The couch in my room is 8 feet from the screen. Is a 42" plasma too big for my room?

Question

I know the experts say 10 feet is the minimum distance... what is the real world experience?

Answer 1

GOt the same situation, it is NOT too close.

Answer 2

Actually there's no such thing as "too big" for a Plasma or LCD display when talking of home theater. They usually don't achieve the required viewing angle for desired image impact when watching movies. But for viewing regular TV is way much better to stay with small displays. regular TV is different to movies. Movies actually provide more natural panoramic view specially when it's cinemascope format.

But displays are limited by resolution.

The human eye can resolve details down to 1/60° (so if pixels get bigger than this they will be noticed) (*see link below)

So let's do some calculation here:

viewing distance = 8 ft = 96 in

max pixel width / viewing distance = tan (1/60)
max pixel width = tan (1/60) x viewing distance
max pixel width = tan (1/60) x 96 in
max pixel width = 0.028 in

For true HD 1080p resolutions is 1920 x 1080 pixels

1920 pixels x 0.028 = 54 in (screen width)

For a widescreen display aspect ratio is 16:9
diagonal = sqrt ( 16^2 + 9^2 ) = 18.4 aprox

54/16 x 18.4 = 62 in diagonal

Notice that if we calculate for vertical resolution the result will be the same:
1080 pixels x 0.028 = 30 in (screen height)
30/9 x 18.4 = 62 in diagonal again

Then 62" is the biggest screen size you could use from that distance (8 ft) without pixels noticed when it's a full HD 1080p display.

Nevertheless, for real cinema experience and image impact (the closer to the real cinema) recommended viewing angle is 26° minimum. This will require 51" from 8 feet and it will be like being seated in the back row of a comercial theater. And a recommended viewing angle of 36° which will require 72" from 8 feet like being seated in the middle row of a comercial theater - actually the best seats.

If we use this larger screens then pixels will be noticed but this is not a big deal up to some size (about 40° viewing angle - 80") because....

If we do the same for standard definition we will obtain maximum 22" from 8 feet away. This is why in 25" or bigger TV's with standard definition is easier to notice scan lines when seen from 8 feet away or less. Anyway people have always wanted bigger screens and actually they do improve image impact no matter scan lines being noticed. Anyone can prove this: compare side to side a 14" standard TV with a 32" TV and notice that 14" is shaper and scan lines are barely noticed while 32" shows scan lines and picture doesn't look sharp anymore, but overall 32" is way better to watch movies on it.

And a major drawback of small screens is that they cause eye straining when viewed on darkened rooms because of reduced viewing angle. And dark rooms are desired to watch movies (some people could say that this is important only when watching terror movies but this is a must for cinematic experience to be inmersive) so this is another reason to prefer bigger screens.

If we do the same calculation for 720p resolution:
720p is 1280x720 pixels

1280 x 0.028 = 36 in (screen width)
36/16 x 18.4 = 42 in diagonal

Then 42" is the biggest screen size you could use from that distance (8 ft) without pixels noticed when it's a 720p display.
If your TV is not full HD then probably it's 1366x768 which means it have a resolution between 720p and 1080p, but it will be ok to assume as 720p. Then you are ok because if you seat closer pixels will be noticed. Then 8 ft is good for TV watching and regular movie viewing. But you can see what image impact is all about if you just try a movie (not TV) with dark room from 5 ft away, you will notice soon how you can see the entire image easier in a natural way (like if the film was recorded using your own eyes). This is not joke....just try it. Anyway a bigger screen always works better than seating closer than 6.5 ft with a smaller one.

Note: All calculations here were made for your specific 8 feet viewing distance (so people out there be aware of this and do their own calculations).

Answer 3

The traditional concern with the appropriate distance from the screen was due to annoying scan lines. You measured the top to the bottom of the screen and had to be at least 2 1/2 times that distance back for the scan lines to dissolve. That concern is becoming increasingly irrelevant. It is especially so with something like a plasma that has no scan lines. In one room of my house I have a 50" analog big screen and the sofa is about 8' back. No problem at all. I will be shocked if you think the 42" plasma is too big for you as you sit 8' back.

Answer 4

If you get too close the picture is distorted and that is why ten (10) feet is the recommendation - but - I think eight (8) feet would be ok. Take a tape measure to the store and then sit or stand back 8 feet and see what the picture looks like.

Answer 5

Hi there. It is entirely up to you how far back you want to sit.You wont damage your eyesight .That is just a myth.Of course if you get headaches or red and itchy eyes the screen may contribute to that so just have a break from your viewing .I have read that some viewers sit close to a large projection screen where they have to turn their head to follow the action so i think you are pretty safe.Also using your computer and looking at the monitor for hours at a time could make your eyes sore and your head ache much more than a TV screen.

Answer 6

I am 8-10 feet away from a 61" too close heck no love it

Answer 7

I used to sell TV's and I would sell according to their space, not what their eyes saw and wanted but usually two different things.

I would tell a customer to stand where they usually sit from the TV. Then I would ask them if they saw the TV in whole or if they had to move their eyes around the screen.
If they saw the whole picture then the TV is right. BUT if you have to move your eyes around the screen to see the TV it is going to put a great strain on your eyes and WILL give you headaches.

Answer 8

it depends on the person, i say no, but being close to the big screen while watching it can cause headaches, and sore eyes, and i think my eye doctor said that it can hurt ur vision, so back to couch up

Answer 9

No way its definatly not too big, thats just advice they bought from an optomologist to not get sued. GO FOR IT

Answer 10

now with 4k video coming out and 65-80" displays becoming common, this question seems ... sp quaint