How far should I sit from my HDTV?



Posted: Tuesday, December 02, 2008

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Your first inclination is to buy the largest TV you can afford. As crazy as it may seem, though, it is the possible to buy a TV that's too big. At the same close distance, for instance, a large-screen TV can actually look worse than a smaller model, especially with lower-quality sources, because the larger screen more clearly reveals the flaws in the image.

Sitting too far away from a smallish screen will reduce the impact and immediacy of the viewing experience. On the other hand, if you're too close to a large screen, you may be distracted by the screen's pixel structure. Compared to conventional tube TVs, digital HDTVs have higher-resolution screens (and more space-efficient cabinets) that let you put a larger set in your room and/or sit much closer.

Chances are, the viewing distance in your home is probably already set--your new TV will be sitting at the same location as your existing one, which is already placed a fixed distance away from your sofa. This is why it is helpful to have an idea of all measurements before going to the store.

There are a number of different formulas for calculating the appropriate distance to sit from a screen. Recommendations often vary by manufacturer, screen type, etc. Ultimately how far you sit from the screen is a matter of personal preference, but 2.5xH (where H is the height of the screen in inches) is a good minimum distance to make sure you have enough room in the space you want to make your home theatre. Use the following guide as a lose reference, but play around with the distances yourself. Watch a bit of television from different distances & angles and make an informed decision as to where you are most comfortable. Allow your family members to participate as well; after all, various opinions often result in a correct decision.

From a variety of research sources, companies and experts consistently recommend viewing HD screens within a range of 2.5 screen heights to 3.3 screen heights from the viewing surface. If you plan to shop at the local electronics store, measure your family room, bedroom, etc., ahead of time so you can ballpark the screen size you want to buy before you get there. You may think a 65" screen looks fabulous on the display floor, but fitting it between the windows in the family room or finding a room with enough viewing distance in a house built in the 1970's might be a challenge.

The theory goes like this, anything closer than 2.5 times screen height makes digital artefacts and other imperfections in the image more apparent. Outside 3.3 times screen height, you might as well save some money and get an enhanced definition screen or standard definition big screen because you aren't taking advantage of the improved picture.

Example:

Screen Size Screen Height 3.3xH 2xDiagonal

65" 32" 80" 106"

57" 28" 70" 92"

53" 26" 65" 86"

51" 25" 62.5" 83"

43" 21" 52.5" 69"

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