Bigger is not always better, or at least that’s the case with televisions, plasma and LCD projection screens. This week, more big-screen TV’s are sold due to Super Bowl-mania than any other time of year.
Some considerations:
–How big is the room?
–Where will you normally be sitting?
–How far away from the screen is that?
If you sit closer to the screen you want a higher resolution display. Further away, you can have a lesser quality, more inexpensive screen. You don’t want the image to overwhelm you. Too close and you can see the pixels refreshing.
Some guidelines for wide-screen (HDTV) displays:
| Size of Screen (Diagonal) |
Distance from Screen |
| 20 inch | 5 feet |
| 40 inch | 10 feet |
| 50 inch | 12.5 feet |
| 64 inch | 15.5 feet |
| 80 inch | 20 feet |
The home theater equation requires much the same considerations as office videoconferencing. The screen should be in a place that doesn’t get a lot of glare from outside. A windowless room or windows with black-out shades is desirable.
Neutral colored walls behind where people sit helps keep distractions low. Carpeting is better than wood or hard surfaced flooring for better acoustics.
Whether creating a home theater or a videoconferencing center, an audiovisual consultant can be of great help in determining equipment needs. Enjoy the game!