Surround Placement Question

[SurferJoe]

If somebody could shed some light on the best position for surround speakers in my room (please see diagram) I would be forever grateful. I'm not sure whether I should go with an in-wall in the column, a bipolar that could also be used as a dual mono for 7.1 or an in-ceiling speaker. Also what height would be best. The listening area is very close to the back wall in-fact only 3 ft. Or would a stand based book shelf speaker be best. I'm hoping one of you theater geniuses can help. Also I might want to do 7.1 or even 9.1 using in-ceiling speakers at some point. Side walls are not an option for me (nowhere to mount them).

Thanks,
Joe

[fbov]

Here's a fairly complete answer.

http://www.harman.com/EN-US/OurCompany/Technologyleadership/Documents/White%20Papers/LoudspeakersandRoomsPt1.pdf

[SurferJoe]

Thanks, This looks like an interesting document.

[Paul W]

With no sidewall locations, you have a very tough situation. IMO, the front "wides" and side surrounds are even more important than rears. If you can't change the room, I'd go for the highest quality ceiling speakers at the front and side surrounds. Add rears as you can.

[brent_s]

For more pictures, less words ;-) Straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/setup/speaker-setup-guide/index.html

If properly placed surrounds to the side are not possible, the best option shown is probably the inwalls, but moved to the outer columns. Better, IMO, would be bookshelf speakers on adjustable speaker mounts or speaker stands at the outer columns so you could get closer to Dolby's recommend angles for the side surrounds by toeing them in. Without proper side placement, 7/9.1 or more with side and back surrounds would not be recommended.

-Brent