You're sitting too close to the TV, mom used to say. Well, in the world of high-def, there is no such thing as too close to your TV. In fact, the closer you sit, the better you can make out high-definition images. Obviously, right? With four major resolutions now available in televisions (not counting interlaced and progressive-scan varieties), it can be incredibly confusing trying to figure out how big a TV you actually need. After all, there's no point buying an ultra-high- resolution TV if you won't be able to discern any increase in quality.Good news: Here's a handy chart that lets you determine the optimal resolution for your TV based on how far you sit from the sit, and how big the screen is (or would be). If you're confused, here's how to interpret it.Start by figuring out your typical seating distance from the TV. You'll want to be as accurate as possible. A foot can make a big difference. This is your viewing distance, noted on the vertical axis. Now just follow along the horizontal axis to find the screen size of your TV, or the TV(s) you're considering purchasing. Find where these two variables meet and you'll land in a colored range. Use the legend to determine the resolution of a TV at that combination of size and distance that you'll be able to make out.You might be surprised: If you sit a normal distance from your TV, (say, 10 to 15 feet)you'll need a fairly large set before even basic HDTV quality starts to become noticeable. At 15 feet away, you need a 45-inch set to see any of the benefit of 720p and nearly an 80-inch set for 1080p to make a difference. I don't know about you, but an 80-inch plasma isn't currently in my budget.Give the chart a spin: It's definitely something to check out if you're in the market for a new TV, before you get too far in the purchasing process. I’ve read various articles debating the importance of the 1080p. I want to set the record straight once and for all: if you are serious about properly setting up your viewing room, you will definitely benefit from 1080p (and even 1440p.) Why? Because the 1080p resolution is the first to deliver enough detail to your eyeball when you are seated at the proper distance from the screen. But don’t just take my word for it: read on for the proof.There are a few obvious factors to being able to detect resolution differences: the resolution of the screen, the size of the screen, and the viewing distance. To be able to detect differences between resolutions, the screen must be large enough and you must sit close enough. So the question becomes “How do I know if need a higher resolution or not?”. Here is your answer.Based on the resolving ability of the human eye (with 20/20 vision it is possible to resolve 1/60th of a degree of an arc), it is possible to estimate when the differences between resolutions will become apparent. Using the Home Theater Calculator spreadsheet as a base, I created a chart showing, for any given screen size, how close you need to sit to be able to detect some or all of the benefits of a higher resolution screen.
REVIEW: IT IS REALLY HELPFULL AND A THOUGHTFULL ARTICLE
Published: December 20, 2006
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