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What is the optimal viewing distance for a TV?

The question arises optimal viewing distance for a TV? The recommended viewing distance to the TV depends on the resolution and the screen diagonal. 

In the past, it was often said that you should not sit so close to the TV, because that would be bad for your eyes and the image would not look better. Today, however, that is no longer the case. The latest TVs have a much sharper image, even at close range. Too close, however, is still not good aesthetically, then you see the pixels and you have a less beautiful image. The question arises optimal viewing distance for a TV? The recommended viewing distance to the TV depends on the resolution of the TV and the screen diagonal. The antenna signal also affects the image.

optimal viewing distance for a TV

Viewing distance: Digital or analog

There are two types of antenna signals: digital and analog. A digital signal generally produces a sharper-looking picture than an analog signal. The image diagonal of your screen, in combination with the antenna signal, determines the best viewing distance. For an analog signal, multiply the screen diagonal by 4. With a digital signal, you can multiply the screen diagonal by 3 to determine the optimal distance to your screen. This way you watch with maximum image quality and you also prevent eye strain. Preferably hang or place your TV with the center of the TV at eye level.

Viewing distance: HD content

If you want the optimal distance for watching HD content, you can multiply the screen diagonal by 2 to 2.5. You can of course be further away than the optimal viewing distance, but then it is no longer possible to see all the small details that are the advantage of a Full HD screen.

Viewing distance: 4K Ultra HD content

Since 2013 there is even higher resolution than Full HD; 4K Ultra HD. This resolution provides four times sharper calls than Full HD and requires new hardware such as TVs and media players. Different rules apply to the viewing distance than discussed above. You can read more about this in our article about the optimal viewing distance for 4K Ultra HD .

Viewing angle

With an LCD screen, it is important that you sit directly opposite the TV to prevent loss of contrast and brightness. With a classic TV or plasma screen, the image quality remains the same at most viewing angles. However, a plasma screen can give more reflection when sunlight hits the screen. Because TVs are constantly being improved, the differences will be minimal within a short period of time.

The optimal viewing distance for your TV

It is smart to determine the maximum viewing distance from the screen to your sofa before purchasing a new television. This way you know in the store the maximum size of your TV.

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