Press // Fanboy installs: Fixed DIY Center Stage Screens

Here's a great example of following best practices in home theater. Identical L/C/R channels, on-axis, behind the best-in-class Center Stage XD screen. This Heritage Series Klipsch (true) horn system is stunning, while being invisible behind a reference image. It's a great story of perseverance and DIY innovation.

His story was featured on the Klipsch blog, and a video tour is featured here.

Michael Stevens

"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

"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."

"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

Casey Ragan.

This Northern Italian home theater was inspired by the 1927 German classic Metropolis, as featured in Electronic House in June 2012. Sal used a predictive audio CAD application to ensure the space was acoustically optimized.

This DIY theater features handmade seats, the HTPC, and the Seymour AV Center Stage XD screen. The result is a cinematic image size, acoustic best practice, and a dedicated home theater on a budget. We'd put the performance of this $15k build up against systems costing 10 times as much. Featured in Electronic House in November 2011.

Three in-wall speakers, properly positioned for the 2.35 ratio screen. Black speaker grille material is used to darken the back.

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.

Chris - Overland Park, 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.

Bob - Montrose, CO

"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."