Are you thinking of buying a television set? Among the many things you need to consider when looking for a new TV is the size of the screen. It is an important decision since a mistake could make you regret your purchase if the new TV does not fit your needs.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a TV size, including what you want to use it for, the dimensions of the room you intend to place it in and its general configuration. Read on to find out how to determine which TV size is right for you!
TV terminology
When buying a new TV, it’s important to be familiar with the following terms and what they mean so that you can assess whether the devices you’re considering have the features you’re looking for.
- Size: This is the diagonal length of the screen, expressed in inches.
- Format: This is the aspect ratio between the width and height of the display. There are three common formats: 4:3, 16:9 and 21:9.
- Definition: This corresponds to the number of pixels in the image. The definition is 1920x1080 for Full HD, 3840x2160 for Ultra HD (or 4K) and 7680x4320 for 8K UHD. The definition of the screen can also be referred to as QLED or OLED, depending on the brand.
- Resolution: This is the relationship between screen size and definition, expressed in pixels per inch. A small screen with high definition will provide a more detailed image than a large screen with low definition. Depending on the resolution, the pixels that make up any given image will be more or less stretched and the quality of the image will be affected.
Choosing your TV size based on the dimensions of the room
We tend to think that the bigger a TV screen is, the better the experience will be, but that isn’t always the case. A massive TV isn’t at all suitable for a tiny room. Before choosing a TV size, it’s best to decide where you want to put your new TV and determine its ideal dimensions accordingly.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, you’ll also need to measure your TV stand. You don’t want to buy a brand-new TV only to find out that it doesn’t fit! Of course, this doesn’t apply if you’re planning to mount your TV on the wall.
To help you envision where your new TV will fit, we recommend making a template to compare different sizes. You can also trace the corners of the different TV sizes (with marking tape for example) that you want to choose from, to see which one fits best in your room based on your space.
The distance between the TV and the couch: an important factor
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a TV size is the distance between you and the screen. While higher definition does help prevent the human eye from discerning individual pixels, the field of view remains important, particularly if you intend to use your screen to watch movies and shows or play video games.
For optimal comfort, you should also be mindful of your viewing angle. When you watch TV, it should be positioned in such a way that your gaze naturally falls on the centre of the screen (both in height and in width). You shouldn’t need to move your head at all to have the entire screen in your field of view.
With the new displays and screen resolutions on next-generation TVs, it’s getting less feasible to have one universal calculation to measure the ideal viewing distance between your screen and couch. If you have a UHD TV, multiply the diagonal screen size by 1.2 to get the recommended viewing distance. If you have an HD TV, multiply the diagonal by 1.6.
Note that the maximum viewing distance you can achieve in the room will determine the largest TV size you can purchase for optimal viewing comfort. Of course, the largest possible TV size may not be what you want&mdashit’s just an upper limit to keep in mind when choosing your TV.
Wall mounted TVs: which height is best?
When mounting a TV on the wall, the same rules apply as for TVs on stands&mdashwhen seated, you should be able to see the entire screen and your gaze should naturally fall on the centre without having to move your head.
While wall-mounted TVs can be very convenient, they are often positioned incorrectly. Many people tend to mount their TVs too high on the wall, which can significantly affect comfort after a certain amount of viewing time.
For example, mounting a TV above the fireplace is quite common, but the outcome is rarely optimal because the resulting viewing angle is not natural. The same goes for images displayed with a projector&mdashthe device is usually installed on the ceiling or on a shelf, projecting the image onto the wall at a height that is less than ideal for your field of view.
The advantages of choosing a TV size in store
The best way to make an informed choice is to get help from a professional. Ask a salesperson to accompany you as you compare the sizes of flat screen TVs available in store. They will be able to help you select a TV that suits you. Furthermore, they’ll be able to advise you on the TVs’ connectivity (HDMI, VGA, DTT) and compatibility with soundbars (wired or Bluetooth speakers) and other analog devices (Blu-Ray player, USB ports, etc.). With all of these features, you can transform your living room into a real home theatre.
If possible, bring the dimensions of your room and your TV stand (if you have one) to the store with you, as well as the distance between the screen and your couch. With this information in hand, the salesperson will be able to recommend the ideal size for your new TV.
Let Fillion experts help you choose your new TV
If you want good advice, it’s best to ask real experts. Fillion has been a leader in electronics for over 60 years. Our consultants know what they’re talking about and are passionate about their work, which is reflected in their service. At Fillion, you’ll always be greeted with a smile, no matter why you’ve come.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice on choosing a new TV, or come see us in store to benefit from our consultants’ impeccable service.
