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Viewing distance question

384 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by rbenotti, Mar 10, 2015

rbenotti

Discussion Starter · Mar 3, 2015

Hi all,

I tried this in the general forum, but didn't see a response.

Shortest viewing distance will be 5' (this is from the edge of a sofa lounger - not used often if at all, just mentionedin reference), with the majority distance at 8'

Was initially looking at 55" TVs, but I'm guessing even at 8' that is too close.

50" should be ok though right? Seems to be midway between the recommended distance 6'-11'

Anyone have thoughts one way or the other? Thanks!!!

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RollTide2011

· #2 · Mar 3, 2015

Why do you think you will be to close?
Get the largest TV space and budget will allow. I've got a 65" 8-11' depending on seat and have never thought this is too big. But before when I had a 55" from day one I Allways thought I could have gone bigger.

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Viper32

· #3 · Mar 3, 2015

rbenotti said:
Hi all,

I tried this in the general forum, but didn't see a response.

Shortest viewing distance will be 5' (this is from the edge of a sofa lounger - not used often if at all, just mentionedin reference), with the majority distance at 8'

Was initially looking at 55" TVs, but I'm guessing even at 8' that is too close.

50" should be ok though right? Seems to be midway between the recommended distance 6'-11'

Anyone have thoughts one way or the other? Thanks!!!

60" to 65" easily for that size and distance. Never go small you will regret it later.

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rbenotti

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 4, 2015

I thought 7' - 8' was optimal for a 50" TV. Now I see 8' is 55". I just don't want to feel too close, but initially I was looking for 55".

Not that I ever take stock in what someone will say at Best Buy, but if the distance wasn't an issue (think I actually said 9') he kept saying 55" would be to big. Why wouldn't the up sell a bigger size? Better sale I would assume. Maybe I'm missing something.

RollTide2011 said:
Why do you think you will be to close?
Get the largest TV space and budget will allow. I've got a 65" 8-11' depending on seat and have never thought this is too big. But before when I had a 55" from day one I Allways thought I could have gone bigger.

I was under the impression from a distance calculator that under 10' on a 55" TV isn't going to look good for HD. I watch stuff that isn't HD, but I know going in that will take a hit.

Viper32 said:
60" to 65" easily for that size and distance. Never go small you will regret it later.

Now don't put that thought in my head.......

Seriously though - I'm coming from a 42" lcd now. Of course when I bought that TV I should have gone 46" in the original room it was in (different place)
Anything over 55" won't fit logistically in the room. Even 55" is a bit of a squeeze.

But now you've got me rethinking again.

Thanks for the replies!

Any others?

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alec_b

· #5 · Mar 4, 2015

My situation is slightly different as I've got a fully enclosed entertainment center so there's only so much room to work with.

I have a 60" and sit ~11' away. I can't imagine comfortably watching anything bigger on a regular basis. It's the perfect size and actually looks bigger than it is because it fills the ENTIRE space in the entertainment center. Granted, watching some movies on a giant 65-70" screen would be fun at times!

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bigwali

· #6 · Mar 4, 2015

I purchased the Sony W900A 55 inch TV last year and it is about 11 feet for viewing. It is absolutely fine for viewing in the main living room. I did want a 65" but they didn't make that TV in a 65 inch version and I just couldn't pass up the quality of that set. I'm very happy with it. Today I am looking for a TV for my man cave in the basement and I will only be 5-6 feet away. And I want a 65 for that space. The HDTV's are so incredible I think once you get the 55, you probably will be wishing you got the 65. Go for the best and biggest you can afford. 65" at 8 feet no problem. If you can can't afford it, a 55" will be fine as well.

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rbenotti

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 4, 2015 (Edited)

alec_b said:
My situation is slightly different as I've got a fully enclosed entertainment center so there's only so much room to work with.

I have a 60" and sit ~11' away. I can't imagine comfortably watching anything bigger on a regular basis. It's the perfect size and actually looks bigger than it is because it fills the ENTIRE space in the entertainment center. Granted, watching some movies on a giant 65-70" screen would be fun at times!

Sounds like a 65" would be nice in a man cave. 5' away. Wow. That sounds close (for a living room)

bigwali said:
I purchased the Sony W900A 55 inch TV last year and it is about 11 feet for viewing. It is absolutely fine for viewing in the main living room. I did want a 65" but they didn't make that TV in a 65 inch version and I just couldn't pass up the quality of that set. I'm very happy with it. Today I am looking for a TV for my man cave in the basement and I will only be 5-6 feet away. And I want a 65 for that space. The HDTV's are so incredible I think once you get the 55, you probably will be wishing you got the 65. Go for the best and biggest you can afford. 65" at 8 feet no problem. If you can can't afford it, a 55" will be fine as well.

Part of the problem is the orientation of the room. It's either put it in a corner (sort of) and get basically 7'-8' at every seat. Or put it in a spot where I can get close to 9' for all seats but one. That one of course being my chair (which would be at a 45 degree angle at 4' - 5'). That is close for a living room.

Hmm. Now I have more thinking to do. I'm leaning towards the Sony KDL5xW700B. It appears they only make it up to 55" though.

A quick look at the 60" widths - they appear at a quick glance too wide.

Thanks for the input! If nothing else now I'm leaning back towards a 55".

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rbenotti

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 10, 2015

Just wanted to say a quick thanks for the opinions. Ended up going with the W700B 55", and it fits the room perfect. Thanks for the advice on going bigger.

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