Ok, so everyone always wants a bigger and better television, right? Well, this is not always a good thing. There are a lot of determining factors you should consider before buying a flat screen television, and size is a major one. Here are some tips on how to buy the right size for your home and viewing needs.
Know What The Measurements Mean
First things first, make sure you understand what the measurements mean in the store. A forty-two inch screen means that the actual screen of the television (not including the border that may be surrounding it) is forty-two inches from corner to corner diagonally. Keep this in mind when you’re deciding on the right size.
Measure At Home First
Next, you’ll need to check and see how big the wall space is in your home. If you are wanting a large television, you will need to measure your length, width, and depth first to avoid spending money on a device that won’t fit in your available space. It’s a good idea to buy the largest screen your room will allow to ensure everyone in your home will be able to see the picture.
Test It Out
Sit down on your couch, loveseat, or chair and take note of how close you are to where your television will be. There are standard guidelines for sitting/viewing distance per television size. Most television companies recommend at least a ten to twelve foot viewing distance for a television that measures 50 inches. If you want to go bigger, you’ll need at least thirteen feet for a screen measuring 60 inches and larger.
The distance of couch-to-television is recommended at a ratio of at least 2.5 times longer than the diagonal width of your television, so multiply the inches of your television (60) by 2.5 and you’ll get 150 inches, or twelve and a half feet.
However, keep in mind that this ratio only works for high definition televisions. The lower the resolution, the farther away you should sit for better viewing. If you sit too closely, you’ll be able to see the pixels of your television screen. The better definition and resolution of your television, the closer you’ll be able to sit without sacrificing your viewing pleasure.
Consider Your Options
Lastly, it’s important to decide what is most important to you. Would you rather spend less on a larger flat screen but sacrifice resolution or buy smaller and get a better resolution? Or you can shell out the big bucks and go for a big screen with the best resolution. It really depends on your personal preferences and priorities, but with these tips you should be able to find the right television for you.
