OPTIMUM VIEWING AREAS

In the seating chart figure the auditorium follows the SMTP’s “2 & 6 Rule”. The first row of seats is placed at a distance equal to twice the screen’s width from the screen. The last row is placed at a distance equal to six times the screen width. Further, no row of seats is wider than its distance from the screen. As you can see, this is a rather idealistic approach which eliminates most of the wide viewing angles. Under these conditions, all three of the major screen surfaces would perform well with the possible exception of the aluminized silver.

Most theatres do not follow the “2 & 6 Rule” and as a result we see seats closer to the screen and wider rows of seats. This brings many wider viewing angles into play. Where 70 to 80 percent of your seats were within 20 degrees of center now maybe o­nly 50 to 60 percent are. The aluminized screen now becomes less attractive and the available choices are now pearl and matte white. When the other factors are considered o­ne surface may appear to be logical choice. For example, if wide angles will be frequently encountered, and the screen size and projection throw don’t represent illumination problems, the matte white would appear to be the choice.

In the final analysis, it is important to realize that for any given theatre may not be a clear choice as to which fabric to use. When all the factors are weighed there will, hopefully be some indications but it is frequently a somewhat subjective choice. The goal is to have all the necessary information to make the best choice.