I've read various articles debating the importance of the 1080p. I want to set the record straight once and for all: if you are serious about properly setting up your viewing room, you will definitely benefit from 1080p (and even 1440p.) Why? Because the 1080p resolution is the first to deliver enough detail to your eyeball when you are seated at the proper distance from the screen. But don't just take my word for it: read on for the proof.
There are a few obvious factors to being able to detect resolution differences: the resolution of the screen, the size of the screen, and the viewing distance. To be able to detect differences between resolutions, the screen must be large enough and you must sit close enough. So the question becomes "How do I know if need a higher resolution or not?". Here is your answer.
Based on the resolving ability of the human eye (with 20/20 vision it is possible to resolve 1/60th of a degree of an arc), it is possible to estimate when the differences between resolutions will become apparent. Using the Home Theater Calculator spreadsheet as a base, I created a chart showing, for any given screen size, how close you need to sit to be able to detect some or all of the benefits of a higher resolution screen. (Click the picture below for a larger version.)
What the chart shows is that, for a 50-inch screen, the benefits of 720p vs. 480p start to become apparent at viewing distances closer than 14.6 feet and become fully apparent at 9.8 feet. For the same screen size, the benefits of 1080p vs. 720p start to become apparent when closer than 9.8 feet and become full apparent at 6.5 feet. In my opinion, 6.5 feet is closer than most people will sit to their 50" plasma TV (even through the THX recommended viewing distance for a 50" screen is 5.6 ft). So, most consumers will not be able to see the full benefit of their 1080p TV.
However, front projectors and rear projection displays are a different story. They make it very easy to obtain large screen sizes. Plus, LCD and Plasma displays are constantly getting larger and less expensive. In my home, for example, I have a 123-inch screen and a projector with a 1280×720 resolution. For a 123-inch screen, the benefits of 720p vs. 480p starts to become apparent at viewing distances closer than 36 feet (14 feet behind my back wall) and become fully apparent at 24 feet (2 feet behind my back wall). For the same screen size, the benefits of 1080p vs. 720p start to become apparent when closer than 24 feet and become full apparent at 16 feet (just between the first and second row of seating in my theater). This means that people in the back row of my home theater would see some improvement if I purchased a 1080p projector and that people in the front row would notice a drastic improvement. (Note: the THX recommended max viewing distance for a 123" screen is 13.7 feet).
So, how close should you be sitting to your TV? Obviously, you need to look at your room and see what makes sense for how you will be using it. If you have a dedicated viewing room and can place seating anywhere you want, you can use this chart as a guideline. It's based on THX and SMPTE specifications for movie theaters; the details are available in the Home Theater Calculator spreadsheet.
Looking at this chart, it is apparent that 1080p is the lowest resolution to fall within the recommended seating distance range. Any resolution less than 1080p is not detailed enough if you are sitting the proper distance from the screen. For me and many people with large projection screens, 1080p is the minimum resolution you'd want.
In fact, you could probably even benefit from 1440p. If you haven't heard of 1440p, you will. Here's a link to some info on Audioholics.com. It is part of the HDMI 1.3 spec, along with 48-bit color depth, and will probably surface for the public in 2009 or so. You'll partially be able to see the benefits of 1440p at the THX Max Recommended viewing distance and the resolution benefits will be fully apparent if you are just a little closer. I've read of plans for resolutions reaching 2160p but I don't see any benefit; you'd have to sit too darn close to the screen to notice any improvement. If you sit too close, you can't see the far edges of the screen.
In conclusion: If you are a videophile with a properly setup viewing room, you should definitely be able to notice the resolution enhancement that 1080p brings. However, if you are an average consumer with a plasma on the far wall of your family room, you are not likely to be sitting close enough to notice any advantage. Check the chart above and use that to make your decision. Also, the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) states the the most important aspects of picture quality are (in order): 1) contrast ratio, 2) color saturation, 3) color accuracy, 4) resolution. Resolution is 4th on the list and plasma is generally superior to LCD in all of the other areas (but much more prone to reflections/glare.) So pick your display size, then measure your seating distance, and then use the charts above to figure out if you would benefit from the larger screen size.
Thanks for the response. I was OK with the resolution but wasn't aware of the 1:1 criteria. From what I've read since it appears most TVs that support 1:1 are configurable. Is this because the 1:1 setup necessary for full screen viewing of a PC output doesn't work or creates issues with TV viewing?
Grant: older analog content can frequently have noise along the sides of the picture. To prevent consumers from complaining about their TV not working correctly, pretty much every one on the market crops the edges to eliminate potential noise. Now that all signals and all new shows are digital, noise isn't a problem, but old analog content broadcast over digital still has it.
@Carlton Bale
Color me impressed. I have read through your comments and such and really appreciate your insights in regards to setting up a suitable 1080p home theatre. Now I am in need of your expert advice.
At the moment, I'm in the market to invest in a FULL HD LCD. My sitting distance is approx 10-11ft. My viewing environment ranges from well-lit (during the day) to dim (during the night). Just for some background. I started my search and was getting ready to invest in the Pioneer KRP500m. Then I read your article and saw your chart of optimal viewing distances and saw that at my seating distance I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate 1080p with a 50" monitor. Then I was ready to purchase the Pioneer KRP600m. BUT then I read the "horror" stories of consumers receiving panels that have "the buzz" issue which at the price I would have invested (equiv. to $6,456.oo USD – I'm based at the moment in the Philippines) is not worth the risk.
I have been very satisfied with my Full HD Philips 42PFL7403. But then after reading your optimal distance article, I always felt that I was not utilizing the full benefit of 1080p viewing (seating distance from the 42" = 9ft). I have had such a great experience with my Philips that I always hoped to find another LCD unit that just like it, but 55 in. or above.
That led me to the LG Full HD 55LH50 (240Hz TruMotion)-Philippines version. I believe that in other regions (United States, etc) it is the 55LH55. The one aspect of my Full HD Philips panel that I appreciated was the matte screen. Absolutely no glare or reflection. I demo'ed the LN52B750 & LN55B650 and got a headache from the glare and seeing my reflection during totally black screens, which is prevalent in my all-time favorite movie – Batman The Dark Knight. Then I noticed your advice regarding LG having a matte screen! I demo'ed the 55LH50 and was quite impressed. With just a few quick calibrations (mainly turning off the 240Hz Trumotion, adjusting backlight, etc.), I really like the PQ of the LG. It had a myriad of picture settings! If only Samsung's panels were not glass and extremely reflective, I may have taken the plunge with the 55B650. I also looked at the Sony 52V550, but I felt I would benefit more from an additional 3 inches to get the cinematic, Full HD experience.
Anyways, just wanted to say thanks for your research and was wondering if you strongly recommend at my seating distance of 10-11ft, will I benefit in investing in the 55" LG FULL HD,1080p panel?
PhiPsi032679: I'm in 100% agreement with you. The LG panels are awesome. If I were to purchase a new flat panel right now, the 55" LG 1080p with LED backlighting is exactly what I'd get. The matte screen makes it a better performer than the glossy Sonys and Samsungs, and it costs less as well.
Carlton I find your site and spreadsheet very useful. I'm attempting turning an unfinished space in my basement into a dedicated theater. Finished dimensions will be 10'6\ wide by 24' long. The screen would be roughly 122\ diagonal (cinemascope) I'm really worried about getting the seating locations right for the video and the audio. I have them set on your spreadsheet at 12ft and 16.5ft that number is supposed to be to the eyeballs right?? Seating will be essentially a couch, on the first row, and then a right and left arm love seat sectional, so essentially a four person couch. My real question I guess is what would be the ideal seating distances I've used the spreadsheet and just want to see if there is a better location other than the acceptable one it gives me. Reason for the big distance between row 1 and row 2 is some ottomans.
Brandon: You should use that recommended distance as a minimum and move forward from that. You may be able to benefit from slightly higher resolution if you sit closer, but in my experience, you won't be complaining about need more or being able to notice any issues. Having a very wide screen filling your entire field-of-view is the most important factor of a movie theater experience. So unless you're a few feet from the screen, you probably are not too close.
@Carlton Bale
Thanks for the reply. Have re-considered my Home Theatre upgrade and have decided to invest in a 1080p projector (Panasonic PTAE-4000) and an 0.8 gain, white matte screen, 100" diagonal (manufactured by Crystal Vision).
My seating distance is approx. 11-12ft from the screen. Will I get the "full" appreciation of 1080p resolution? From other sources I have found that THX recommended seating is approx 11.2 ft. Just want to make sure that I will achieve a "cinematic experience".
My decision of not getting the LG 55" LCD is simply because the cost of the projector with the screen is approx $350USD less than the LG – am presently based in the Philippines at the moment, so go figure.
PhiPsi032679: You'll get a much better widescreen experience from a projector and big screen – that's what my primary viewing room is. If you have light control, it's the best performance for the investment.
My wife has had a 19-inch tube tv in the bedroom that she always watches from approx 4 feet away, laying in bed, hooked up to cable. I bought her a 25-inch/1080p/LCD tv that I thought would be much better, but the picture is not clear at all. I told her that she needs to be farther away from the tv for it to be clearer. Do I need to purchase a bigger flat panel for it be more clear?
Tony: Your problem s most likely the cable TV signal not being clear and not the TV itself. See how it looks with a DVD player to judge.
I think I just found my answer on your Audioholics link! Your blog has answered alot of questions already. Thank you!
If only such a chart existed for optimizing the consumption of cheese puffs, my quest to spend thousands of dollars on getting both fatter and stupiderer would be complete. Must watch more magic pictures.