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General discussion

What size fits my living room

Aug 30, 2005 7:36AM PDT

Considering a flat panel for my living room which is approx 17'x14', the best place to mount TV is in a corner & our normal viewing distance diagonally is approx 12'-13'. I thought of 32" flat panel (LCD) but I am thinking they might be too small, I don't know about 37" , 42" or higher. I've tried looking them in stores, but found tough to judge. Any suggestions please.

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What size fits my living room
Aug 30, 2005 7:50AM PDT

My living room is smaller then yours and I just when back to a 50" plasma. I dont see why that would not work for you as well if your viewing distance is 12-13 feet away.

Just keep in mind that what your viewing also matters. HD and DVD materials have enough resolution which allows you to be closer if you like. However, regular television broadcast can be bad to down right terrible depending on either the channel or your service provider.

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I Had The Same Dilemna....
Aug 30, 2005 9:18AM PDT

...My den is about 16x12 with an effective viewing distance of about 9.5 feet. I asked the same question you did and apparently there's some formula (I think it's 5x the vertical dimension of the screen you're buying...not sure of this though). With a 42" that equated to about 8-9 feet for optimal viewing. As the other poster said, however, you can sit much closer comfortably when the program material is high def. Anyway, I can tell you that in my room from around 9 feet away, the 42" Sony I bought looks spectacular and is not, in any way unnatural or difficult to adapt to. In your case, you should be able to comfortably be able to go up to around at least 50".
Good luck!

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I Had The Same Dilemna...Well Have
Aug 31, 2005 12:37AM PDT

In addition to the above forumula. The biggest one your wife will let you get and still be able to keep your low voice.

Any way, my room is also 14x17, I currently have a 32" standard TV, viewing distance of 8~9'.
So I have found out the smallest 16x9 TV that will give the same apperance as my 32' 3x4 set is a 42" 16x9.
But I do LIKE a 50" plasma.
I have compaired 34" 16x9 to 32" 3x4 at a 9' distance and the 34" 16x9 looks small. John