HDTV Size Guide – Find The Correct Screen Size For Your Room
Posted by hdtv buying guide on March 25, 2009 under HDTV Buyer Guides | 
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No matter how great a standard-definition television looks from afar, the story is always different when viewed from close range.
The seemingly sharp picture is actually a little fuzzy; individual pixels can be seen. Conventional wisdom says large screens are best viewed from the other side of the room.
But that long-standing idea is changing with the growing prevalence of high-definition television. Rather than the picture deteriorating a few feet away, the gap has narrowed to a few inches. It’s now possible to plant a large-screen television in a small room and experience every bit of the crisp, sharp picture HDTV is known for.
Determining the right size involves measuring the distance from the TV to the ideal viewing spot. The old standard-definition formula involved multiplying the screen diameter in inches by three to six times to determine the proper viewing distance.
For an HDTV, the gap is commonly divided by 1.5 to three times, resulting in being able to comfortably view a larger screen from a closer distance.
Here’s how it works: If the distance from your couch to the TV is 96 inches (8 feet), divide it by three to find the minimum size for the space. In this instance, 32 inches would be a good place to start.
On the high end, the formula (96 inches divided by 1.5) returns a maximum TV size of 63 inches. Though that’s certainly feasible, there’s a chance it could feel a lot like sitting in the front row at a movie theater.
Keep in mind, this formula isn’t set in stone. You may have to round the result up or down to find a comparable TV size.
Also, the different characteristics of a room — high vs. low ceilings, wall mount vs. entertainment center, etc. — can also play a role in selecting the right TV for your needs. No matter the picture quality, a too-large or too-small model may simply look out of place.
One final consideration is choosing a screen resolution — 720p or 1080p. The numbers denote the amount of horizontal lines, stacked vertically, on the display. Currently, 1080p sets offer the best resolution (though there’s certainly nothing wrong with 720p).
For televisions smaller than 40 inches, 1080p vs. 720p isn’t a factor. The differences simply aren’t noticeable. For screens larger than 40 inches, check out a 1080p model, especially if you’re going to be viewing from only a few feet away.
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