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Author Topic: Ratio of screen height to first row Karagir Khush Film Handler Posts: 7 From: Forest Grove, Or, USA Registered: Jul 2003 posted 06-24-2005 08:59 PM                     What is the ratio of screen height to distance of first row from the screen? Is there a calculated approach? Any links to a documented approach is most appriciated. Thanks and regards.  |  IP: Logged Mike Blakesley Film God Posts: 12767 From: Forsyth, Montana Registered: Jun 99 posted 06-24-2005 11:34 PM                        In a perfect world, the first row should be no closer than the screen is wide. Unfortunately, it isn't a perfect world and besides, little kids love to sit as close as possible. I don't know of a "standard."  |  IP: Logged Paul Mayer Oh get out of it Melvin, before it pulls you under! Posts: 3836 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Feb 2000 posted 06-25-2005 01:02 AM                        IIRC the old SMPTE/ITEA recommendation was the top-of-screen height to the first row so that the first row people didn't have to look any higher than 45° to the top of the screen. And the last row was supposed to be no more than six screen heights back--which seems pretty short to me.  |  IP: Logged Phil Hill I love my cootie bug Posts: 7595 From: Hollywood, CA USA Registered: Mar 2000 posted 06-25-2005 02:17 AM                  WTF ***IS*** my friend John "Mr. Link City" Pytlak when ya need him? I would post the info from the THX and SMPTE specs, BUTT(!!!!) John is "THEE" guy!  |  IP: Logged Dick Vaughan Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1032 From: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK Registered: Jul 2000 posted 06-25-2005 05:15 AM                        The UK Cinematograph Act says thst the maximum angle from the eyelevel datum to the top of the screen should not exceed 35 degrees  |  IP: Logged John Walsh Film God Posts: 2490 From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way Registered: Oct 1999 posted 06-25-2005 08:13 AM                     Get a copy of the SMPTE paper; "Guidelines for the Design of Effective Cine Theaters" (SMPTE Journal Vol 95 Jan 1986)b It's a bit complex, but very through.  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 06-25-2005 08:54 AM                        The front row to screen measurement is not relevant. Using the old Fox standards: People want to sit 1.5 times the scope width from the screen. The size of the screen can be adjusted to place the 1.5 anywhere in the auditorium. I usually place the "best" seat at 2/3 of the way back. In recent times, for a very large effect, I have placed it at 1/2 way back. The "front row" question varies. Some owners want a high seat count and so "booking seats" are placed very close (4 ft) to the screen. Others want "best seats only" and so a more conservative approach is indicated. Louis  |  IP: Logged Adam Martin I'm not even gonna point out the irony. Posts: 3686 From: Dallas, TX Registered: Nov 2000 posted 06-25-2005 01:04 PM                     The SMPTE paper is pretty much useless unless you're building a sloped-floor auditorium.  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 06-25-2005 01:27 PM                     I've heard that if the screen was to swivel down from the up position and then lay down on the floor,the top of the screen should be is where the first row should be placed when laying out a seating configuration.  |  IP: Logged Phil Hill I love my cootie bug Posts: 7595 From: Hollywood, CA USA Registered: Mar 2000 posted 06-25-2005 04:15 PM                  quote: Monte L Fullmer I've heard that if the screen was to... In general: Hearsay, conjecture, inexperienced wannabe designers, AND the "get the most $eats in there possible" mentality are the primary reasons why there are soooo many poorly designed auditoriums.  |  IP: Logged Mike Blakesley Film God Posts: 12767 From: Forsyth, Montana Registered: Jun 99 posted 06-25-2005 05:19 PM                        Economics come in to play. When we got our new seats last year, I was sorely tempted to leave out the first 3 or 4 rows in order to "force" people to sit a reasonable distance away -- but, the kids would've hated it, and our grosses would suffer too -- so the front rows are still too close.  |  IP: Logged Dominic Espinosa Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1172 From: California, U.S.A. Registered: Jan 2004 posted 06-25-2005 06:17 PM                     I'd put 2 rows on the floor, way too close just for the morons and sell out crowds and then a walk way, and the first row of the regular seating. Most people in our theater sit in the back row or middle of the theater and couldn't care less.  |  IP: Logged Mark Hajducki Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 500 From: Edinburgh, UK Registered: May 2003 posted 06-25-2005 07:02 PM                     quote: Dick Vaughan The UK Cinematograph Act says thst the maximum angle from the eyelevel datum to the top of the screen should not exceed 35 degrees Assuming the eye level of the front row is in line with base of the screen this make the minimum distance 0.7 screen heights. Does this still apply to new build cinemas in the UK?  |  IP: Logged Carl Martin Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1424 From: Oakland, CA, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 06-26-2005 03:02 AM                        mark, you took the tangent, but you wanted to take the cotangent. ~1.43 screen heights.  |  IP: Logged Edwin Schwing Expert Film Handler Posts: 116 From: Las Vegas NV Registered: May 2002 posted 06-26-2005 03:58 AM                     I love the front row (personally...) That is where I watch all my movies! I know that watching a movie is different than watching a tennis game, but when I go to a movie, I like moving my head to see the whole movie... I have a 27 inch tv, I hate staring... My First assistant ran the CINERAMA in San Diego for many many years. (now torn down...) I wish I could have sat in THAT front row.... I don't care how wide her screen was!! E  |  IP: Logged

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