[Othello]

If you were building your own theatre, would you have the seating stepped or on the level in order to create the right atmosphere for both visual and audio experience?

[jvc]

The reason for the riser is so the people sitting in back can see past the people in front. I'd definitely have the seating on a riser.........

[Othello]

Oh silly me, lol. In my head I had wondered whether the hollowness of the riser would change the sound somewhat. It hadn't occurred to me that it would help people to see.

[jvc]

A riser shouldn't affect the sound at all, except to add a little more acoustics to the room, since most risers are covered in carpet. I guess it's like bleacher seating or downtown theaters, that the floors have a pretty good down grade to them. Easier to see over the person in front of you, unless a woman with big hair or hat sits there.

[doremi]

Originally Posted by jvc

unless a woman with big hair or hat sits there.

And if you say something you are the impolite one...
Either way I think you are thinking about amphitheaters, but there the howl construct is different and you don't really have benches, you have stone slabs...

[jvc]

Originally Posted by doremi

And if you say something you are the impolite one...
Either way I think you are thinking about amphitheaters, but there the howl construct is different and you don't really have benches, you have stone slabs...

No, I'm talking about regular theaters that are in town.

[doremi]

Only the first paragraph was on your quote JVC, the one about the amphitheater was directed at Othello, I know that you were referring to normal theaters.

[jvc]

Originally Posted by Willis

If you want to create the right atmosphere for both visual and audio experience in home theater, a good set of portable DVD player or projector is necessary.

No it's not.
A good atmosphere for visual enjoyment is good with a nice projector, but not necessary. A dvd player (but not portable) is pretty much needed for good sound in home theater, because dvds and BDs have the surround sound tracks, but not a projector at all. The main things needed are a good A/V receiver and good speakers, including a good subwoofer.