Screen Size

halo
halo Posts: 5,616
edited February 2006 in Electronics
My wife wants to get a new TV so I'd like to know what the best screen size would be for viewing from eight feet away.

Is 52" too big? That's the screen size of the set she has her sights on - Mitsubishi LCD RP FWIW.
Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
Post edited by halo on
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Comments

  • polksda
    polksda Posts: 716
    edited February 2006
    I wouldn't think 52" is too big. I have a 65" screen and 10-12 feet is about right for it...
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited February 2006
    Isn't there some "rule of thumb" ratio of screen size and viewing distance. I don't think it matters with plasma. But I heard it does with the other technologies. Where's okiepolkie? He'll know this stuff. Zach where are you!
    Carl

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  • dbournival
    dbournival Posts: 131
    edited February 2006
    Per Circuit City the rule is 4 inches of screen size for every foot of viewing for regular broadacast, 6"/Foot for DVD and 7"/foot for HDTV.

    http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/genericContent.do?oid=134730#step2
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  • millerman 3732
    millerman 3732 Posts: 1,488
    edited February 2006
    get the biggest you can fit in your room, someone here on the forum said it one time "I've never heard any one say I wish I had gotten a smaller T.V."
    Casey
    H/T: Epson 6500ub
    Sony UBP-X800
    Toshiba HD-XA2 (HD-DVD, CD)
    Onkyo 805 (pre-amp)
    Outlaw 7125
    Polk RTi 10 (bi-amped)
    Polk CSi5 (bi-amped)
    Polk RTi6
    SVS PB 12 plus/2
    Velodyne SMS-1

    TV Rig: Samsung 50'' 4k display
    Polk Signa-1 Surround bar
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  • RoosterD
    RoosterD Posts: 36
    edited February 2006
    schwarcw wrote:
    Isn't there some "rule of thumb" ratio of screen size and viewing distance. I don't think it matters with plasma. But I heard it does with the other technologies. Where's okiepolkie? He'll know this stuff. Zach where are you!

    I don't know about the rule or the thumb, but I sit roughly 8-10 feet away and my 56" is a little big. Maybe because the room is small, or maybe it's because I came from a 32" Tube. I don't mind it one bit, but it's probably too big for the room. I bought the TV knowing that I will have it for at least 10 years, so our next house will probably have a larger room in which the TV might fit perfectly. I always recommend going bigger or better once you've found your TV just because your needs/technology will change over the next 5-10 years. I figure you should pay a little more now to get a little more later. <-- my 2 cents anyway.
    Denon 3805S
    Denon 3910S
    Polk LSi 15's
    Polk LSi F/X's
    Polk LSi C
    Boston Pro 10" DIY Sub
    Samsung 5678W DLP 1080P
    PS3
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2006
    I sit about 14' away from my 50" Hitachi LCD RP.

    It is about perfect. The 55" would have been nice, but I would wonder if I could see image issues with DVD's? It looks perfect from my distance. (although I probably should have purchaed the 55"...)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,064
    edited February 2006
    we are 12 ft from our 32" LCD...I had to respect my wife on size...but I did get a new LCD. I am content with 32"...for now ;)
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited February 2006
    Thanks for all the replies :)

    I wanted to go with a smaller TV because I thought I'd be so close I'd see all the image issues like McLoki mentioned. Guess that isn't going to be a problem. We've got 30 days to return or exchange so no worries here - I was just curious ;) . Thanks again everybody! :)
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited February 2006
    Peersool,

    You are the first man I have ever seen that wants to buy a smaller tv than their wife wants. I can die in peace now knowing I have seen it all. ;)

    Seriously, a 52" HDTV will be fine at 8'. I currently have a 50" Plasma at 8' and smile everytime I watch it.

    Enjoy!
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
    Panasonic -50PX600U 50" Plasma
    Onkyo -TX-NR901 Receiver
    Oppo -Oppo 980HD Universal DVD Player
    Outlaw -770 (7x200watt) Amplifier
    PolkAudio - RTi12 (Left and Right)
    PolkAudio - CSi5 (Center)
    PolkAudio - FXi3 (Back and Surround)
    SVS - PB-12/Plus (Subwoofer)
    Bluejean Cables - Interconnects
    Logitech Harmony 880 - Remote
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  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited February 2006
    I have a 51" hitachi (that is currently waiting for a repair man) that is perfect from about 9 feet, but I have a chair off to the side about 7 feet away and the view is just fine. You can see a little bit of graininess in the image, but its not too bad. I would go for the 52". It'll be perfect! By the way, could we introduce your wife to mine?...maybe I could get a more powerfull receiver out of it or something.... :)
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3
    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited February 2006
    If my wife meets your wife you are going to end up with an SVS sub in record time.

    It amazes me how much they protest and complain sometimes - whenever you mention new gear or upgrades - but when they finally see or hear what you've been talking about they "get it".

    Reminds me of sex - "I'm not in the mood" to "that was fantastic". ;)

    Either way I win! :D:D:D

    BTW - She asked me about upgrading our AVR after we got home - damn I'm lucky sometimes.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • tecmo04
    tecmo04 Posts: 421
    edited February 2006
    get the big one.. im like 5 feet away from a 47" love it, love it, love it!!
    My Stuff
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2006
    peersool wrote:
    Reminds me of sex - "I'm not in the wood" to "that was fantastic". ;)

    Your wifes got wood??? :eek: (in best seinfeld voice - not that theres anything wrong with that....... :D )

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited February 2006
    R U Nuts??!!!! Get the tv man. It is not every day a woman is down for dropping a grip on a big a$$ tv. Do it, do it, do it! I am viewing a 51" Panasonic at 9ft., with no complaints.
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited February 2006
    Where's okiepolkie? He'll know this stuff. Zach where are you!

    Sorry, didn't see this thread until now.

    The chart in this Sound and Vision article is a good source for determining screen size and viewing distance.

    Hope this helps.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited February 2006
    BTW, Landry, you will have a PM or email at you sometime today.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2006
    I have a 52" and sit 6ft away....I wish it was even bigger. I only need eyeballs for another 20 years anyways.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited February 2006
    The 52" Mitsubishi WD-52528 will be delivered Friday. HOPE i'm not going to be staring at a "screen door effect". I think we got a pretty good deal but if anyone has any info on this TV I'd appreciate it.

    Thanks for the replies everybody!
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Pablo
    Pablo Posts: 723
    edited February 2006
    I'm about 8' from my 56", and I think it is perfect.
    Denon AVR-3803
    RTi-70 Fronts
    FXi-30 Surrounds
    RTi-38 Back Surrounds
    Csi-40 Center
    PSW350 Sub
    Panasonic PT-56WXF95 HDTVSamsung un60JS8000 SUHD
    Denon DVD-2910
    Xbox, Gamecube, PS2, PS3, PS4, xbox360, Wii, WiiU, n64
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited February 2006
    okiepolkie wrote:
    BTW, Landry, you will have a PM or email at you sometime today.

    Okie Dokie, Olkie Polkie... :D
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,064
    edited February 2006
    Landy P2K,

    where you been? have not seen you here in a while. :eek:
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited February 2006
    Willow wrote:
    Landy P2K,

    where you been? have not seen you here in a while. :eek:

    What's up Willow? I am here man, just been busy fixin' up my old truck I bought last month. It is a 1989 Chevy Cheyenne 1500 pick-up truck. I put in a JVC mp3 head unit, and four Pioneer 4"x6" speakers. I plan on adding a sub and amp soon. Powered by Dodge gave me some good ideas. How about you?
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,064
    edited February 2006
    landry_p2000 wrote:
    What's up Willow? I am here man, just been busy fixin' up my old truck I bought last month. It is a 1989 Chevy Cheyenne 1500 pick-up truck. I put in a JVC mp3 head unit, and four Pioneer 4"x6" speakers. I plan on adding a sub and amp soon. Powered by Dodge gave me some good ideas. How about you?


    I'll send you a PM, don't wanna hijack
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited February 2006
    Willow wrote:
    I'll send you a PM, don't wanna hijack

    Okay.
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited February 2006
    I'm 7' away from an 85" screen.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited February 2006
    Ron-P wrote:
    I'm 7' away from an 85" screen.

    What's up Ron? So if tennis is on, you get a neck cramp from looking side to side on the screen? ;)
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • r.camacho1
    r.camacho1 Posts: 36
    edited February 2006
    If I remember correctly, for a 50" TV, the minimum viewing distance is 6ft. for HDTV, and 8ft. for NTSC programing, so he sould be fine with the 52"
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  • r.camacho1
    r.camacho1 Posts: 36
    edited February 2006
    I found this link that should help in determining veiwing distence.
    http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/assets/download/0602_tech_talk2_large.jpg
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