Distance/Screen SIze Formula?

I think 60" at 12' will be like sitting in a bar watching casual TV. IIRC, the SMPTE and THX numbers (88.5" and 107.4" 16 X 9 diagonal for a 12' vieiwng distance) provide the viewing angle from near the rear of a theater. I think you want the diagonal size to be at least half the viewing distance, preferably a bit larger. At 12', I think the only practical solution is front projection, and that's not practical for casual viewing given the ambient light constraints. A more practical solution is to decrease viewing distance.

It's not obvious what THX has to do with marketing monitors, except in so far as THX certification of certain components might add value. And SMPTE? It would seem in the best interest of both organizations to keep you coming to a theater.

Visit myhometheater.homestead.com/viewdistancecalculator.html for viewing distance calculators and explanations.

db

I know the calculators and understand the explanations, again I say that unless it is only for a movie experience then yea 107in at 12ft away is great, but in the real world where people watch movies, and everything else on one monitor in one room those numbers dont make sense, they are overkill and thats where I think alot of folks who are not getting a unit for a dedicated theater are being misled, sometimes bigger isnt better, its just big.

Chadnliz, I wasn't suggesting that 107" is the "right" number, just a number that someone comes up with. OTOH, I don't think 60" at 12 feet is overkill. I have a 50" FPD at about the same distance and while it is larger than the previous 36" 4:3 TV, it is not acres bigger and I could easily live with a 60".

Best thing to do is go visit a shop with both and sit yourself 12ft away. Or put a poster or two on some cardboard and see what it looks like in your room.

I'd look at something in the 110" diagonal size. It'll be about the same size screen you get sitting in the last row of a decent THX certified commercial theater.

Also note that on anything smaller than about 90", you'll be unable to visutlally resolve 1920x1080 HD.

Personally I've used 100" @ 11' and 50" at about 5' with good results on DVD sources.

Chadnliz (I assume there are two of you, Chad & Liz),

If not for movies and good HDTV programming, why would someone post a query about video on AudiogoN? A query about casual viewing would be like me asking you which tube amp I should buy for listening to the news on my AM tuner. 60" at 12' is inadequate for movies or great HDTV like CSI:Miami -- I watch the program for its HD video and 5.1 audio, definitely not its content.

db