How do I plan a home theater system.?

Question

Placement of DLP projector, screen, and audio equipment

Answer 1

See the responses to a related question (First link) since it provides an excellent site on HT design (and also projectors, screens, etc). I've also included links below re speaker setup (including one on subwoofer setup), screen distance and height calculation and projector throw distance calculator. Collectively these links provide most of what you need.

You may be designing a dedicated HT or simply fitting into an existing room. If the latter, read on. If the former, much of the following may not apply.

If you want to take on a true HT project (and it can be rewarding), you will have to read extensively and decide answers to many questions.

I designed my own theatre and found that almost everything interrelates.

For example, I had to know where and how many people would be accommodated to know where the projector would be (I wanted it shelf mounted not over the prime seating position). This defined distance to the screen, which eliminated some projectors. It also dictated screen size and placement (See distance calculator link). I wanted the electronics at the back of the room, but this meant the remotes had to be able to control the equipment by bouncing the signal off the screen (not all remotes have the range). In general, you will save money if you shelf mount the projector (shorter cables, no projector mount), but this requires a projector that has suitable flexibility of placement. I knew I wanted a light controlled room, but you may not, in which case your projector brightness requirements may differ from mine.

Some other things to consider, include:
- what type of home theatre and where (a dedicated room is different than fitting into a living or family room)?
- aesthetics (e.g. finish, wall and ceiling colour, seating style, extras)
- speaker placement to define wiring. How many? Where will the subwoofer be?
- Lighting? Electrical outlets?
- ventilation (heat and A/C vents, cold air return)?
- cable runs for satellite or cable (my HD PVR requires two leads for dual tuners plus a third to a second TV elsewhere in the house).
- computer connections (LAN or WiFi)?.
- acoustics, both containing the sound (soundproofing) and optimizing it (you will need carpeting, acoustic baffles, etc)?
- seating? Number, location, sight lines / angle to screen of outside seats?
- type (DIY, fixed, electric, manual, etc), material, shape and size of screen?
- media and equipment storage?

So ... quite a list (and I probably forgot a few!). And, as stated, almost every decision relates to others.

Some suggestions that worked for me:
- consider the room first in terms of location, size and expected seating
- decide on projector and equipment placement
- develop a short list of projectors that will "fit"
- decide on the screen to fit the room and projector.

On the last point I eventually built my own screen following a process defined on the AVS forum DIY screen forum. It cost me about $50, and it worked out so well I may never buy a screen. But this required planning as to when I did the install.

I shelf mounted my projector on a back wall, but inverted to accommodate the lack of lens shift. This meant I had to make my own adapter.

Hope this all helps. Good luck!

Answer 2

The best for the sound would be to be in the middle of the speakers, that is, if you make a square with the two rear an two front you should be in the center of the square.

Answer 3

There's a good article here that helped me.