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, it is possible to estimate when the differences between resolutions will become apparent. A person with 20/20 vision can resolve 60 pixels per degree, which corresponds to recognizing the letter āEā on the 20/20 line of a Snellen eye chart from 20 feet away. 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 flat panel on the far wall of your family room, you are not likely to be close enough to notice any advantage. Check the chart above and use that to make your decision.
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. So be sure to calibrate your screen! I recommend the following for calibration.
Recommended Calibration Tools
- Disney WOW: World of Wonder Blu-ray
- Disney WOW: World of Wonder DVD
- Alternative options:
- DVD: Digital Video EssentialsĀ (the original calibration disc dating back to the 1990s)
- Blu-ray: Spears & Munsil High-Def Benchmark Disc (my favorite but hard to find)
- Blu-ray: Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (an update to the original, but I don’t like it as well)
- Automatic Hardware Calibrator: Datacolor Spyder 3
“I don’t like reading charts – just tell me what resolution I need”
If you don’t like reading charts and are looking for a quick answer, enter you screen size below to see how close you’ll need to sit to fully appreciate various screen resolutions.
Note about “or closer” viewing distances calculated above: if you sit closer than the distances shown above, you will be able to see some (but not all) of the detail offered by the next higher resolution.
Uh, it’s already here… HD DVD and blu-ray are both 1080p. Any flat panel display or LCD/DLP projection with 1080 lines is by nature a progressive display. If you are watching a 1080i program on TV, your 1080 display has to de-interlace it. I think there is only 1 or 2 flat panel displays in the world that can actually display true interlaced signals like a CRT. Interlaced signals are on death-row… it might be on it a while, but interlaced will have it’s day in the chair. J
Hi Colin,
My advise is stick with the 720p TV, and save the additional $1,400. Especially if you don’t use it for games
I asked the same question on the forum about 1 month ago, and ended up buying a 52″ sharp 1080p tv.
I now regret paying the extra $2,000 for the tv, whem I should have bought a 720p lcd instead for $2,000 less.
The reason I say this, is because at the moment in the area I live (UK) STD TV looks terrible on my 1080p lcd tv. I went out and subscribed to HDTV Cable, and to my suprise not many programmes are broadcast in HDTV, and when they are it’s generaly 720P. Almost all tv is still broadcast less than 720p.
Yes I do watch blueray movies in 1080p and 720p, but to be honest I can’t significantly see the difference between both. I sit about 9 feet away.
From my experience regular tv looks worse on a 1080p tv, then a std crt tv.
Keep the 720p tv, and then in 2 years buy a new 1080p tv with the $1,400 you saved (by then you will get a 1080p tv, well below $1,400 mark)
Scott
thanks for the replies, it was my concern that the cable provider is only pushing 720p anyways. In electronics I always try to buy the best thing out but it might not be worth the cost in this instance.
Carlton,
I see so much crap on the net its nice to see info like this. I’m especially impressed by your reference to the relative importance of resolution in relation to contrast ratio etc. My only question is where your resolution vs distance chart came from? It looks like it makes sense, but having worked in the field of electro optics and eye perception for most of my career I’d be interested in a reference.
Again, thanks for the info you posted.
I am confused by the 60mhz vs 120mhz. Looking at the Toshiba 46″ then they came out with the same version but at 120mhz. Also the newer model allows you to adjust about 5 differ colors individually.
New set about $400 the the 60mhz model.
Hi Carlton, Sorry. I forgot something, so I try it again.
As I have only sight in one eye (max 80%)my viewing-situation is different from “normal” people. I am intended to buy one of the following Panasonic plasma TV’s:
TH42PV700(768p HDready ; contrastratio 10000:1) or TH42PY700 (1080p FullHD; contrastratio 500:1).
My viewingdistance is max 30′ from screen and 42″ is the maximum size of the panel.
My question is: Is it worth to spend about $600 more for the 1080p PY700 or do you think the 768p PV700 will be good enough for an one-eye man like me ?
Can you give me some advise ?
Reinout, Amsterdam Holland
I was wondering how far one should be when watching a 60″ plasma hi def screen?
Surly: I created the resolution charts myself using my Home Theater Calculator spreadsheet. It includes references to sources. I’d be interested to hear your feedback on resolving capability of the human eye, as I’ve found some conflicting information (1/60th of a degree arc vs. other values.)
Reinout: Having only one eye will impact field of view much more than resolution capability. With 42″ flat screen, you will need to be about 6 feet or closer to take advantage of 1080p resolution. Since you’re going to be 5x that distance away, I’d definitely recommend the lower resolution.
Wendy: To answer your question, click on the first chart above, find 60″ on the bottom axis, follow that straight up until you hit the 1080p line, then follow it straight sideways to find the corresponding recommended max viewing distance (should be around 8 feet).
Interesting point about distance but I have to disagree, when I look at 2 LCD monitors from a distance, 1 set at 640×480 & the other at 1024×768, I can see the difference
While I agree that there is a clear correlation between distance and resolution recognition, higher resolution also means a more detailed cleaner picture and the higher color quality probably plays a factor too. Also, I would like to add that with the phenom cost of a high quality monitor, many are using it to double as a secondary monitor for their computer for gaming. Gaming is definately something that keeps viewers near the screen.
I realize that you have made this correlation but I have seen just 1080i vs 720p and at 8feet, I can see the difference, ok I may not be able to differentiate much more detail but i see cleaner color and more sharper picture in general. I feel that the added resolution also brings more color information as well, which inadvertently improves both the color and image quality even if its just a little bit.
Hello,
I was wondering, what is the best size to resolution ratio? You some used to say that for 480 or EDTV 20 inch was the right size, well whats the best sizer for a 720 or a 1080?
Thanks …
Jose: It’s not as simple as picking one single screen size for a given resolution. You have to factor seating distance into the equation, and even then there are many, many “optimum” values. It’s specific to each situation; the charts above are a good starting point.
I would like to point out, in regard to Janet’s post, that it is extremely difficult to compare 720 to 1080 side by side. Let me explain. The only way to effectively compare a 720 display to a 1080 display is by using the same image but produced natively for each format. If you take a 1080 hi def signal from a hi def blu-ray or HD-DVD player, use a DA to send that same signal HDMI to both displays, you are having to scale the 1080 signal down to 720 to show on the 720 display. This is unfair to the 720 display. Janet, you may have seen scaling artifacts that gave a perceiveable difference betweeen the 2 displays. The correct way is to use a signal generator that can produce native signals to send to each display. 2 hi def color bar generators would be needed. Or, if both displays have a VGA/DVI input, you could use 2 computers to send the same picture, rendered at each native resolution. Can anyone on this thread say they have compared this way? It’s a rare opportunity. To say that you went to circuit city and saw ESPN-HD or Discovery HD on 2 displays side by side is not a good way to compare resolution from any distance. Jason
I’m going to purchase Pioneer’s new 60″ PRO-150FD Plasma tv when it comes out in September 07. Quick question, I have read the chart above,I have HD Cable, and I’ll be sitting between 6-7 feet away. I just would like reinsurance that the distance will be ok? Tv will mainly be used for viewing movies (Blu-Ray) and sports. John
John, that’s going to be an awesome setup! The seating distance, flat screen, and everything else sounds perfect. Enjoy!
Thanks Carlton, Thanks for responding so quick, i’ll keep you informed..I’m also purchasing the Pioneer PRO-1150HD for behind my bar, viewing distance approximately 8′, and the PRO-FHD1 for gaming (360, PS3) distance 7′(afraid of Burn in)…I know it sounds ridiculous, but i came into some money and wanted to goes nuts and finish my basement…I know i could invest the money and use it wisely, but oh well, you only live once, and i’d NEVER be able to afford these nice and very expensive tv’s other wise…JOHN
Thanks Carlton for the information. I am currently using a 22″ LCD computer monitor as a TV and a monitor. I am in the process of looking at LCD TVs that are 40 – 42″ and can’t decide between 720p or 1080i resolution. This LCD will double as a TV and computer monitor just like my current 22″. I do alot of gaming with my PC, so I would benefit from the higher 1080i resolution. My question is: at 10-12 feet (the distance from my couch to the TV) would I able to read my monitor (web sites, emails, etc) from that distance with the higher 1080i resolution?
Let me jump in here and say that if you run your monitor at native resolution and assuming it is 1920x1080i display, most websites will be tiny on your screen. I have a Dell 24″ 1920×1200 monitor and I have to be right up on the monitor to see most websites, which I’m assuming are designed around the most popular rezs… 1024×768 to 1280×1024. I can read this string of posts from about 4.5 feet away from my 24″ 1920×1200 at native rez. So you should be about to read this website on a 42″ from about 7 to 7.5 feet, taking into account screen size increase, but also the verticle resolution loss down from 1200 to 1080. j
If you are using an LCD TV as a computer monitor, I have two recommendations for you:
1. The higher the resolution, the better – go 1080×1920 or higher.
2. Set the DPI setting higher to make everything (font, menus, icons, etc.) more readable. Go to Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Advanced in Windows XP to increase the DPI setting. The default is 96 DPI, you’d probably be better off with 120 DPI or a custom setting.
As an alternative, you can try changing to large fonts. It makes text bigger and more readable, but not menus, icons, etc.
WTH is “1/60th of a degree of an arc”. Can’t you people speak english and state clearly, what a human being can resolve (20/20) at a given distance?
Stripe: If you’d like to have a question answered, I’d suggest a more friendly approach. This post is about HD video, not eye charts.
FYI, a circle can be divided into 360 equally-sized units called “degrees.” Divide one of these degrees into 60 equally-sized units, and you have 1/60th of a degree. The arc that results when this 1/60 of a degree is cut from a circle defines the resolving power of the human eye. But, if you’re wanting to use the specification of the Snellen eye chart, you’ll need to use 1/12 of a degree for the arc. If you apply some basic high school geometry, you can figure out the size of the letters on the Snellen chart required for proper viewing at 20 feet. If you need geometry help, let me know.
What about those of us with smaller screens? I have a 26-inch 720p/1080i television. I sit about six feet from it. Would a 1080p television make that much more difference at that size/distance? It seems it wouldn’t.
Carlton, I am thinking of purchasing a Pioneer Elite PRO-1150HD for my basement. It’s going to be placed behind a bar. My seating distance is 8 feet. Is this the right choice of Plasma Tv for this viewing distance? Thanks, John
John, a 50″ screen is the right size for an 8′ viewing distance. You could actually benefit from a higher resolution (1080×1920). However, since this is behind a bar and not in front of a row of theater chairs, my thought is that it’s a less-critical viewing situation. So, the higher resolution won’t be as much of a benefit. If you have a lot of lights or windows in the room, you may want to consider an LCD instead of Plasma to deal with reflections. Mitsubishi has a new 52″ model, the LT-52144, being released in September that may well be the best 52″ LCD on the market, and it would most likely cost less than the Pioneer plasma.
Carlton, again thank you for the quick response. I picked the PRO-1150HD because the space i have to place a tv is only 50 inch wide. This tv without speakers in 48 inches wide and will fit. I have only limited lighting in my basement so i think plasma will be ok. Your right, i would have liked to get a (1080×1920) but i couldn’t fit one in the space i have. Another quick question, do you think the new Pioneer PDP-5080 might be a better choice for my bar, or no. Just thought i’d ask if there is that much of a difference between these two plasma tv’s. If i won’t be able to see a difference between these two sets i would like to save some money…..Thanks, John
John, sorry, I’m not familiar enough with the differences between these two sets to offer an opinion. I’d suggest an avsfourm.com search.
Would it be possible for you to redo the charts with the same Y-axis scale on both charts for quick comparison? Having one at 40 feet and the other at 20 feet skews the proportions…
nevermind, I downloaded the spreadsheet and fixed it myself. no problems…
Hi Carlton,
Thanks for this website. I have a little trouble following some of what is being said, but here’s my dilemma. I am considering Samsung’s LN-T4053H 40″ LCD TV (720P/8,000:1). I will be seating 9-10 feet away. My question is this. Would I notice a significant difference between 720P and 1080P in my case? I do not know if this is important, but my cable company is Comcast w/ the HD package.
Thanks in advance!
Newbie,
If you look at the first graph you will see that you will not benefit at all from 1080 screen at that viewing distance (9-10 feet)
You are floating in the area where the full benefit of 720p is not even a fact.
So yes, if I may believe the graphs 720p is more then enough on a 40″ no need to waste money on a 1080 display.
PS : I’ve done the tests myself in the store where 2 TV’s on top of each other where displaying a 1080 demo. The bottom plasma was only 720p so the 1080 was scaled back to 720p
The screensize was 50″
I could NOT see any difference anymore from around 10feet !
With my nose in front of the huge screen the difference was obvious offcourse!
So the above graphs seem to be quite correct in my own experience.
Thanks Jan!
Hello everybody,
I’m planning to buy an lcd, I would use it for the following:
* 60% Games: Xbox 360
* 40 % Movies: DVD-Playback (10 %) / HD-Wmv (10 % via xbox 360) / Xvid-Divx content (1400 MB/movie) (80 %)
I have a rather small bedroom, so stretched to the max I would have about 8 feet between my eyeballs š and the lcd screen.
My questions:
1)Am I’m going to fully enjoy 720p at this distance. I’ve got the Sony KDL32D3000 in mind.
2) Would I benefit from a larger screen with 1080p capabilities. Like the recently announced Panasonic 37 inch or would this cause headaches?
3) All new dvd-players do upscaling to 720p or 1080i so standard dvd’s look nice. Will my collection of xvid/divx movies – the ones of 1400 MB at least – be good enough to watch. At the present I see no difference with DVD’s but with extra resolution and (?screen size?) this could change.
If somebody could help me with this I would be very gratefull. I really want to enjoy the upcoming Mass Effect & GTA4 to the max.
Bruno: Upscaling DVD players and upscaling flat screens will improve standard def content somewhat, but not that much. It will still look standard def, regardless the resolution at which it is being displayed. In general, you should get the biggest screen you can; don’t worry about sitting too close. I’d definitely recommend the 37″ or larger display. I think the Sony LCDs are a bit over-priced; they use the same panels as Samsung, so there is not that much difference between the two except in price. If you went with a 32″, you would be fine with 720p, but I’d recommend 1080p for any screen size larger than that.
I want to use this charts in reverse, If i know the viewing distance 10ft and the diagonal 45-50″, should i bay a 720 or 1080.At the distance and diagonal will i see any difference, is 1080 worth the extra money.
I’m looking for the right projector for my home theater. The screen will be around 95′ for 19:6 viewing and 115. for 2.35:1. seeting can be from 9″ to 11″. With budget no more than USD5,000, should I go for a higher end 720p or a lower 1080p.
Similar question. We know we want a 50″ plasma. We will be sitting 10-11′ from the TV. We will NOT be gaming and do not have HD/BluRay DVD player. Will be using Direct TV HD service. My big question is 720p vs 1080p?? Need to buy the TV this weekend. PLease help. Will we notice a difference between the 2 TV’s??? We are not audio/videophiles- just regular users.
Carlton,
Help! I have read every single post, gone through your graphs, but need a little more guidance. I have decided on the Panasonic 50″ Plasma. My viewing distance is 11 feet. Do i go for 720p or pay $1000 more for 1080p. Im a movie freak. You’re words of advice are appreciated!
Didn’t go through all the comments, but I wanted to point out that the article ignores Messrs. Nyquist and Shannon’s valuable insights on sampling theorem. It is generally accepted that the average human eye can distinguish lines at 1/60 arc-minutes, but due to Nyquist you need 2x samples to represent those lines. So to correct your article you need to cut the distance stated in your charts by 1/2.
Ah, so I looked at your home theatre calculator and it seems that the formula you used is already corrected as in my last comment. Well done.
Can someone help me. I have a living room with a viewing distance from 13.5-7 ft. I was planning on getting a 60inch sxrd rear projection hdtv. Am I ok with this? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
I am a gamer and I want to buy a hdtv for my ps3. I dont know which tv resolution would be better, I have about 8.5 feet of room to view the tv in. My question is should i get 27 inch 1080p tv or buy 27 inch 720p for the cheaper price if its going to be the same quality at 8.5 feet.