Some Comments on the Design of Large-Screen Motion-Picture Theaters
William Szabo · SMPTE Journal · 1976
Large-screen cinemas are defined as those in which the screen appears large to the audience. This condition is approached when the screen occupies 60° of the viewer's field of vision horizontally and 30° vertically. Sightlines in large-screen cinemas should be calculated, based on an eye-level-to-top-of-head parameter of 10 to 11 in (25.4 to 27.9 cm). Oblique viewing angles should not exceed 45° to the significant action area of the screen. Projection angles and their limits, comfort, screen brightness for large screens, and basic acoustic requirements are commented on. Formulas for single-row sight line determination are included.