Sitting the Right Distance Away Makes a BIG Difference... - Blu-ray Forum

DarkDune · 07-13-2009, 08:27 PM

Hey folks,

For anyone who has a 40" or larger HDTV, it is amazing when you really sit close to if not exactly the right distance away.

Long story short, we used to have our couch up against the wall where our Surround Back speakers are, and we sat some 9' from the 40" HDTV. I recently decided to "change it up a bit," and moved the couch 2' so it is now 7' away from the HDTV, and 2' from the back speakers.

WOW! What a difference!

I started feeling dizzy again watching movies, etc, and I REALLY like it. Also, the sound is A LOT more enveloping!

So, lesson learned -- Just cause you like to sit on the couch and watch your favorite movies -- don't forget to try out sitting in a better spot! Now if I can just convince my wife to stop moving the couch back!

NOTE: The ideal distance for a 40" HDTV is about 5' - 6', but 7' is pretty close! Let me know if you need more info on what distance might be right for you

Johnny Vinyl · 07-13-2009, 08:32 PM

I sit 7' from a 42" and about 6' if I lean forward.

John

Another_Dude · 07-13-2009, 08:35 PM

About 8-9 feet from a 120" screen.

I have to turn my head to see different notes while playing drums in Rockband, but you can REALLY see the detail that Blu has to offer.

dobyblue · 07-13-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Another_Dude

About 8-9 feet from a 120" screen.

I have to turn my head to see different notes while playing drums in Rockband, but you can REALLY see the detail that Blu has to offer.

That's awesome, I'd love to Rock out on a 120" screen like that.

RocShemp · 07-14-2009, 02:47 PM

Here's a pretty cool distance calculator that has served me well: http://carltonbale.com/home-theater/...er-calculator/

ShawnE94SL · 07-14-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Another_Dude

About 8-9 feet from a 120" screen.

I have to turn my head to see different notes while playing drums in Rockband, but you can REALLY see the detail that Blu has to offer.

I was about to say I sit about 8-9 feet from a 92" screen. Playing Rockband, COD4 is nice

SDon1969 · 07-14-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkDune

NOTE: The ideal distance for a 40" HDTV is about 5' - 6', but 7' is pretty close! Let me know if you need more info on what distance might be right for you

Yeah agreed, I sit about 5.5 feet away from my 40" LCD, and it seems juuuuust right.

Gimpenstein · 07-14-2009, 04:24 PM

Didn't your mother's tell you that you'd go blind if you sit too close to the TV?
Mine did. I sit 16 feet away from my 12inch portable. I can't see a thing.

jeff92k7 · 07-14-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gimpenstein

Didn't your mother's tell you that you'd go blind if you sit too close to the TV?
Mine did. I sit 16 feet away from my 12inch portable. I can't see a thing.

Then you were sitting too close. If you can't see a thing, maybe you should move back like your Mother said.

genkifd · 07-14-2009, 11:24 PM

sitting at the right distance makes a worls of difference and having decent audio also contributes alot.....

its funny how the world perception is - example i sit 3m from my 70" and i think its about right - wouldnt mind a little closer..... people constantly indcate to me i will go blind lol......

swilliams · 07-15-2009, 05:34 AM

I sit 15ft from a 92inch screen and its prefect. I set up 7.1 surround system but i think my room is too small .Not enough distance between the side and back speakers but it still sounds good any way .

JimShaw · 07-15-2009, 05:52 AM

I sure don't have the perfect distance set up. I sit 14 feet from a 55" TV

Deciazulado · 07-15-2009, 09:02 AM

beerman · 07-15-2009, 10:35 AM

After reading this last night, i measured the distance i sit.
Im 11' from a 40" screen. I didnt realise i was so far back

Problem is i cant move any closer, or the sofa will be blocking the door (its a fairly smallish rectangle room).
But i might give it a go over the weekend, sitting 7' or so and seeing what the difference is like.

DragonSarc · 07-15-2009, 12:11 PM

yeah 2 to 3x your screen size are recommended distance

repete66211 · 07-15-2009, 04:59 PM

I'm sorry, but I think those calculators are a little silly. You can't put an objective number on a subjective experience so anything they tell you is nothing more than a broad suggestion. Sure, we'd all love to have a wall sized TV, but to list 8' as the "longest allowable viewing distance" from a 50" TV is ridiculous. I know, that's for a THX certification, but still.

How close should you sit? My rule of thumb is "as close as your room allows it". I would say the ideal distance is "close enough to read subtitles without needing to turn your head to do so".

07-13-2009, 08:27 PM	#1
DarkDune Blu-ray Samurai Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Home Theater Gallery:164 Blu-ray collection:280 Blu-ray reviews: 7	Sitting the Right Distance Away Makes a BIG Difference... Hey folks, For anyone who has a 40" or larger HDTV, it is amazing when you really sit close to if not exactly the right distance away. Long story short, we used to have our couch up against the wall where our Surround Back speakers are, and we sat some 9' from the 40" HDTV. I recently decided to "change it up a bit," and moved the couch 2' so it is now 7' away from the HDTV, and 2' from the back speakers. WOW! What a difference! I started feeling dizzy again watching movies, etc, and I REALLY like it. Also, the sound is A LOT more enveloping! So, lesson learned -- Just cause you like to sit on the couch and watch your favorite movies -- don't forget to try out sitting in a better spot! Now if I can just convince my wife to stop moving the couch back! NOTE: The ideal distance for a 40" HDTV is about 5' - 6', but 7' is pretty close! Let me know if you need more info on what distance might be right for you

07-15-2009, 05:34 AM	#11
swilliams Member Member since:Jul 2009 4K collection:178 Blu-ray collection:701 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:4	swilliams I sit 15ft from a 92inch screen and its prefect. I set up 7.1 surround system but i think my room is too small .Not enough distance between the side and back speakers but it still sounds good any way .

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07-13-2009, 08:32 PM	#2
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	I sit 7' from a 42" and about 6' if I lean forward. John

07-13-2009, 08:35 PM	#3
Another_Dude Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Blu-ray collection:191 Blu-ray reviews:8	About 8-9 feet from a 120" screen. I have to turn my head to see different notes while playing drums in Rockband, but you can REALLY see the detail that Blu has to offer.

07-14-2009, 02:47 PM	#5
RocShemp Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2009 Blu-ray reviews:2	Here's a pretty cool distance calculator that has served me well: http://carltonbale.com/home-theater/...er-calculator/

07-14-2009, 04:24 PM	#8
Gimpenstein Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Essex, UK Blu-ray collection:97	Didn't your mother's tell you that you'd go blind if you sit too close to the TV? Mine did. I sit 16 feet away from my 12inch portable. I can't see a thing.

07-14-2009, 11:24 PM	#10
genkifd Active Member Member since:Jul 2009 Location:Melbourne, Australia Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray collection:259	sitting at the right distance makes a worls of difference and having decent audio also contributes alot..... its funny how the world perception is - example i sit 3m from my 70" and i think its about right - wouldnt mind a little closer..... people constantly indcate to me i will go blind lol......

07-15-2009, 05:52 AM	#12
JimShaw Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Menifee, CA 4K collection:49 Blu-ray collection:1069 Trading Score:141	I sure don't have the perfect distance set up. I sit 14 feet from a 55" TV

07-15-2009, 09:02 AM	#13
Deciazulado Site Manager Top contributor Member since:Aug 2006 Location:USiberia Home Theater Gallery:6 4K collection:1159 Blu-ray collection:7044 DVD collection:4040

07-15-2009, 10:35 AM	#14
beerman Junior Member Member since:Feb 2009 Blu-ray collection:2	After reading this last night, i measured the distance i sit. Im 11' from a 40" screen. I didnt realise i was so far back Problem is i cant move any closer, or the sofa will be blocking the door (its a fairly smallish rectangle room). But i might give it a go over the weekend, sitting 7' or so and seeing what the difference is like.

07-15-2009, 12:11 PM	#15
DragonSarc Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:San Leandro, CA Home Theater Gallery:28 Blu-ray reviews:1	yeah 2 to 3x your screen size are recommended distance

07-15-2009, 04:59 PM	#16
repete66211 Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Kansas City area Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray collection:196 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:3	I'm sorry, but I think those calculators are a little silly. You can't put an objective number on a subjective experience so anything they tell you is nothing more than a broad suggestion. Sure, we'd all love to have a wall sized TV, but to list 8' as the "longest allowable viewing distance" from a 50" TV is ridiculous. I know, that's for a THX certification, but still. How close should you sit? My rule of thumb is "as close as your room allows it". I would say the ideal distance is "close enough to read subtitles without needing to turn your head to do so".

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