I've had a Hitachi 60", Ultravision for abot 5 yrs., Just now bought a dvd player, and a new Sony HT system, and an AV3000. Never realized what picture quality I was missing with the dvd.If only the ATT digital cable was as clean. The new toys really have me wanting to get the room set up right to really enjoy watching movies and capturing the right sound.

With recent rearranging of the living room, I seat about 18' from the TV,and of course the front and center channels. Seems far but can still see everything clear. Any suggestions on ideal distance?

Also with placing the couch close to a wall, the rear channel speakers are on the side walls, and about 6 inches behind us, 6ft. off the floor. Not sure if I'm getting optimum sound being so close. What's the latest recommendations on speaker and sitting placement?

I would say your right in the optimal seating distance for that size screen. Normally I look at right around 3 to 4 times the diagonal distance away.

The speaker placement really depends upon your processing. With THX pro-logic, I'm a big fan of Di/Bi polar speakers on the side walls. But with Digital 5.1 surround, I prefer a direct radiating speaker in the same plane as the left and right speakers, although higher on the wall. With 6.1 and 7.1 'formats' your pretty much stuck with what they suggest.

If you're not stuck on having the couch against the wall, try setting the TV in the middle of a shorter wall, and the couch facing it, about 1/2 to 2/3 towards the back (opposite) wall. This will effectively increase the depth of the room.

Of course, knowing the layout of your room, and the immovable difficulties, such as doorways, fireplaces, etc. Oh, yes, the placement of your surrounds is okay now. just keep them at least a foot from the ceiling and the rear wall.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Dave,

This topic comes up on a fairly regular basis, you might want to search this forum for previous discussions. I am including a link to one of the more recent ones here.

I am also quoting my post in that thread below:


By the way, the link above also has a bit of guidance on speaker placement. The link is a small extract from a The Home Theater Installation Guide available free from Crutchfield here. Crutchfield also offers a free Guide To Home Theater here.

Hope this helps. -Bruce

Yeah but for whatever reason, some people get annoyed if you bring up those discusions.

"Who are in control, they are not in control of anything - they don't even control themselves!"