Shopping for a television can be a complex endeavor. Buyers have numerous technologies, all providing excellent viewing, from which to choose. Aside from pocketbook considerations, the impressive pictures and audio from a television can drive the purchasing decision for most shoppers. However, the quality of the viewing experience, as well as the cost of the television, is greatly influenced by the size of the television screen.
How should a potential television buyer determine which size television is the right one for their situation?
There are many methods of determining the screen size which would be recommended by those in the industry. In general, televisions less than 27" are used in bedrooms and those found in kitchens tend to be 19" and smaller. For living room use, most people tend toward screens 27" and larger. Home Theater applications typically make use of television screens 32” and up. These aren't rules of course, just "norms".
Although there are many proposed methods of calculating the optimum screen size, one of the primary considerations is the room in which it will be viewed; or more specifically the distance between the viewer and the television. Using this distance, it is simple to determine which screen will produce the best viewing.
The calculation varies based on the type of television that will be purchased. If a buyer selects a widescreen, high definition (high resolution) LCD or plasma screen they can actually sit a bit closer to the screen because the scan lines and pixels are less visible. The picture remains clear despite viewing the screen in closer proximity.
For these televisions, the viewing distance from the screen to the seat from which they will typically view their television can be measured in inches. This measurement is then divided by 3 which results in a number that will be a rough estimate of the minimum size screen that should be purchased. As an example, if the distance is measured at 96 inches (8 feet); the minimum screen size that should be considered is 32 inches.
For a regular 4:3 television which is not high resolution, optimum television size could be grossly calculated by measuring the viewing distance in inches and dividing by 4.8. Being too close to a television that does not offer high resolution can result in a poor quality view as scan lines become visible.
Although selecting the display type/technology of a television can be a complex choice that is based more upon personal preferences, selecting a television that is the optimum size can be a simple decision that has a very direct effect on the quality of a buyer's viewing experience and the ultimate cost of their purchase.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Name This TV Series???
By: Larry | 12-07-2008
I am looking for the name of a TV series which was on last summer. It was a crime series and the star was a tall red=headed male and his sidekick was a latino female. He had been framed for a crime he didn't commit and his sidekicks father was somehow involved?He spent time in prison for it and during the show he works at solving the mystery of who, and why he was framed.He has a room with photos and clues on the wall where he goes to analyze his problem.During the commercial time clues are given to let the audience try to get insight into the mystery.
Why was Anne Parisse taken off Law and Order?qt=q
By: mtimko1 | 11-07-2008
Why was Anne Parisse taken off Law and Order?qt=q
On the television show "So You Think You Can Dance ...
By: angco813 | 10-07-2008
On the television show "So You Think You Can Dance" several people had on shirts with IV REAL on them. What does this stand for?
Lost ARG
By: rasta | 10-07-2008
I am looking for information about the first lost arg ( tv show) started in late 2003. it was mainly on the abc message boards but was much deeper than what the public saw. Thanks
Help?
By: jasmania | 10-07-2008
Where can I watch full episodes of television shows online?
Old television shows
By: jasmania | 09-07-2008
Where can I watch old television shows online?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Electronics Articles
Cheap Digital Cameras- What Do You Really Need?
By: Matt Chang | 18/07/2008
Buying a digital camera on price alone may not be the best thing you can do. Learn more.
Changing Your Washing Techniques with Technology
By: Musa Aykac | 18/07/2008
The world is growing at a very fast rate, there is hardly a single item left in the world that does not use technological advancements.
Solar Christmas Lights For Trees and Holiday Lighting
By: Dave Joa | 18/07/2008
There are many different designs of solar Christmas lights available including string lights, snowman lights, Santa lights, Christmas tree lights, stake lights, garlands, reindeer, snow balls, stars, maple leaves, flowers and in fact almost everything you can imagine for displaying a Christmas theme. And these are all available in many different and beautiful colors.
Cheap Split Ac: Stay Away From Scorching Summer Heat, Stay Comfortable
By: Raisa Raima | 18/07/2008
In the scorching heat of summers, it is a blessing in disguise if one can avail the comforts of pleasant and cool air. The innovations undertaken in the last few decades have made it possible for the mankind, thanks to the invention of air conditioners.
Xbox 360 Console: a Perfect Companion
By: Alden Jerry | 18/07/2008
Xbox 360 Console creates interest and offers unlimited entertainment and fun to the gaming console lovers
If Your Dishwasher Breaks Just Throw it Away
By: Musa Aykac | 17/07/2008
Well it was only up until recently that I would of stated something such as throwing away a dishwasher
Dishwashers Could Be One of the Greatest Inventions
By: Musa Aykac | 17/07/2008
How long have the invention of dishwashers actually been around for? 10, 20, 30 years or more.
What Is The Best Digital Camera On The Market?
By: Scott Goodman | 17/07/2008
There are differing opinions of what is the best digital camera on the market, but you can find the right digital camera for you. What you will need to do is find the best digital camera review by someone who has tried and tested the model that you are considering for purchase.
Technology 
