Fanboy installs: Fixed DIY Center Stage Screens
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"All 3 speakers are behind the screen on top of the built in cabinet.
Behind the screen is a full insulated (5" blue acoustic insulation) cavity with Polk LSi bookshelf speakers."

"In my attic remodel I had constraints that included angled walls and rooflines.
The Center Stage screen fabric allowed me to have an uncompromised picture while
maximizing my screen size by hiding all three of my front channel speakers behind
the screen. Seymour AV provided great service, communicated well, and delivered
as promised and on time."
Dave - Dallas, TX
"This is the basic framing for the wall. You can see that the three front
speakers, as well as the subwoofer, are located behind the screen frame. This is
a desirable configuration, as it is more accurate to a theater-like experience
to have the sound come from behind the screen. You can also see the acoustic
insulation used on the walls behind the screen. This is to avoid negative sound
artifacts caused by having a 'chamber' created by the back wall, the side walls
and the screen wall. You may also notice the corners are flattened out. This is
because there are 'bass traps' installed- basically these are made from 3" rigid
fiberglass cut into triangles and stacked floor to ceiling. This helps flatten
out bass response."
"I have now added the screen material. This material is woven and is
considered acoustically transparent- there is little to no impact to placing
this in front of the speakers. Stephanie and I spent some time stapling this
into place to keep it uniform and wrinkle free. The next step was to add
the velvet frame. The frame is made of trim pieces purchased from home depot.
They are 3.5" wide and are wedge shaped. I cut the edges at 45 degree angles, so
they join together much like a picture frame. The velvet is deep black material
purchased from Fabric Depot. A black velvet border is important, as it absorbs
any light overspill from the projected image. Stephanie and I wrapped the trim
pieces in velvet using spray glue and a lot of patience...kind of a pain.
Here is the finished wall with the bottom insert added. This is a simple frame
covered with black acoustically transparent cloth. I couldn't use the velvet or
a solid wood piece on this part as it would not allow the sound from the front
speakers to pass properly. At some point down the road, I will probably have
some black velvet curtains made for the side that can slide over to mask the
sides when watching 1.85:1 or 1.78:1 content."


Hit this download button to see the full resolution 2272 x 1704 screen shot. (630k)
"I am very pleased with how everything came out,
and particularly with the quality of the screen material. I went from a Stewart
91" diagonal 16x9 ST130 screen. I am loving the CIH setup, and the sound coming
from behind the screen. I am using a Sony VPL-VW60 projector and a Panamorph
UH380 lens. The screen viewable size is 120"x51". I would highly recommend your
product and service to anyone."
Darrren - Tigard, OR





"Chris- Thought you'd like to see the finished product! We still have to
install the concrete countertop on the railing behind the couch and add a couple
lights in the pool table area. Stretching the screen over a hardwood frame was a
cinch and the velvet you recommend TOTALLY absorbs the overscan! Thanks so much
for the product and the great advice!"
Brian - Blair, NE
Here Chris is upgrading his screen from the original Center Stage material to the new Center Stage XD (beta) material. You can see a sample of the XD taped to the current screen just in front of Remy.
The
frame is placed on the material at a tilted angle, trimmed and stapled.
Here
you can see the French cleats on the back, and the in-wall RBH Signature SI-760
identical L/C/R, all vertically oriented.
Three
in-wall speakers, properly positioned for the 2.35 ratio screen. Black speaker
grille material is used to darken the back.
Chris
- Overland Park, KS
Klipshorn Jubilees, JubScala (LS LF / 402),
KPT-884 (aka THE BEAST), 4 Ki-172, 4 Crown XTi-1000, Active Xover - 48db
Bill - Wichita, KS

"Screen arrived Friday morning and we unpacked and stretched it over the
frame that evening. Your cutting is superb. Measurements exactly on the dot
and absolutely square. Top notch handling and packing (though someone pried
open on end of the plastic cap on the tube, probably for mail inspection,
but otherwise was perfect). I'm pleased to note that after 4' I cannot see the weave. We sit 8' from
this gargantuous 154" (diagonal) screen and the picture looks creamy smooth
and sharp. Color rendition seems fine.
As for the sound, it's less intrusive than the linen sheet I had up there
all week. Highs were sparkling and brighter than they'd been all week with
the sheet. I was a bit concerned when I got the sample, but after installing the full
screen, I am overjoyed with its performance both visually and acoustically. I suspect I may not even need to EQ the highs. Perhaps that's my JBL horn
tweeters that handle this better than conventionals, but the end result is I
can't tell there's anything different over no screen between speakers and
me. I stretched black spandex over the back side of the frame and then stretched
your material over the front and back-stapled it. Results were very good. The amazing thing is that watching movies, we're noticing stuff not seen
clearly on the 47" LCD, such as 1-2 scenes in most movies where the focus
puller 'blew it' and didn't get the subject in full focus. Changes in film
stock are obvious. We're also aware of more of the objects in the movie
scenes. Little things that go unnoticed are suddenly getting our attention. We're working on curtains, the side frame walls and center channel speaker
next.
You've got a great product here at a reasonable price. Count us as VERY
satisfied customers!"
Mark & Mary Ann Weiss, MW HD
Professional Video Productions

Amit's old theater room pictured above. The below pictures are after
he made his DIY curved 2.35 Center Stage XD screen and upgraded many other components.

Amit - Israel


Bob - Montrose, CO
"From Chris's advice, I made several changes in the room that offered the highest bang-for-the-buck improvements. First, I painted the ceiling a dark enough color to knock down ceiling reflections, but green enough to keep the Mrs. happy (it matches a color in the furniture and carpet.) Second, I lined the back wall with 4" thick acoustic foam from foambymail.com. It not only cancels the light that would get through the Center Stage fabric, but clarified the sound from the front soundstage by reducing midrange reflections. Chris told me not to mess with the thin stuff and to reduce muddiness, go with the four inch. Third, I angled in the left and right Infinity speakers so that the left speaker points to the right-most seat and the right speaker points to the left-most seat. This widened out the sweet spot and improved imaging across all the seats. Finally, I removed the grill, rotated my center channel vertically, and mounted it to the wall so that it would fire through the Center Stage screen. I wanted to use the speaker I already had. I wanted the sound to come from behind the screen and Chris convinced me that the all the seats would have better sound with this free tweak."
"I made a mitered frame from 1x4 poplar using biscuits to join the corners. I had the pieces wrapped in black plush triple velvet I got from here prior to assembly and then reinforced the corners with six inch corner brackets. I put a piece of angled steel across the top to prevent sagging. I then stapled the Center Stage screen fabric tightly on the back. It doesn't stretch, but you can still get it tight. Lastly, I attached some chain to hang from the ceiling about two inches in front of the center speaker."
"The image is incredible! It's bright and perfectly even no matter what angle you're viewing.
The sound is much better than what I had before; it's bigger, more dynamic, clear and more precise
than I thought these speakers could be. I have a modest system but an incredibly high-value performer.
I can't recommend Seymour AV's Center Stage fabric enough. It's the best and least-costly acoustically
transparent fabric out there. Their service, prices, packaging and technical advice were top notch."
Brent - Kansas City, MO






Jeremy - University Heights, OH