all your material. I have some questions, I am planning a home theater room That is 20′ wide and 25′ deep, 3 rows of seats for a total of (20)seats, what size screen would you recommend for a projector?, I am looking at getting the best model projector out there for a home, looking to spend close to $5,ooo for it. How high should I make each riser for the next 2 rows. Ceiling is eiter 9′ or 10′. We are building the house next year and I am installing it in my basement, I have not decided how tall to make my foundation. What brand speakers do you recommend for something like this 7.1? Thanks, Mike
Mike, I’m afraid these are not quick, easy answers. You should enter data in the spreadsheet and play around with it. Here are some quick suggestions on where to start. Riser height depends on how close the row is to the one in front of it. 14″ is generally a minimum; someone over 6′ tall would almost be touching a 9′ ceiling when standing up in the back row, but that row isn’t designed for standing, so I wouldn’t worry about that. You will need at least a 123″ screen, maybe 133″. Plug numbers in the calculator. Screens that big need a very bright projector; you can start by looking at the Panasonic PT-AE7000. Speakers are a very personal choice; I suggest figuring if you want in-wall or on-wall or floor-standing, then listening to the options. Good luck!
Dear Mr. Bale,
Thank you for kindly providing this handy calculation sheet for all to use. It is a great help, and your effort is much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Oldengaerde
Chris, can you estimate a starting guess, plug that in, and see if the results look good? Then change the input and see what happens.
Dear Carlton, I am constructing a house and want to have a home theatre in the basement. I have two room options – one measuring 17’4″x 22’4″ and the other 14′ x 12′. I want seating capacity of 6 to 8 people and want to use a LCD projector. Can you please suggest which room size would be better and other things I need to keep in mind (steps, AV system etc.)? I am a newbie so sorry for the trouble. I tried the excel sheet but couldn’t really make much out of it. Thanks…..Shailendra Bansal
I’m not Carlton, but I’ll take a shot since I’m going through the same questions right now. There’s a few different things to consider: (1) screen size, (2) dimensions for best audio and (3) seating space. Let’s start with seating space, since I’m coming to believe that’s the least flexible. (After all, you can adjust screen size or deal with viewing angles, or you can do treatments to fix the audio, but you can’t get around room for seats.) If you’re going with typical “home theater” seating like you see to the left and right of this page, 14×12 is going to be a bit tight but doable for 8 seats.
Regarding the screen size, the spreadsheet is awesome but here’s a calculator that’s a bit simpler to use: http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html . According to THX (high-quality movie theater) standards, you will want to be in the 26-36 degree viewing angle range. Make sure you plug in the eye positions in both the front and back rows, using the maxim “every seat a good seat.”
One thought about a riser: you’ll have two rows regardless, and you’ll want to raise the second row. This raises the question of how to get into the room. The room will have to be arranged so the door gets around the seats, but also you don’t want the door to come into the riser area. (Think about it: open a door and you see a step.) So, the room will want to be arranged so the door comes into either the front (next to the screen) or front-half side of the room.
There’s lots more to be said, and Carlton will probably correct my blathering, but if you want to talk about this more I’ll be glad to pass on what I’ve learned.
[...] CarltonBale.com Home Theater Calculator: Viewing Distance, Screen Size [...]
need help. Have a projected home theatre room (25’4″ x 15’8″)basement…no windows can be totally dark.
figuring a max of 4 oversized seats per row based on advertised “home theatre furniture (11 feetwide /4 seats), and a wall that could hold a (14′ wide screen x 8 or 9 feet in height), what would be the optimal distance from the screen for the first row? Should the screen be somewhat smaller in width and height?
Thanks
Well, according to the calculators (either the spreadsheet or the link I gave above), with a 14′ wide screen (16′ diagonal) you’d want eye distance between 21-30 feet. There’s not really an “optimal” front row position; you need to make all the rows fit into this range as best you can. And really, it’s all a tradeoff between seating and screen size.
Here’s another simplified calculator that has a “wizard” format that might be easier for you to use:
http://www.hdhes.com/tv/hdtvviewdistance.aspx
Thank-you Gary B.
As the calculations demonstrate, it is almost impossible to have two rows (6 feet apart meet the “perfect world” calculations.
A compromise between the two seems to be the only option.
Design around your first row as it will always be occupied. Occasional second row guests won’t notice or care.
You may be missing an important fundamental in determining screen size. Image size should be evaluated based upon the primary seating position and the capabilities of your projector. These factors are limited by the fact that your projector will likely be producing a 1920 x 1080 resolution image. If you sit too close, you will see the pixel grid in the picture. Faces, etc., will have a regular texture, which is not natural. Sit too far away and image size will occupy a smaller field of view and limit a sense of envelopment.
THX image width is typically based upon film presentation. Video is not film. Film has an amorphous image structure, while digital video has a grid-like structure. Sit closer to film and the image just gets softer and less sharp/crisp/natural in character. The THX recommendations for image width are for a 36 to 40 degree field of view. The digital video recommendation is for a 30 degree field of view for average 20/20 vision. That is intended to provide the sharpest image short of recognizing the pixel grid. If your vision is better than 20/20 you will need to sit a bit farther from the screen. If you have less visual acuity, you can sit a bit closer to the screen.
If you reduce the size of your screen and place the front row at 3 times the screen height, or 1.5 times the screen diagonal, this will fulfill the digital video industry recommendation. By reducing the screen size appropriately, you can move your seating closer to the screen wall and allow the space you need for the second row for occasional guests.
Some viewers don’t seem to mind watching video programs with the pixel grid visible in the image. I find this distracting and annoying while watching movies. In my mind, envelopment in the program consists of more than sheer panorama. It includes image quality as well. In the end, you get to decide how to view movies in your home theater. I find a smooth, sharp, natural image much more enjoyable than just the image size factor.
Alan: All of the factors you mention are in included in the spreadsheet.
I was emphasizing those points for Norm. Your work is impressive. In my experience, fundamental principles may not be grasped by many readers until they are presented a number of times, and stated a variety of ways. Thanks for the resource your site provides.
Carlton – thanks for the website – lots of good information. I am planning to put a home theater in my basement and have a question about the throw distance and throw ratios. The room size will be approx 20′L x 13′W x 8′H and I am looking at putting in two rows of seating. My problem is that there is a center beam about 5′ back from the screen running across the room (parallel to the screen). This beam extends down to about 7′ from the floor. So if I follow the advice I’ve seen to have the bottom of the screen about 3′ off the bottom of the floor, this would effectively limit my screen size to 4′ high. This is assuming I lower the projector to a height of 7′ to clear the beam. I’d like to put in a larger screen than that. So I was considering the idea of a short throw projector mounted on the “screen side” of the beam. This would enable me to put the projector tight up against the ceiling and take advantage of the full height of the wall for the screen. Assuming it is back 5′ from an 8′ wide screen, that would put the throw ratio at about .625. I’ve seen some ads for short throw projectors but they seem to be more geared towards presentations or special situations, not for home theater use. Is that true or am I wrong on that? Are there good home theater projectors available with throw ratios in the .6 range and if so – do you sacrifice anything in terms of quality of the picture? Thanks in advance for your advice! Rick
Rick, I’m unaware of any projectors capable of this short of a throw ratio for home theater. I’ve seen some, but as you say, I don’t think the primary intent was picture quality. The only likely downside to a projector like this would be uniformity of image brightness, especially on high gain screen, with tends to be pretty directional with light return. The edges might not be quite as bright, but this is probably only a minor concern.
I think you’d be better off looking for a projector that has a flexible enough vertical optical shift. That way, you could mount it on the beam and have it lower than the top of screen, nearer the center. I’m pretty sure there are projectors that have flexible enough vertical offset to do this. I recommend to start searching on projectorcentral.com and go from there. You may need to find the manuals for a few different models to confirm. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Carlton – yes it definitely helps as you have confirmed my preliminary conclusions. Rick
Carlton, this is very insightful indeed. I have a question about my setup. I have a room that is 18ft (L) x 11ft (W) and 8ft (H). The problem with this room is that near the entrance of the room the height is 8ft and the end of the room the height is approx. 7.5ft (it’s located under the garage). It’s the only space I have. I already have a 106″ fixed screen that is installed which is centered and levelled. I have a Sony VPL-HW30ESB projector mounted from the ceiling appox 13 ft back. I have a sectional in there that is approx 12-13ft from the screen. The setup of the room is great for sound and brightness.
Here is my issue, I am getting a lot of keystone issues. The projector is approx. 6″ from the ceiling (the lens). I need to check if its completely centered but it’s really close if anything. Is there anything you can suggest? I don’t want to do any lens shift and even if I do the keystone effect is still there.
Appreciate any assistance.
Thank you!
Sam, lens shift should move the picture up and down without creating any keystone. It sounds like your projector is not level. The lens should be perfectly perpendicular with the screen. You needed to adjust the up/down rotation of the projector mount and also the left/right rotation. Once that is right, lens shift should allow your to fine tune. Depending on the projector capabilities and screen, you may need a longer extension pole between the ceiling and projector, to move the projector closer to the center of the screen. Good luck!