Plasma Television Viewing Distance

plasma television viewing distance

Right Sizing your Next Television

Shopping for a television can be a complex endeavor. Buyers have numerous technologies, all providing excellent viewing, from which to choose. Aside from pocketbook considerations, the impressive pictures and audio from a television can drive the purchasing decision for most shoppers. However, the quality of the viewing experience, as well as the cost of the television, is greatly influenced by the size of the television screen.

How should a potential television buyer determine which size television is the right one for their situation?

There are many methods of determining the screen size which would be recommended by those in the industry. In general, televisions less than 27" are used in bedrooms and those found in kitchens tend to be 19" and smaller. For living room use, most people tend toward screens 27" and larger. Home Theater applications typically make use of television screens 32” and up. These aren't rules of course, just "norms".

Although there are many proposed methods of calculating the optimum screen size, one of the primary considerations is the room in which it will be viewed; or more specifically the distance between the viewer and the television. Using this distance, it is simple to determine which screen will produce the best viewing.

The calculation varies based on the type of television that will be purchased. If a buyer selects a widescreen, high definition (high resolution) LCD or plasma screen they can actually sit a bit closer to the screen because the scan lines and pixels are less visible. The picture remains clear despite viewing the screen in closer proximity.

For these televisions, the viewing distance from the screen to the seat from which they will typically view their television can be measured in inches. This measurement is then divided by 3 which results in a number that will be a rough estimate of the minimum size screen that should be purchased. As an example, if the distance is measured at 96 inches (8 feet); the minimum screen size that should be considered is 32 inches.

For a regular 4:3 television which is not high resolution, optimum television size could be grossly calculated by measuring the viewing distance in inches and dividing by 4.8. Being too close to a television that does not offer high resolution can result in a poor quality view as scan lines become visible.

Although selecting the display type/technology of a television can be a complex choice that is based more upon personal preferences, selecting a television that is the optimum size can be a simple decision that has a very direct effect on the quality of a buyer's viewing experience and the ultimate cost of their purchase.

About the Author

Christine Peppler believes that consumers should not have to possess a technology degree to be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on her website at www.homemedias.info.

What kind of television should I buy?

I'm planning on buying a PS3 in the next couple of months and I figure I need a new television to go with it (I currently own a very, very, old TV). Thing is, I have no idea what to get. All I know is:

I prefer Samsung Media 2.0, excellent series for people like me and you, offers great cutting edge technology, I think 36 or 32 inches will be good choice, ideally 32 inches.

I suggest you
Samsung LN32B550 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Colour

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U3Y8PE?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwbestdisc08-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001U3Y8PE

Currently on huge discount at Amazon, best price to buy and offers great value.
With some highlighted stuff

70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 6ms response time, Wide Colour Enhancer 2 for more vivid colours (gives look like plasma and offer same colour richness in less prices, and less trouble)

Game mode speeds up image processing response; side-mounted USB port for displaying JPEG
(Very important, generally many games admit that plasma tvs and old LCD TVs don't offer excellent gaming experience, if you play constantly than plasma has problems like burn in and something similar to screens. Cheap and technically backward LCD (before march 2009) don't refresh quickly and that makes quality of game really worst). So it's better to go with new technology for new console, PS3 is recommended on highly refreshing screen for better quality of gaming.

files and listening to MP3 audio (cool value on price)

Inputs: 4 HDMI-CEC, 2 component, 1 composite, 1 PC, 1 USB, 1 optical digital audio output
You can play PC games on TV, offers USB drive to view movies, pictures etc, 4 HDMI will make sure you have enough plugs to connect many things at same time.

I don't see better justification for the TV for gamer, specially PS3 or latest xbox. I am a die heart gamer and a CE reviewer, I don't find better than this at this moment at this price.
You can check other LCDs at

http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Dnb%255Fss%26field-keywords%3Dsamsung%2520lcd%2520tv%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Delectronics&tag=wwwbestdisc08-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

I will suggest, avoid plasma if you are really die heart gamer, and plays constantly. Plasma has many burn-in problem, companies justify the problem to just sell out the stock and make more sales, but so far none of them can denied the problem. It’s up to you.

Here are some excellent choices for

plasma television viewing distance

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

LG 42PT350 42 720p HD Plasma Television $418.00 Time Remaining: 31m Buy It Now for only: $460.00

PANASONIC VIERA TC P46ST30 1080P 3D 600HZ HDTV PLASMA TELEVISION TV LCD 46 $700.00 Time Remaining: 1h 45m

Samsung FP T5084 50 1080p HD Plasma Television $349.99 Time Remaining: 3h 5m Buy It Now for only: $349.99

Samsung PN51E490 51 720p Plasma 3D TV $649.00 Time Remaining: 3h 13m Buy It Now for only: $649.00

Samsung PN50C490 50 3D Ready 720p HD Plasma Television cracked screen $75.00 Time Remaining: 3h 52m

SAMSUNG PDP TV 51 PN51D6500DF HD TV PLASMA AS IS BROKEN SCREEN $89.00 Time Remaining: 4h 34m Buy It Now for only: $89.00

Runco PL 50HDX 50 Plasma AND Controller $700.00 Time Remaining: 5h 19m Buy It Now for only: $700.00

Samsung PN51D450 51 Inch 720p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV $600.00 Time Remaining: 5h 20m Buy It Now for only: $675.00

Samsung PN51D490 51 3D plasma tv 169 HDTV 600 Hz $758.99 Time Remaining: 5h 21m Buy It Now for only: $758.99

Samsung HP T5064 50 720p HD Plasma Television $699.00 Time Remaining: 5h 45m Buy It Now for only: $699.00

LG Infinia 60PZ950 60 inch 3D Plasma TV $1,498.00 Time Remaining: 5h 47m Buy It Now for only: $1,498.00

Ultimate Panasonic TV LCD PLASMA LED repair service manuals PDF on DVD $19.95 Time Remaining: 6h 17m Buy It Now for only: $19.95

Philips 40pfl7705dv 1016mm Lcd Tv Direct Led Atsc Ntsc Hdtv 1080p 178 $967.92 Time Remaining: 7h 7m Buy It Now for only: $967.92

Samsung PN51E8000 51 inch 3D Plasma TV $1,697.99 Time Remaining: 7h 21m Buy It Now for only: $1,697.99

Pioneer PDP 42A3HD 42 High Definition Widescreen Plasma HD TV $300.00 Time Remaining: 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $333.00

Samsung PN50C590G4F 50 Plasma HD TV Read on $152.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 25m

Samsung PN58C6500 58 1080p HD Plasma Internet TV $1,254.49 Time Remaining: 8h 9m Buy It Now for only: $1,399.99

MAXENT P420142X3 42Plasma TV AS IS 1 HDMI 720 P $199.00 Time Remaining: 8h 22m Buy It Now for only: $199.00

50 inch Panasonic Plasma TV $182.50 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 24m

Nextwindow Ltd 2403 57003 57in Touch Screen Overlay Fits Max Display Od $3,097.26 Time Remaining: 8h 53m Buy It Now for only: $3,097.26

Panasonic Viera TC P50VT20 50 1080p please read cracked screen $85.00 Time Remaining: 9h 13m Buy It Now for only: $85.00

Samsung PN50C550 50 1080p HD Plasma Television very very nice $100.00 Time Remaining: 9h 38m Buy It Now for only: $300.00

AS IS Broken Panasonic TC P50S30 50 Plasma HD TV 1080p For Parts $11.20 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 44m

Viore V42PD45M 42 Plasma Television $450.00 Time Remaining: 10h 46m Buy It Now for only: $499.00

Panasonic 60 ST50 3D Plasma TC P60ST50 TCP60ST50 $1,817.00 Time Remaining: 10h 48m Buy It Now for only: $1,817.00

3 YR EXTENDED MACK WARRANTY FOR DLP TV PLASMA LCD 1700 $139.95 Time Remaining: 12h 2m Buy It Now for only: $139.95

Samsung PN51D6500 51 Full 3D 1080p HD Plasma Internet TV BRAND NEW $1,100.00 Time Remaining: 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $1,350.00

Sanyo DP42740 42 720p HD Plasma Television $102.54 (31 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 9m

Panasonic Viera TC P4232C 42 720p Plasma HDTV Television Broken AS IS $50.00 Time Remaining: 12h 45m

RUNCO PL 61DHD 61 PLASMA TELEVISION W OUTBOARD DIGITAL HD PROCESSOR $3,000.00 Time Remaining: 13h 4m Buy It Now for only: $4,500.00

3 YR EXTENDED MACK WARRANTY FOR DLP TV PLASMA LCD 2500 $142.95 Time Remaining: 13h 9m Buy It Now for only: $142.95

3 YR EXTENDED MACK WARRANTY FOR DLP TV PLASMA LCD 2500 $142.95 Time Remaining: 13h 11m Buy It Now for only: $142.95

3 YR EXTENDED MACK WARRANTY FOR DLP TV PLASMA LCD 2500 $142.95 Time Remaining: 13h 14m Buy It Now for only: $142.95

Panasonic 50 Plasma TC P50GT30 TCP50GT30 2011 3D TV $1,525.00 Time Remaining: 13h 19m Buy It Now for only: $1,525.00

3 YR EXTENDED MACK WARRANTY FOR DLP TV PLASMA LCD 1250 $103.95 Time Remaining: 13h 22m Buy It Now for only: $103.95

Components for Panasonic Viera TH 42PX80U 42 720p HD Plasma Television $50.00 Time Remaining: 14h 27m

VIZIO MODEL VP42HDTV 42 720P PLASMA HIGH DEFINITION TV $102.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 34m

TV Flat Screen Protector 37 inch Protection LCD Plasma $139.00 Time Remaining: 14h 38m Buy It Now for only: $139.00

Samsung 60 Class Plasma HDTV 1080p 1920x1080 600HZ Hdmi USB Wi Fi Smart TV $1,800.00 Time Remaining: 14h 39m Buy It Now for only: $1,800.00

TV Flat Screen Protector 40 inch Protection LCD Plasma $149.00 Time Remaining: 14h 41m Buy It Now for only: $149.00

LG remote control Model MKJ32022820 LCD Plasma TVs $14.99 Time Remaining: 15h 54m Buy It Now for only: $14.99

Anti Glare TV Screen Protector 50 inch LED LCD Plasma $159.00 Time Remaining: 16h 41m Buy It Now for only: $159.00

Samsung HP S5053 50 720p Refurbished HDTV Plasma TV Television PICKUP ONLY $409.00 Time Remaining: 23h 55m Buy It Now for only: $459.00

Panasonic TC P65VT30 65 Plasma TCP65VT30 $2,760.00 Time Remaining: 1d 39m Buy It Now for only: $2,760.00

Hitachi 42 TV Plasma $350.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 5m Buy It Now for only: $385.00

Samsung PN43D450 43 inch 600hz Plasma HDTV $459.99 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 15m Buy It Now for only: $459.99

PANASONIC 1080p 50inch Plasma screen $200.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 24m

Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO 111FD 50 1080p HD Plasma Television $3,200.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 50m Buy It Now for only: $3,200.00

60 inch tv broke $20.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 12m Buy It Now for only: $40.00

Runco CinemaWall SP 60 Plasma TV $1,231.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 7m Buy It Now for only: $1,231.00

42 720p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV $466.08 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 10m Buy It Now for only: $466.08

New Panasonic Viera TC P65ST30 65 Full 3D 1080p HD Plasma Internet TV $2,449.90 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 51m Buy It Now for only: $2,449.90

Panasonic Viera TH 50PX60U 50 720p HD Plasma Television $750.00 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 39m Buy It Now for only: $750.00

Samsung PN63C550 63 inch Plasma TV Free HDMI $1,472.49 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 45m Buy It Now for only: $1,472.49

Maxent 50 MX 5020HPM Plasma 1080i HDTV $334.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $334.99

Panasonic Viera TC P60ST30 60 Full 3D 1080p HD Plasma Internet TV $1,025.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 53m

Panasonic Viera TC P50S2 50 1080p HD Plasma Television $650.00 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 56m

Panasonic Viera TC P46ST30 46 TV For Parts Includes Stand and Remote For Parts $89.99 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 16m

Samsung PN59D7000 59 Full 3D 1080p HD Plasma Television $1,599.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 33m Buy It Now for only: $1,599.00

LG 42PA4500 42 720p Plasma TV $479.00 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 15m Buy It Now for only: $479.00

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	LG 42PA4500 42-Inch 720p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV List Price: $549.99 Sale Price: Too low to display
	Description Simply Stunning LG's PA4500 SERIESPLASMA HDTV FEATURING TruSlim FRAME You know what it is you enjoy. You get into sports, fast-action and entertainment that's displayed in life like resolution. With a 600Hz refresh rate and HD picture quality, the PA4500 takes that enjoyment and boosts it to new levels...

	LG 50PA6500 50-inch 1080p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV List Price: $899.99 Sale Price: $749.00
	Description Bring the theater experience home. LG's PA6500 SERIES                                      1080p PLASMA HDTV FEATURING TruSlim FRAME If you want entertainment so life like you'll feel like you can reach out and touch it, or a picture so vibrant and clear that you'll forget you're watching TV, then you want the PA6500 1080p Plasma TV from LG...

	Samsung PN60E550 60-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Slim Plasma HDTV (Black) List Price: $1,919.99 Sale Price: $1,397.99
	Description [Samsung Plasma Comparison Chart] Samsung delivers the connected power of Smart TV, along with amazing 3D in the Plasma 5 Series. Samsung Smart TV is your portal to online content, sharing and chatting with friends, plus streaming movies, music – and so much more...

	LG 60PA6500 60-Inch 1080p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV List Price: $1,499.99 Sale Price: $1,150.00
	Description Bring the theater experience home. LG's PA6500 SERIES                                      1080p PLASMA HDTV FEATURING TruSlim FRAME If you want entertainment so life like you'll feel like you can reach out and touch it, or a picture so vibrant and clear that you'll forget you're watching TV, then you want the PA6500 1080p Plasma TV from LG...

	LG 50PA4500 50-Inch 720p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV List Price: $749.99 Sale Price: Too low to display
	Description Simply Stunning LG's PA4500 SERIESPLASMA HDTV FEATURING TruSlim FRAME You know what it is you enjoy. You get into sports, fast-action and entertainment that's displayed in life like resolution. With a 600Hz refresh rate and HD picture quality, the PA4500 takes that enjoyment and boosts it to new levels...

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50U50 50-Inch 1080p Full HD Plasma TV List Price: $899.99 Sale Price: Too low to display

Description The U50 is the lone non-3D in Panasonic's 2012 HDTV Plasma model line-up. The model features 1080p Full HD resolution, fast-switching phosphors, media player, and 600Hz sub-field drive. Operate Multiple Systems with Just One Remote Control through VIERA Link The UT50 features VIERA Link, a technology that allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible AV components using only the TV’S remote control...

	Panasonic VIERA TC-P65ST50 65-Inch 1080p Full HD 3D Plasma TV List Price: $2,999.95 Sale Price: $2,362.71
	Description The ST50 series features 1080p Full HD resolution, an Infinite Black Pro Panel, and VIERA Connect with web browser and built-in Wi-Fi. Other unique features include 2D to 3D conversion and 2500 focused field drive...

	LG 60PV450 60-Inch 1080p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV List Price: $1,499.99 Sale Price: $999.88
	Description Get into Full HD because you want the highest resolution and a great way to watch sports and fast action with an amazingly clear picture. Demand it and get it with the PV450. It's got a top-notch 600Hz refresh rate that virtually eliminates blur during fast action and it gives you the highest resolution available with 1080p Full HD...

	Panasonic VIERA TC-P65ST30 65-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV List Price: $2,999.95 Sale Price: $1,525.94
	Description 3D Technology Checklist This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need. 3D viewing requires: A DisplayFirst, you'll need a 3D-ready display--whether it's a 3D HDTV, 3D projector, or 3D computer monitor...

	Panasonic VIERA TC-P65VT50 65-Inch 1080p Full HD 3D Plasma TV List Price: $3,699.95 Sale Price: $3,595.00
	Description The VT50 series is the Full HD 3D Plasma flagship series. This top-of-the-line HDTV offers a revolutionary level of picture quality (Full HD 3D; 1080p Full HD resolution) and features the Infinite Black Ultra Panel (VT series only)...