Could use some help/advice on seating positioning?

[Cory Raymer]

So, I am now completing my home theater and ready to build a riser platform for rear row seating. One thing I am concerned with is where to place it. I am attaching a layout done in MS Paint (Sorry, I can't draw a stick figure).

The room is 14' wide and 20' deep. The screen is going on the far wall and seating near entry door. From what I understand, it is best for me to center the screen on the wall it is going on. However, since the entry door is on the same back wall as the riser will be, I can not center it against the back wall, would have to be offset to the right of the door.

My other option is to place the riser centered in the room, but forward enough to give enough room for the door to open fully, but not sure if this would be awkward to have to walk around a platform as soon as you enter the room.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Cory Raymer]

After looking at my drawing again, my riser would be slightly more to the right, off center than what is represented in my amateur drawing.

 

[TLS Guy]

After looking at my drawing again, my riser would be slightly more to the right, off center than what is represented in my amateur drawing.

I think your front seats are too far back. For the quality of most program having the front seats 12' from the screen is about optimal. You could then move the riser forward and center it.

Your screen I think is too big for the room. A 65 to 85" screen will be optimal in that room.

My room is very similar size and a 65" screen works very well for two rows of seats, the front 12' from the screen. The sound will be much better that way also.

 

[TheWarrior]

I agree with TLS on the seating placement. Especially if this is a dedicated room, seating position is everything! And no seat should be that close to a wall, sides or rear. Build that riser just far enough forward to clear the door swinging open. I think Gene did an article on his riser platform doubling as a bass trap.

However I agree with your 120" screen size, assuming the screen placement can be optimized for seating. The front seats will definitely have a 'full immersion' experience, but should not require too much eye movement to see everything. Get your seating situated, and then tape off a 120" screen size and sit back and see if it looks right to you. If you really like big screens, you may even want to go bigger.