Sony EX500 LCD TV Size and Viewing Distance

by Michael
(US)

I'm going to be purchasing my first LCD, and I'm coming from a very old, 27" Zenith CRT. I will be sitting about 6 to 8 feet away. I have asked salespeople, forums and other people, but cannot figure out the size I need.

I went into Best Buy several times to look at the LCD's, but they all look "small" in the store, and I know once I get them home, it will look a lot bigger.

I will be using the TV to watch a lot of HD sports, TV shows, the news, Playstation 3, some movies and some standard definition.

I do not want to feel "overwhelmed" by the size, or have a "movie theater type experience", but I also don't want to regret that I should have gotten a larger TV for a little bit more money.

I know it's a lot of personal preference, but in general, from 6 to 8 feet away, would a 40" or 46" LCD be ideal? It would be in an apartment living room, and I am planning on getting a Sony EX500 LCD.

Your advice, input and help would be sincerely appreciated. Thank you!

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Michael

Firstly, have you read the guide to TV size and viewing distance? That may be useful if you haven't already.

You are right that these decisions very much come down to personal taste. For some a 40" inch will be good at that distance - for others the 46" will be better. So all I can do is give you my opinion.

I would say both of those sizes will be good for a viewing distance of 6-8 feet - and either would work well in your room. I don't think either will seem 'too large' or 'too small'. So it really comes down to whether you want the slightly bigger or smaller one.

One thing you can try to get an idea of how big the TV will look in your room is to cut a large piece of card to the dimensions of the different TV sizes, and place these in position where you want the TV. This can be useful to give you a better idea of how big it will seem in your room.

However, if you're asking what I would do, I would go for the 46" TV.

Why?

Because you will get used to the size of your new screen very quickly. When you switch from a 27" TV to one that is over 40", then it will seem enormous at first whichever one you buy. But, believe me, you will adjust to the new size very quickly.

Then, after a few days of adjusting your eyes, you will begin to really appreciate how much better everything looks on a large screen - especially sports and movies. Once you do this, I believe you will be pleased you went for the slightly larger one.

You also say you will be watching mainly HD material, which will also benefit from a slightly bigger screen.

As I say, this is my opinion, and other people may disagree - however, I don't think the difference in size between a 40" and a 46" is that big, and I think you will appreciate the extra screen area very quickly.

Like I say in my article, when in doubt - get the bigger one!

All the best.

Paul (Site Editor)

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