http://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/ Engadget HD Comments for HDTV Buying Guide: Choosing the right size http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/http://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/Sep 21st 2005 12:00PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/http://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/Sep 21st 2005 12:37PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/http://www.engadgethd.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/
My question is really in relation to HD viewing versus 'theater' viewing... While these are possibly different end goals, screen size is one reason why some people still feel like they have to go to the movies. While the formulas posted are definitely easier than using viewing angle to determine screen size, they differ from the SMTPE and THX standards by a wide margin.

For Example, using the maximum SMTPE viewing distance based on a 30deg view angle, a 12' setup would need a 88" diagonal. then using the THX formula of between 26deg and 36deg, the same 12' setup would need a 106" diagonal.

Now obviously the only way to get above the 80" mark at the moment is front projection but that is for another discussion.

My old configuration was a 13½' prime viewing position with a 122" 1.85 projection screen. This felt so much like the movie theater experience (good sound setup is also required) that we simply stopped going to the movies and HD tv was a true thing of beauty even with just 720p!
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