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DON'T GET IT ...screen too large = eye strain???

Recently I was reading a post on projectorcentral.com, where they were discussing proper screen size - and referring to 2.35:1 screens and such, as well. In the article (and I've heard this point/argument made before) they mentioned that too large of an image can cause eye-strain, due to your eyes having to move back and forth across the screen to track the action (and uses the "tennis match" analogy) - inferring that a smaller image keeps your eyes more "at rest", with less need for excessive movement.
I DON'T GET THIS AT ALL!!!! Infact, if anything (and I've never heard anyone EVER complain at a tennis match that they're eyes hurt, nor anyone at a movie theater sitting in the "nose-bleeds"), our eyes are constantly moving around CONSTANTLY in our day to day lives. I actually find that sitting with your eyes "fixed" in one position (like when you're staring at a computer all day) IS WAY MORE STRENUOUS, and that keeping eyes moving in a sitting like this, would be LESS straining!
Anyway, I don't necessarily agree with their position.
I have heard that movies are usually shot with much less camera motion (largely), as compared to tv programming. And that that excessive motion can give you a head-ache, and such. But I 've NEVER EVER heard anyone say their eyes are tired from having to pan back and forth across a large screen image!
Anyone else have any feedback on this, or opinions?
I think it's an important enough topic to helping people consider their PJ setups, screen sizes, proximity to screen, etc.
iplaynaked
iplaynaked OP
193 posts
 
"The distance is an issue for what they call "screen door affect" where you are so close you can see the pixel structure" (Chadnliz)

Actually, in this case, they were siting other issues, pertaining to eye-strain - not over-exposed pixel structure (which is another issue). And really, they were stating that the pixels have become so dense (especially in a 1080p anamorphic application) that, in many of todays projection technology (particularly Lcos and LCD tech, that pixel structure has become somewhat of a non-issue. Basically, you can scratch that as an issue, with certain pj setups!
In fact, if anything, I find that the screen "texture" itself is more of a distracting issue, sitting too close to the screen (regardless of size), than the actual possible visibility of any pixels!!!
What I find is that those darn "glass beads" and sparklies are distracting from a pure image, in a "white field!" Any time I see a large white patch on the screen during a sceen, and I'm sitting close to a screen, I can see the actual surface of the screen glistening! Anyone else see this?

"I have a projector and a 240" inch screen (12' high and 16' wide)" (Mitch4t)

Hey Mitch4t, what projector and screen (type and gain?) are you using with an image that big? I'm just curious.
I actually like the idea of being able to do a screen that big, but I find that home projection technology and quality of screen at higher gains makes such a screen size a dicey proposition. So what are you using?....
iplaynaked OP
193 posts
 
Mitch4t, never mind. I see your system now. My bad.
Anyway, besides the acoustic nightmare with your speakers relfecting off those bare walls, doesn't that supremely large mirror on the side wall DISTRACTING AS HELL!?!...while watching movies that is?! I mean you can see a double image off the screen to the right, distracting your viewing experience, yes?
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiks! Um, ok. Hope that works out for ya man. Peace- lol
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
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I get asked the question about the mirror and the sound reflection. Not a problem at all. The system truly sounds incredible. When I first completed the system, I hung a 15 ft high and 40 ft long drop cloth to block the mirror image reflection for fear of being distracted. I don't use the cloth any longer because no one ever notices the reflection. As far as the sound reflection from the mirrors, I have a very thick carpet and lots of thickly upholstered furniture in the room, along with thick drapes covering a 12' x 12' rear window.

I just added the Marantz BD-8002 blu ray player, which gives me access to the new hi def sound formats. The Realta chip in the Marantz is the real thing, just an incredible picture. I've used the Toshiba HD XA2 with the vaunted REON chip for a year...the Realta chip markedly improves upon even that unit. Nine full range speakers in the system....the sound and picture is totally immersive.

Really....to watch a movie in hi-def audio and video at my place is an incredible experience.

In my place, bigger is better...by far.
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