TV, How big????

Marlboro_Man · February 2008

Hey there,

I'm pretty new to CP. I am finding the forums quite helpful!

My question relates to TV size. I have recently renovated my basement and the time is here to choose a TV. I have my eye on a 52" Sharp Aquos LCD, (LC-46D64U). I measured my seating distance and it could vary between 13 - 15 feet. Will I be O.K with a TV this size from that distance? Should I go bigger.....smaller? Finally, does anyone have any stories they would like to share about Sharp products???

Thanks!

tcrossma · February 2008

I think that would be a great size for that distance. I'm not a big fan of Aquos; I don't know why, I just don't seem to like the picture that much. But i'm more of a Plasma fan, so that might account for it. I'm sure you'd not be disappointed with the purchase as it's a very popular brand.

PolkWannabie · February 2008

For starters the model you mention I believe is a 46" ...

Beyond that imho when it comes to TV, size does matter and bigger is better ... I sit about 15 - 16' away from my 71"

Here's a chart from somewhere with suggested screen size .vs. viewing distance for 16:9 ...

Scrn Min Max
Size Dist Dist

26 3.3 6.5
30 3.8 7.6
34 4.3 8.5
42 5.3 10.5
47 5.9 11.8
50 6.3 12.5
55 6.9 12.8
60 7.5 15
65 8.1 16.2

From the chart for a 47" ... min distance 6' ... max distance 12' ...

Sami · February 2008

Since it's a basement, I would consider front projector. 15ft, it could turn out you like 100" better than 50"...

billbillw · February 2008

Yeah, from 15 feet away, you want at least 60". I watch a 55" from about 12' away, and I wish it were bigger, but I was extremely limited in the size opening that was available for the TV. Had to stick with the 55".

mark090852 · February 2008

Our seating position is about 10 feet from the tv. I have a 60" screen and now wish it was bigger. The Sony model we got last year was available in both 60" and 70". We thought the 70" would be too big but after about a month we realized that it would have been perfect.

At a 15 foot distance I think you definitely should go 60" or more.

J_Kennedy · February 2008

We have a 50" and 8' to 12' normal viewing and it's as small as I'd want to go. I can see bigger is much better. And we just went to 50" from a 32" tube!! I don't know how we survived.

cmy330go · February 2008

When I got my 62" home my first thought was that I should have gone smaller. Now I can't imagine being without it. I've actually been a little tempted to jump up a size.

BTW I sit about 13' from my set.

pearsall001 · February 2008

Here's a great site that answers your question. http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

Willow · February 2008

My mother inlaw bought a 42" a while back,she had a 27". She is sitting about 17ft away, the other day she said I can't see the diff. between HD and non HD.

We sit about 9.5 ft from our tv, we had a 32" which I knew was way to small. We then bought our 42". It's a nice size, I would now like 52" but I'm def. happy with the 42"

Early B. · February 2008

52" is too small for 13' - 15' away. Go bigger. 65" - 70" or projector.

engtaz · February 2008

I use a projector for my viewing. You know the saying go big or ....

engtaz

madmax · February 2008

My 50" at 9' from eyes to screen seems a little large.
madmax

Marlboro_Man · February 2008

Thanks for all the feedback,

I have always liked the idea of a projector. Unfortunately, I know nothing about them. Is it possible to get a decent set up in the 2000 - $3000 dollar range????

janmike · February 2008

I have a 50" plasma and from 12' away it is a very good size. For those with a large room seated way back and deep, deep pockets, this one is for you.

Panasonic 150 inch plasma

Grimster74 · February 2008

I'm sitting roughly 10-12 feet away and I'm running a projector with a 92" screen and if you ask me, still not large enough.:D

Sherardp · February 2008

Marlboro_Man wrote: »

Thanks for all the feedback,

I have always liked the idea of a projector. Unfortunately, I know nothing about them. Is it possible to get a decent set up in the 2000 - $3000 dollar range????

It sure is possible my friend. Look into the Epson 1080 model or the Panasonic 2000U. Go to www.carada.com for a nice screen and youre set.

Fireman32 · February 2008

You can also consider DLP. I have a 62in Mits DLP and I spent 2500 on it. Great picture as well.

Marlboro_Man · February 2008

I checked out the Epson 1080. The unit looks pretty solid. Amazon is selling for $2,500 and free shipping.

Thanks again for all the input.

dipiazza · February 2008

Projector might not be great if you plan on watching alot of TV on it. The bulbs are pretty pricey and alot of hours on makes em go quick. Quicker than a TV anyway.

If you using it for mostly movies and such its a fantastic idea... especially if you can get the room dark.

Sami · February 2008

Something to consider, yes. Even then, lets say you average 4h a day watching (unlikely, at least for me), the rated 1700h would last 1700/4 = 425 days.

Here's one with $300 rebate. No affil to the site, and I don't know how they rate but it's a much cheaper price and worth taking a look: http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=21835&itmname=Epson+Home+Cinema+1080&sid=GAEP&gclid=CKrwm8zkvJECFShsGgodcCD9Dg

Visual Apex had it for $2100 after rebate:

Included Extras
# $2099 After Rebate
# FREE Lamp Rebate
# FREE AV-818U Mount
# FREE Dust Cover
# FREE Ground Shipping on Projector

http://www.visualapex.com/lcdprojectors/LCD_projectors_details.asp?VA=Epson&chPartNumber=Home-Cinema-1080&SE=Google&KW=Epson_1080&gclid=CO3xp83kvJECFShsGgodcCD9Dg

univera · February 2008

Regardless of all the talk about going larger, the larger your screen, the more noticeable all of the artifacts and HD picture quality issues are going to become. I sit about 8-9 feet from my 52", and I really think a 60" would work, but focusing on moving objects would be tough. I notice a lot more HD issues on the larger screen vs. 40".

One thing that is undeniable is that as soon as you put your set on the wall, it will become smaller. Buy the largest screen that makes sense in your location.

MacLeod · February 2008

One thing to consider - just because Joe Sixpack down the street loves his 50" tv from 3 feet away doesnt mean you will.

A friend of mine recently picked up a 50" plasma and started complaining about headaches after watching it - he and his wife both. When I went and watched it I got a little seasick as well. Seating distance was about 9' but it was still too close for me. My HT room is kinda smallish and my seating distance is only 7-8 feet but Im going with a 42" when I get one.

Id recommend going to CC or a friends house and watch a 50" from about the distance youre going to be sitting. I doubt a 50" would bother you from 13' but you would be able to tell how big you could go before you started feeling the need to yack. Maybe youll be one of the lucky ones and be able to watch it up close without any problem.

TV, How big????

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