Podcast #1088: Optimal Screen Size

This week we ask the question, how big is too big? We discuss what is the optimal size screen for your viewing situation. We also give some recommendations for some large screen TVs. We also read your emails and look at the week's news.

News:

• Paramount Plus to Hike Prices by as Much as $2 a Month, Likely in July
• Mini-LED TVs Are Hot Right Now — But A New Report Has Bad News
• ELAC Announces Varro Subwoofer Line

Other:

• Support Cycle Kids
• I'm sorry but...Matter SUCKS (now)
• This MANSION Has a $1 MILLION Star Wars Theater!

How Long Should A TV Last?

To try to answer this question, RTINGS.com decided to run 100 TVs that they still have in the lab from the last 2-3 years through a grueling 2-year accelerated longevity test to see how long they last. Each TV will run for either 20 or 15.5 hours per day, for a total of 126 hours per week, turning off eight times a day to simulate normal use. Every two months, they'll take uniformity and brightness measurements to see how they age over time and to look for any uniformity issues or change in brightness over time. Updates will be posted on their website (How Long Should A TV Last? Our 100 TV Accelerated Longevity Test - RTINGS.com) and their YouTube channel.

What is the Optimal Size and Placement of my 4K TV

We are asked from time to time what size TV should I buy for my room. We typically say, "No one has ever said I should have bought a smaller TV". So we typically say buy the biggest one you can afford or that will fit in the room. No one has ever complained about this advice.

THX has some recommendations on how to calculate the optimal screen size for your room as well as where to place it. First let's take a look at placement. For optimal viewing, THX recommends that your line of sight be more or less aligned with the center of the screen. They suggest 15 degrees or less, above or below the center. Our recommendation is if the only place to mount the TV is over the fireplace, you should move!

For optimal distance from the screen in inches, divide the diagonal length by .835. So for a 70" screen the optimal distance is 7 feet (213 cm). The other way to use this formula is if you know the distance and want to calculate the optimal screen size if to take the distance in inches and multiply it by .835. So if you sit 10 feet (305 cm) away from where the screen would go, the optimal screen size is 100 glorious inches!

So what have we learned today? We learned that the HT guys have been successfully advising our listeners about screen size without the pesky use of math for years. Get the biggest size TV that you can afford that will fit in your room! Spouse approval optional. Just tell them Ara and Braden said it was OK.

Four Large TVs for under $1200 (Costco)

Samsung 75" - TU700D Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $679.99

Features:

• Smart TV Powered by Tizen
• Crystal Processor 4K
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
• Crystal Display
• 3 Year Warranty + HDMI Cable

LG 75" Class - NANO80 Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $899.99

Features:

• α5 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K
• Local Dimming
• Active HDR10, HLG
• $75 Streaming Service
• Magic Remote

Sony 75" Class - X80CK Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $1099.99

Features:

• 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty
• 1 yr. Bravia Core Streaming + 5 Movie Credits
• Premium Backlit Remote w/ Finder Function
• 4K HDR Processor X1
• TRILUMINOS PRO Color

LG 86" Class - UQ8000 Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $1199.99

Features:

• α7 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K
• 120 Hz Refresh Rate
• AI Sound Pro
• $75 Streaming Service
• Magic Remote with NFC
• Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan Bundle Included for 5 years of total coverage