Interesting read... I'm always interested in seeing easier ways for novice users to better determine a 'respectable' screen size for their room and configuration.
My question is really in relation to HD viewing versus 'theater' viewing... While these are possibly different end goals, screen size is one reason why some people still feel like they have to go to the movies. While the formulas posted are definitely easier than using viewing angle to determine screen size, they differ from the SMTPE and THX standards by a wide margin.
For Example, using the maximum SMTPE viewing distance based on a 30deg view angle, a 12' setup would need a 88" diagonal. then using the THX formula of between 26deg and 36deg, the same 12' setup would need a 106" diagonal.
Now obviously the only way to get above the 80" mark at the moment is front projection but that is for another discussion.
My old configuration was a 13½' prime viewing position with a 122" 1.85 projection screen. This felt so much like the movie theater experience (good sound setup is also required) that we simply stopped going to the movies and HD tv was a true thing of beauty even with just 720p!
Sorry, you must login or register to leave a comment!
Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I have a MacBook Pro and an Xbox 360 and I would like to get a 20- to 24-inch display that will support both devices. The speakers should be inbuilt, or there should be an aux out on the display to hook up external speakers. Help! Please!"
The most commented posts on Engadget over the past 24 hours.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
Interesting read... I'm always interested in seeing easier ways for novice users to better determine a 'respectable' screen size for their room and configuration.
My question is really in relation to HD viewing versus 'theater' viewing... While these are possibly different end goals, screen size is one reason why some people still feel like they have to go to the movies. While the formulas posted are definitely easier than using viewing angle to determine screen size, they differ from the SMTPE and THX standards by a wide margin.
For Example, using the maximum SMTPE viewing distance based on a 30deg view angle, a 12' setup would need a 88" diagonal. then using the THX formula of between 26deg and 36deg, the same 12' setup would need a 106" diagonal.
Now obviously the only way to get above the 80" mark at the moment is front projection but that is for another discussion.
My old configuration was a 13½' prime viewing position with a 122" 1.85 projection screen. This felt so much like the movie theater experience (good sound setup is also required) that we simply stopped going to the movies and HD tv was a true thing of beauty even with just 720p!