Viewing Distance for 36" HDTV?

[KingBrett]

I'm trying to decide between the Panasonic CT-36HX41 36" HDTV and the Sony Wega KV-32XBR450 32" HDTV (the 36" Sony won't fit in my cabinet). I'd like to get the 36", but I'm concerned about the viewing distance. According to one formula, I should sit at least 11' from a 36" set. I'm going to be sitting at most 9' from this set. Is that too close for a 36" digital TV? I'd like to hear from anyone who sits about that distance from a 36" set - do you see any pixelation? I think the distance will be fine for widescreen DVDs, I'm just concerned about 4:3 shows. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Brett

[palebluedot]

For rear projection TVs you want to sit at least 2.5" x your screen size. (e.g. 55" RPTV = 11.5 feet).

For direct view TVs that number is lower but if you used the same multiplier then you would want to be 7.5 feet away.

[OldDude]

The accepted standard for an analog set is 5X the image height. This works out 3X the diagonal for a 4:3, and 2.5X for a 16:9 format. While "accepted" this really comes from both the scan lines getting annoying AND the limited resolution of the image.

An HDTV will give you more scan lines, so that factor would let you sit closer, BUT, depending on the program material, the resolution limit may still be a problem. You will have to check it out with different program material. True HD material should look good at closer distances, but you need to find your personal limit for conventional TV programming and DVDs. Remember that while DVD is a lot better than tape, it is only a 720 x 480 pixel image, and is not really an HD format.

I think more scan lines and interpolation will let you sit somewhat closer, but I don't have a formula.

[BENTLY]

i have a 36xbr450 and i'm sitted only 6' away and i have no problems with it, and i have a perfect 20/20 vision too:)

and as for the cabinet, i also had the same predicament...
so i just tossed the old one and bought the matching stand for the xbr. ;)

[Xytraguptorh]

I think you should just try it out for yourself and see if you're comfortable with sitting closer to the screen than is usually recommended. I sit 8' from a 4:3 RPTV that's 53". It's soon to be replaced by a 57" or 65" widescreen--most likely the 65" because it's the same height as my 4:3 53" and I have no problem with it being too big...especially for DVDs, but satellite TV seems fine to me too. Many people find this too close. But just like in a movie theater you have people who sit in the back row, people who sit in the middle, and a few who sit in the front row. There's no wrong or right about it, just decide what looks the best to you. I personally don't notice the scan lines, especially on 2.35:1 DVDs, because I'm too busy enjoying the movie and the fact that the image is big enough to actually see.