Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Info regarding seating and sightlines

This is topic Info regarding seating and sightlines in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 04-21-2002, 09:01 PM:

Anyone have links to info about proper seating arrangments for good sightlines in theaters? Something a little more than the; "30deg to front row viewing angles" type stuff.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 04-22-2002, 09:03 AM:

SMPTE Engineering Guideline EG18 does have information, but it is somewhat outdated (does not include stadium seating considerations), and in need of revision:
http://www.smpte.org/smpte_store/standards/index.cfm?stdtype=eg&scope=1

SMPTE EG18 is based on the work of Will Szabo, which was published in the SMPTE Journal in March 1976:
http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/seating_guide.pdf
http://www.yanman.com/HomeTheater/HTEnvironment.htm
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Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 04-22-2002, 10:30 AM:

John,

Give me a call in the office on Tuesday, I have been doing sight line drawing for all of the auditoriums that I have constructed over the past 45 years.

a few of the items you will need.

Architects rule
Protractor
Lens calculator

Auditorium: Width - Height - placement of exit doors. make a note of any obstructions in the box.i.e. return air vents, columns balconies, height of risers, number of rows, type of chair being used, rockers, fixed seating etc.

You must decide on masking, movable top, movable sides, movable top and bottom.

Curtains?

Left and right surround, EX? Screen Channels?

Placxement of portholes, booth wall....

I would be happy to work with you.

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 04-22-2002, 08:59 PM:

Thanks, both of you guys... I sort of think this is an interesting, but often overlooked area...

Bob, I will be with Brian Tuesday in Hartford, but maybe next week.. ?

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 04-24-2002, 10:09 PM:

In the meantime, below is a link to a really good paper on the importance of (and a formula for) determining screen size.

This doesn't deal with the entire subject of sightlines, but obviously screen size will be a factor.

http://dolby.com/movies/m.in.0009.screensize.html

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And, hey! Let's be careful out there.

~Manny.