When to use Acoustically Transparent Screens

[dovin]

Hi,

My HT setup is such that the speakers (FL, FR and Center) are a few feet behind a ceiling mounted screen (yet to buy - now in planning stage). But there is 1 feet space on either side of the screen and 2 1/2 feet below the screen.

Do I need acoustically transparent screen material or will the audio pass through these gaps without any major issues ? I don't expect vibration of screen as my speakers are planar (not much base) and I have a nice sub woofer to make up for that, which sits behind the seating area.

Will be great to hear some comments from experts here.

thanks in advance!!

 

[manoj.p]

If the speakers are covered by the screen, then yes, you will need to use the acoustic transparent screen. Other option is to move the speakers to the sides of screen and mount the center speaker just below the screen horizontally.

 

[dovin]

Thanks.

I can move the stereo speakers to the side of the screen. The center speaker is the only problem as it is ceiling mounted behind the screen. May be I can cut a rectangular hole at the top of the screen or something.

 

[manoj.p]

can you move it to below screen? Then you won't have to cut the screen. Also both 3 front speakers will be in the same plane more or less.

 

[dovin]

I see your point. Below the screen is not possible since it will be in the middle of the hall. I think I have to go back and rethink the layout.

 

[santhosh]

For your application you do not need an acoustically transparent screen. Instead of cutting a hole, just move the centre channel in front of the screen and pointing towards the listening position.

 

[deepakgang]

how much more will this type screen cost?

 

[ashishkesarwani]

It depends on the material of your screen i.e whether its Perforated or Woven. A woven screen is preferred for HT use as you don't see the holes which are found in the perforated screens and needs some distance between its Viewers.
That's why a Woven Screen is expensive in comparison with the other one.

 

[dovin]

True Santosh, but some opposition from other family members about aesthetics. Wish I had a bungalow with a dedicated AV room. Still making measurements etc to see best option.

 

[deepakgang]

my point is if it dont cost a lot more, it will give the flexibility of hiding your speakers plus saves some space etc

 

[miki.bgdjazz]

I understand this is an old thread, but I am just interesting how did the sound turn out to be, since your speakers are so far behind the screen?

Cause, as I recall it, it is necessary to place the speakers as close as possible to the screen to minimize the effects of resonance in the acoustical chamber that exist between the speakers and the screen.

That is, closer you are to the screen, the resonance goes higher, and is less audible and easier to compensate with equalization.

So, how did it turn out?