The size of the TV from the distance from the viewer. At what distance is best to have a TV from the sofa

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I do not know about you, but I definitely need pills for greed when I come to the store. This is in case I have money to buy. If the cherished pill is not taken on time, I’ll definitely get twice as much as I had originally planned. It would seem that there is nothing bad here and not.

However, there are situations in which “more” does not always mean “better.” For example, when you buy a TV in a small room.

Naturally, I want to tV diagonal  was more. However, if you overdo it, you yourself will not be happy, especially if you choose a “flat” TV. If distance to the screen  from the usual place of watching TV will be insufficient, the picture will “float” and skew, the “squares” will come out, and the eyes will start to get very tired. The latter circumstance will adversely affect health.

In order not to miscalculate, it is better to measure the distance in advance and choose a diagonal, based on this parameter. There is a simple rule for determining the maximum screen size, and there is a complex one. Let's start with the first.

The dependence of the diagonal of the TV on the distance

This principle is called the "rule of the five diagonals." That is, the minimum distance from which you will watch TV must be at least five diagonals of the model that you looked at. In principle, this can be limited. But in fairness, we will also tell about the second rule. There will already have to operate with more accurate figures, so lovers of order and accuracy will surely like it.

So, we will calculate by the formula D = L / K
D  - screen size in inches
L  - distance to the screen
K  - a coefficient having a value from 3 to 6 (thus, it is possible to obtain a “from-to” range, denoting the minimum and maximum value of the optimal distance)

Comparative table of dependencies

And so that you don’t have to mess with the calculations yourself, here’s a table from which you can always find out what is the best distance for a TV.

Consider that some manufacturers specify the size of the entire kinescope as a “diagonal”, and some only the visible part of it. Of course, this parameter is not always decisive, but in some cases it may play a role.

Frequently asked questions about the proper installation of the TV

  • How far is watching TV?
  • How to determine the recommended distance from the wall to the TV?
  • What is the distance to hang the TV?
  • The distance from the TV to the eyes?

We hope that we were able to help you with the answers.
  Enjoy and secure browsing!

To date, the most common TVs on the shelves are traditional, projection, with plasma and liquid crystal. The latter two models are absent and they are not sources of harmful radiation. First of all, many believe that these models are the most stylish. Secondly, such models fit perfectly into the interior of any apartment. Thirdly, TVs with a similar kinescope are the safest and most energy-intensive.

Dependence of distance on panel size

So, at what distance to watch TV? The safest distance is four diagonals (or about two meters). If you have three televisions at home, they will not pose any danger, but on one condition - their screens must be liquid crystal. Western experts, having studied the requirements for the premises in which the installation of plasma panels is planned, came to a unanimous opinion. It states that a safe distance from the TV to the eyes must be taken into account by buyers. This applies to all models, whether CRT or liquid crystal.

How else can you determine at what distance to watch TV? For example, the diagonal of your home appliance is forty-two inches. In this situation, the recommended distance from the TV to the eyes - at least three meters. This means that the area of ​​the room should be more than fourteen squares. If you are still in the process of acquiring a particular model, do not forget to first pay attention to the size of the panel. This choice depends on how far away you are watching TV. Screen size is usually determined by the size of the kinescope. If you have already bought a certain model and wish to independently measure a harmless distance for watching programs and movies, the rule of five diagonals will serve as an excellent guide. Also recently, projectors have become popular, allowing home theater to be equipped with the safest adjustable


Simple TV Installation Guide

The center of the image should be at a height of about seventy centimeters from the floor. The newest models practically do not heat up; nevertheless, it is not necessary to turn on some heating devices nearby. Direct sunlight on the TV screen and its body is not welcome.

Types of screens

There are convex and flat kinescopes. The first look is familiar to us for a long time. On the surface of such a screen there is a rounded area. This kinescope reflects the light that falls on the panel. Because of this, eyes quickly tired, and also decreases the frequency of the image. Flat screens in this regard are real saviors. They reduce the reflection coefficient, due to which the light does not fall directly into the eyes of the viewer.


The effect of television on the child's vision

Children fully mature by three to five years. In this age period, the visual system is very vulnerable and easily affected by various harmful factors. The main role in its proper development is played by all sorts of visual loads. These include drawing, reading, and viewing gears. Can children watch television?

The image from the blue screen is projected onto the retina. In order to clearly see what is happening on it, the child has to strain the special structures inside the eye. This action occurs reflexively, that is, it is absolutely independent of the child’s consciousness. When watching TV, the child's eyes are in constant tension. If such loads are long, excessive and do not correspond to the age of the baby, then they can cause the development of myopia.


How much can you watch TV for a child?

Unfortunately, modern parents cannot completely exclude viewing of cartoons and various programs from the life of their children, therefore, a rational compromise must be sought.

Boys and girls under the age of two or three years, doctors do not recommend watching television. The reason is the load on the eyes, and the effect of transmissions on the nervous system, which often lead to excessive arousal in children. Special impact have commercials. Undoubtedly, they attract kids with fast-moving and bright images. But the harm in this case is much more than good.

The average duration of viewing programs for children older than three years per day should not exceed thirty minutes.

A child up to seven years old is allowed to watch TV for no more than an hour. At the age of thirteen, children can give programs no more than one hundred and twenty minutes a day. It should be noted that the continuous load in this case should not exceed one and a half hours.


Can children watch television in the dark? In the evening, be sure to resort to additional lighting in the room. Otherwise, an unfavorable condition is created for the operation of the visual system, which leads to rapid visual fatigue. All this has a negative impact on the general condition of children.

How far away is watching TV for a child? The distance in this case should be from three meters, and - twenty one inch and more. As the diagonal of the panel increases, the distance to view the programs increases proportionally.

LCD TV almost does not bear any loads on the vision. When viewing it, the most important harmful factor for the eyes is prolonged visual stress.

Precautionary measures

Parents should remember that the sight of babies decreases gradually, and more often they themselves do not notice this deterioration. As a result, it is necessary at least once a year to show your child to an ophthalmologist. This will make it possible to identify a possible pathology in the early stages and get on the path to recovery in time.

Deciding to buy a modern high-tech TV, we think not only about the manufacturer’s credibility, the features available and the price issue. One of the main questions we ask before making a purchase is which diagonal of TV to choose? This is the main criterion when choosing, and if you do not pay attention to him, you can not find a truly optimal option. If the size of the diagonal is not calculated based on your personal preferences and characteristics of the home, you will not achieve decent picture quality even from the latest-priced ultra-expensive TV.

What is the diagonal? In simple words, this is the distance from the two opposite corners of the screen, which is usually measured in inches, and it is in the dimensions in inches that you can find on the boxes and instructions. It is worth noting that in most cases the sizes are a bit overstated on advertising posters and packaging boxes. This fact must be taken into account before proceeding to the selection.

Features of the situation in the apartment

So, how to choose the right diagonal TV? You need to start with personal preferences. Someone seeks to choose a compact model that will not be evident and will be only a minor addition to the interior. Someone prefers to adhere to the principle “the more - the better”, and acquires a huge TV set on half a wall to impress guests and neighbors. But here there are numerous pitfalls.

For example, if you do not keep a balance between the size of the diagonal and the distance from the viewing point to the TV, even a diagonal size of 55 inches will not give the expected effect, and all your money will become an unnecessary investment.

Therefore, before you choose a TV, decide in which corner of the room it will stand. The distance from this point of the room to the TV should not exceed 3-4 diagonals. Go to the website of any online store and select from the available list the size of the TV that best fits your chosen distance. Observing a balance between the distance from the viewing point to the location of the TV, you will achieve all the necessary indicators for a comfortable and safe view to watch TV:

  • Overall comfort;
  • No strain on vision;
  • The clearest picture without losing all the effects and quality.

This is a simple and fairly effective way to calculate the size of the diagonal. But do not forget that this system of calculating the size of the TV is common and can not claim to be the undisputed truth. Each person has unique preferences, unique features of vision and his own optimum angle of perception. Therefore, we should not exclude the possibility that you will not like the chosen size, and you will have to make an exchange.

Do not hesitate to test your purchase right in the store or shopping center, simulating the approximate situation of your apartment and assess the quality of the picture from the distance you plan to watch TV at home.


Screen resolution

The second main criterion by which you must choose the size of the diagonal of the TV - its compatibility with the resolution. Nowadays, the most common formats are:

  • Full HD 1920 x 1080;
  • HD Ready 1366 x 768.

The numbers indicate the number of dots, or pixels, that are available in your TV model. Image quality and image clarity directly depend on the resolution. But before you choose your favorite model, you need to calculate the ratio of resolution, diagonal and distance from the viewer to the screen. The higher the resolution, the less distance the viewer needs in order to watch TV without loss of quality and eye strain.

For example, for a TV with a resolution of 635 r and a size of 32 inches, a distance of two and a half meters is best suited. But if your TV receiver has a higher resolution (with the same screen size of 32 inches), the distance is reduced to two meters. Observing these rules, you can choose the best option for you, and guaranteed not to go wrong when making a purchase.


An additional criterion for selection is the technology of screen production. Each of the technologies has unique characteristics (image quality, contrast, rigidity, size) that must be considered if you want to successfully select a TV. Modern market offers its customers such production technologies as:

  • Liquid crystal screen. The most popular and common option in our days.
  • Plasma screen. It is a precursor of liquid crystal products.
  • Kinescope products. Perfectly familiar to each of us devices, the hallmark of which is an impressive size and weight. Especially popular among connoisseurs of the "old school".

LCD products have an excellent picture and can be produced even with a small screen size. But still there are minor flaws, such as problems with viewing angle and lack of contrast.

Plasma options are beloved by all fans of huge screens. But do not forget about one thing - screens less than 50 inches are not able to play Full HD.

TV with a kinescope will serve you for many years, but in the quality of the image it is not able to compete with the above-mentioned counterparts. No matter how much modern manufacturing technologies are advertised, and no matter how manufacturers of LCD and plasma screens try to convince customers of their outstanding durability, CRT options will forever remain the most reliable.

TV - the most favorite, as well as demanded device for home entertainment. Technologies of modern production are constantly being improved. The image quality improves, the bad effect on the eyes decreases, therefore large monitors have become a fashionable trend. The question arises how to choose the optimal screen size for a particular room so that it is comfortable to watch, and the eyes do not get tired.

The size of the diagonal is accepted to put down in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm). There is a simple rule that the shortest distance to the screen of any TV should be equal to its three diagonals. For example, a device with a 32-inch monitor is installed at a distance of 2.4 meters from the eyes. This is defined as:

32 inch x 2.54 cm x 3 = 406.4 cm, or about 4 meters.

There is another formula to get a more accurate result:

L = D x Kwhere

  • L is the distance to TV,
  • D - screen diagonal,
  • K - the coefficient of the minimum and maximum distance to the monitor, it has a value from 3 to 6.

For example, we define the distance for a 32 inch TV: L = D x K; L = (32 x 2.54) x 3 = 243 cm is the minimum value, the maximum will be such 81.2 x 6 = 487 cm.

Calculated by this formula, the distance to the TV, depending on the length of the diagonal fit to older models, but not for modern TV, which are endowed with new features. This is its screen resolution, depending on which the viewing distance changes.

What is the resolution and viewing angle

Resolution is a technical parameter that displays the total number of pixels horizontally and vertically on the display. For example, a TV with a diagonal of 32 inches can have a different number of points per unit of area: 1366x768, 1920x1080, 4096x2160. The higher this value, the smaller the pixel cells, the greater their number will be located on the display, and the more, the better the image and clarity of the picture. That is why this size affects the recommended distance from the display to the viewer.


The viewing angle of the TV is also important, it should be from 36 to 70 degrees to one side. The most comfortable is considered from 50 to 60. Modern 3D devices can be viewed even at a higher viewing angle, while the observer seems to be immersed in the events happening on the display, getting more pleasure. You can change this angle by reseating closer to the monitor.

The dependence of the distance to the TV screen resolution

High-demand TVs, whose screen diagonals are 26 to 42 inches long, are in high demand. For spacious rooms (halls), monitor sizes are even more suitable, especially if the device is used as a home theater.

Currently, television displays do not produce harmful electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, the above formulas are not suitable for devices that display broadcast formats: DVD (720x576), HD (1280x720), Ultra HD (3840x2160). The higher this figure, the more it brings the viewer closer to the display, increasing the detail of the image, making the picture clearer. Therefore, the optimal distance to the TV is significantly reduced, creating the effect of immersion in the ongoing plot.

If the TV is installed at a great distance from the viewer, the difference between the resolutions of 720 and 1080 will not be visible, so choose 720, because it's cheaper. But for a small room, on the contrary, the higher it is, the better, and watching a movie on the big screen is always more pleasant.

To determine at what distance from the viewer you need to watch TV, you need to use ready-made factors that take into account the technical capabilities of the device. They depend on the screen resolution and are respectively equal to:

  • HD Ready (1280x720) - 2.3;
  • Full HD (1920x1080) - 1.56;
  • Ultra HD (3840x2160) - 0.7.

Having these coefficients and data of a television receiver, you can easily determine from what distance it is desirable to watch TV depending on the value that determines the number of points (pixels) per unit area. For example, for a device with a monitor diagonal of 32 inches and a screen resolution of 1920x1080, the mathematical operations will be as follows:

  • 32 inches x 2.54 cm = 81.28 cm or 0.8128 meters;
  • 0.8123 m x 1.56 = 1.267 m

The problem is solved, the distance of 1.27 meters for this device will be optimal, while the picture does not split into separate pixels, and the image is good and clear. But having reduced this size, having reseeded closer to the monitor, granularity will appear. If, on the contrary, change too small details in the picture no longer differ. That is why there are so many questions about this, and for good reason, because the best option will give you the opportunity to have a clear, high-quality image.

Television devices with UHD resolution - is the choice of monitors with a large diagonal. Its screen has quadrupled the number of pixels compared to an ordinary Full HD TV. And it gives an amazing clarity of the image, which reduces the distance to the viewer.

There are ready-made tables and charts where the calculated optimal range of distances to the observer is indicated. Now it is not necessary to take the calculator with you to the store; you just need to draw a sign on the leaflet that will help you out at the right moment.

Diagonal 3D TV (inches) Format
HD Ready (1280x720) Full HD (1920x1080)
32 1,27 0,57
42 2,46 0,66
50 2,92 0,81
55 3,23 0,89
60 3,51 0,97



  Now it will be easier for every future TV buyer to choose exactly the model that will satisfy all his needs. See also:.