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.
For a 27″ TV, 1080p would be wasted money unless you’re sitting the TV in your lap.
thanks for the info, one more question would it matter if instead I went with a 32″
Hey MIKE: I had my heart set on a Sony 60″ SXRD too. Went to Circuit City to buy it…(oh it was gorgeous)…then the sales guy says “you know that thing has 3 bulbs in it that only last 3-5 years each and they cost hundreds of dollars each?” Do what! Yea.. about $200+ each per bulb X 3 bulbs! It’s not IF they blow…it’s WHEN. Now, do you want to buy a TV that you KNOW you’ll have to spend hundreds on maintenence, over, and over?? Not me. I’m going with the Samsung 720P 42″ plasma model 4254 (usually sells for about $1200 but you can grab it at Amazon right now with free shipping for $1089!!!). And while you’re there, read the reviews (amazing).
HEY CARLTON: Just bought a house with a den/fireplace. Planning to get the Samsung 42″ plasma 720P ($1089). Viewing distance will be at 10-12′ Your thoughts on upgrading to a 46 or 50″ 1080P? Would be a major increase in cost and I’m on a tight budget. Your thoughts please. Thank you! Danny
Danny: As the charts show, you’d be much better off with a 50″ screen at that distance. As long as it doesn’t look obnoxious in your room, a bigger set is generally always better to give a wide enough field-of-view.
Carlton: Thanks for the reply… and just to clarify…the average viewing distance will be about 10’… so you’d recommend 720P in a 50″ for this setting? Not 1080P, correct?
Thanks Carlton for the chart and info. My question may have already been answered, so, ignore it, if so. Have any empirical perception tests been actually conducted with different screen sizes and resolutions, and do they correlate well with your theoretical estimations? And, if they haven’t, to what degree is your estimation accurate do you suppose? Thanks.
Jack.
I’ll jump in here. Our company has designed flash tools for the professional AV industry that use the same principles (1/60th of a degree arc tangent) to assess visual acuity. We calculated a distance for a 3mm LED scoreboard display in our office. Then we had the chance to go to a demonstration for Daktronics. We started walking backwards until the pixelization went away and it looked smooth. We then checked our printout, we were spot on. You can see our tools here: http://www.acousticdimensions.com/worship_innovation.htm they aren’t for home theater (scale is too large) but if the science is good enough for $10,000,000 scoreboard projects, it’s good enough for a home theater. Jason
Why is an upconverting DVD player necessary? Don’t the video processors in the TV do that anyway?
Carlton,
I am new to flat screen TV’s and in the market for an LCD. I’ve been reading your site and would like your advice. My viewing distance is between 8-12 feet with up to 30 degree angle viewing. I’ve been looking at 42″-46″ wide screens. Would a 42″ be too small ?? 1080i or 1080p? What would you recommend? Thanks!
Marc
Hi Carlton,
I’m getting ready to purchase a Pioneer Elite Pro 110FD or the 150FD and am on the fence/ undecided between the sizes. I have a dedicated media room and will be viewing primarily HD DVD content. Front row seating is adjustable between 6 1/2 – 8′ and second row between 10-11′. Based on your chart and the reading in this forum it seems as though both sizes would work but the 60 may be the better choice? My concern, perhaps unfounded, is that in the front row I would be too close for the 60 and be able to see horizontal lines. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Chas
Chas: In general, it’s almost impossible to get a screen that is too big. You will not regret getting a 60″ screen for your viewing distances. That will be an awesome setup – enjoy!
Carlton,
I am preapring to purchase a flat screen TV and although I have read through much of your site, I am not sure I understand the charts. My viewing distances are between 8 – 12 feet. I’ve been looking at screen sizes between 40″ to 50″. Is this size TOO small for this distance and will 1080p be that big of a difference?
Thanks!
Marc
Carlton:
GREAT SITE! Setting up our new AV room, originally wanted to put in a projector and an 80″ diag 16:9 screen but find the only projector that can do this with our limited throw distance of 7.5′ – 8′ is an Optoma HD7100 with 720p resolution and no HDMI. Our seating distance is about 7.5′ from the screen, right under the proposed projector. So it seems the resolution is too low for that size screen and viewing distance. Am I correct?
Therefore we are looking at the Pioneer PDP-6010fd 60″ plasma but when I look at the foot/wall print it would make it looks small. However according to your charts and xls it looks pretty good. We are looking for an immersion experience for movies but also watch the news and some other SD programming on it. So givien our throw and seating distance I am thinking the Pioneer 60″ plasma is the best compromise even though it looks small.
Can you comment on the 60″ wall print looking small at 7.5′ and confirm or correct my analysis.
Thanks
Morris
Morris: My recommendation would be exactly the same as the results from my Home Theater Calculator spreadsheet. See what it says for screen size using the THX recommended spec. I’m my opinion, having a wide field-of-view is more important than high resolution.
Carlton: I see from the calculator the 60″ 1080p at 7.5′ it farther than the longest recommended THX distance but still doesn’t seem too far out from the sweet spot. I guess thats why I still would like the 80″ screen size from the projector but at 7.5′ viewing distance and 720p with no HDMI inputs I am afraid I would be too close for the picture quality. I agree with the width of the 80″ screen being OK at 7.5′ I just concerned seeing the individula pixels too much. Am I missing something?
Carlton: I bought an Onkyo deck and Onkyo Dvd player 3 years ago ( receiver model 601). It was $500 at the time. I don’t think it has HDMI. Do I really need to sell it and buy another receiver already? Or will component connections look good enough?
HDMI has no real-world quality advantage over component. I guarantee you won’t be able to tell the difference. Being all digital doesn’t make something noticeably better.
At 7.5′, you’d be much better off with a 80″ screen than a 60″ screen, even if it is 1280×720. You won’t see pixels just because they are bigger (unless there is a huge gap between them – a.k.a. screen door effect.) I’d be surprised if there was not a short-throw 1080p projector out there, even if it is an options lens. It would still probably cost less than a 60″ Pioneer.
Thank you for these charts. I have poured over their details, but probably don’t understand the fundamentals.
According to the charts, viewing a 57″ screen at the minimum recommended distance of 5.5-6′ would improve with 1440p.
Likewise, viewing a 73″ screen at the minimum recommended distance of 7-7.5′ would hardly improve at all with 1440p.
So, which is better viewing experience — viewing a 73″ 1080p screen or viewing a 57″ 1440p screen? (All else being equal.) How much better?
Basically, I don’t know how to judge the increased resolution against the greater minimum distance required for a comfortable viewing field.
Hope this is not too idiotic a question.
Guess I will look further into finding a short throw projector. The Optomas I’ve seen seem much dimmer and fuzzyer than the Pioneer 60″ 1080p, so I am concerned about giving up the great contrast and blackness of the Pioneer for a bigger screen at lower resolution, contrast and brightness. Seems like I might be going backwards, lower price yes but quality ??? Looking for an installation that really gets your eye when you first see it, as well as when you watch it a while. Got any ideas on how I can find a short throw projector?
Thanks, this really is a great site
PS I see it sounds like Ann’s post askes kind of a similiar question to mine as to distance, resolution, and viewing angle questions. It odd to see some sites that say viewing should be 1.5 to 3.0 times the diagonal, that seems way too far to feel like you are in the action, but maybe you just can’t really see all the screen if fyou are any closer. Your site seems/does put some real data into that equation. Thanks for the help….
Morris: A projector is not going to get the same brightness level or black levels as would a plasma display. The smaller the screen, the sharper the image appears, regardless of the technology. For all-out image quality, the Pioneer will be better. But it will not give you the movie theater experience because it will be too small. The 1080p Marantz VP-15S1 would be an excellent choice, it has a short throw lens (1.46:1 screen widths, so you could go even larger than 80″.) Here is a review.
Ann: First of all, 1440p is proposed and doesn’t exist yet. Secondly, all screens sizes will give the same resolution perspective, it just depends on how close you are to it; the bigger the screen the farther back you will be. Figure out how far you’ll be from the screen, then use the chart to pick a screen size.
The chart you published is based on a faulty premise: that acuity is 1 minute of arc 1/60 deg. This is only true when:
1. contrast is near 100%
2. A single object is viewed on a uniform background with no masking.
These conditions are not met in normal TV viewing. Most images are not 10% contrast and ambient light greater lowers contrasts. Normal images are complex and cluttered and cause masking. So acuity is lower and 1/60 deg and the required resolution is lower.
Yes, I realize 1440p screens are under development. Eventually, I want to buy a new LCD and a projector. I can wait a few years on one of these if I will get better clarity down the line.
Sorry for my question about comparing the merit of a larger 1080p screen with a smaller 1440p screen. I get it now, a larger screen does not have more detail than a smaller one. Regardless of screen size, a 1080p screen can show a maximum of 1080×1920 pixels of detail and a 1440p screen can show a maximum of 1440×2560 pixels of detail. So, of course, a 1440p screen will always be capable of more detail than a 1080p screen, regardless of size. As long as the content includes that level of detail and as long as we are sitting at a distance at which our mind’s eye can discern the detail, it does not matter how large the screen.
For me, the seating distance is flexible. For any screen size on the charts, I would adjust the seating to be at the minimum recommended distance for the complete view.
PC Magazine has a chart of minimum distances to avoid straining “to see the whole picture” http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2218288,00.asp
Yep, you’re exactly right.
That PC Magazine chart is an over-simplification and looks more like it should be a maximum seating distance chart rather than minimum distant. Check out my home theater calculator spreadsheet for a “more complete view” š of the seating distance vs. resolution topic.
Thanks, I’ll do that. Lots of good info here!
Carlton,
I’m looking at either a 50″ 1080p Panasonic plazma, or the 58″ 720p Panny. My viewing distance is 12-14 ft, video source will be cable or satelite (not sure yet, moving in a month). No gaming (well, maybe the Wii ;-)). And my vision’s not what it used to be. Ant recommendation on which would be better….
Thanks,
Stan
Carlton,
Two questions.
1) Considering a 720p plasma Samsung 4264 in my bedroom because I am about 12′ away. From reading your forum, there doesn’t appear to have any advantage to going 1080p. If I’m correct, is it a waste to consider putting a blu-ray DVD player in there? Will I see any improvement over a normal DVD player in that situation?
2) Also debating between a Samsung 5084 plasma(1080p) and a Samsung 5271 LCD with 120 Hz (1080p). Mainly for HD sports and Blu-Ray. Huge struggle here, so please help me make a decision. Cost is about $500 more on the LCD but picture quality is main criteria for me. Unless you think I’m better off going with a 58 inch or 60 inch 720p.
Thanks,
Nic
Glad I found this site. Impressive!
I was ready to make the jump from CRT to HDTV 1080p around 60″. Had not yet decided whether plasma or LCD. Furniture/room constraints pretty much rule out rear projection sets.
The TV will be in the bedroom with a viewing distance of 15′. As I read the chart, it appears that there is no advantage to 1080p, so I’d be just as well off with a 720p. Even that gives less than desirable results since the chart says the display should be 90-100″ at 15′. However, the thread suggests that if one wants to use HD/Blu DVDs then one should go for the 1080p regardless.
I currently have std DISH satellite, but will upgrade to HD — possibly switching to DirecTV.
Uses: I watch some football, so don’t want fast action artifacts if avoidable.
Watch about 4 DVDs/month.
When watching std broadcasts (news,commentary usually)I put on headphones so my wife can read. Reverse is true when she watches some of her programs. In this situation, the other is probably reading with a lamp on. QUESTION: Will the lamp (100 watt)defeat plasma given the comments on need for blackout curtains, etc., to avoid reflection and maintain contrast?
Total TV time per week (excluding football) is around 10 hours, max. Some weeks never turned on.
No plans for games or PC hookup.
Any suggestions gratefully accepted b/4 I make the leap.
I forgot to add that I’m confused as to whether 120 hz (versus added cost) offers any advantages in the above scenario.
thanks
I got the ulitmate deal!!! After reading this forum and understanding that there is no need for 1080P at 10-11 ft. viewing distances, I decided on the Samsung Plasma 42″ HPT4254 and the 50″ HPT5054. December 1st, prices at Circuit City were $1220 (42″) and $1720 (50″). Amazon.com had better prices at $1050 (42″) and $1480 (50″). I almost jumped on that deal! I waited till about December 14th and checked prices again. CC was still 1220 and 1720. I logged onto Amazon…and couldn’t believe my eyes! $899 for the 42″ and $1299 for the 50″!! Unreal! Samsung plasmas! Then, they gave me two $100 Logitech universal remotes! Then, I got $200 gift card to NFL SHOP.COM! And I got free shipping and no tax! If you’re looking for a steal, look at Amazon!
I am considering buying a 37 inch LCD and sit 9 ft away. Would it make sense to go with 1080 since all the newer systems like blu ray and pc’s would display better. I do intend to use this for gaming and pc as well, but my primary use is tv.
I will get an HD cable pvr device. Does it make sense to shell out the extra $500?
One thing that some people might consider is that your viewing room may change. What if you move and the room is smaller? or you want to move the tv to another room 2 years from now? If I could afford a 1080 display, I’d get it whether I “needed” it or not. At 50,000 hours plus, you will have this display longer than the average lease or home purchase. The exception would be a purpose-built theater room with a projector… that’s not likely to change. My opinions.
Carlton, I haven’t noticed it until now, but we have approached this subject from 2 directions. Your chart is based on maximum viewing distances. Our calculators (for IMAG and LED scoreboards) calculate to the nearest seat. In other words, your chart seems to start at a great distance and a person would walk toward the screen until the benefits were visible. We start from very close, where it would be pixelated, and move away from the screen until the pixelization melts into a smooth image. Have you considered making a chart or calculator for minimum viewing? Then anyone sitting behind that distance would still see a great image, all-be-it overkill.
Mr. Carlton Bale, thanks for this very informative article. Can u calculate the exact resolution for which THX maximum recommended distance stands for ( which is between 1080p and 1440p)? Just to know because there will be no benifit from any resolution higher than this.
Just read an article that has me questioning the integrity of your chart, which i have been using a reference for over a year now. Take a look, especially about the parts that mention visual acuity (smaller than 1/60 of a degree) and how that relates to the movement of the eye.
http://clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html
I have been researching for a few weeks now and have visited all the stores i can, and I am still confused, even after looking at your charts.
I would like to stay under or around $2000, but would prefer even cheaper.
I have been looking at LCD’s (60 and 120Mhz) along with Plasma’s. I would like the minimum size to be 46 inch and the max to be in the 50″ size.
Uses: Watcing regular TV, HDTV from cable box using hdmi, playing PS3 games and watching Blu-Ray movies and regular movies from the PS3. I would possibly like to hook my PC up to it to.
The way my living room is set up, I will be watching the tv(Put above the fireplace) from anywhere from probably about 8 feet to 15 feet and at slightly different angles.
My questions are these:
1) What would be the best resolution to get, 720P or 1080P?
2) Is plasma better than LCD? (Not worried about glare as it will be a darkened room)
3) Is LCD 120 Mhz worth it and what is better, LCD 120 MHz or Plasma?
4) What is better, plasma or lcd?
Also, any advice on the brands would be appreciated. I was looking at the samsungs and panasonics.
Thanks,
Tory
Wow.
People are really sitting close to their screens o.O
*29″ (4:3) viewing distance used atm 8-9 feet (room dependent)
*32″ (16:9) viewing distance used atm 5-6 feet (room dependent)
Any closer to the 32″ screen and the eyes get strained and sore IMO, and flaws and artifact will be apparent.
The room with the 29″ screen could have an upgrade i guess to a 37-40″ screen without sitting to close to it IMO.
So what is being said is, with the higher resolution, you will be able to see the chipmunk perfect, but not the forest. I would need a 100″+ screen at 12′. All said, The tv companies should increase their profits.
dthree: That site shows 0.6 arc-minutes, and I’m using 1 arc-minute, which is very close. They are looking at single point (pixel) identification, which would be smaller that what would be applicable to gradient-filled video image.
Is 1080i better than 720P?
I ended up just keeping my Hitachi 57 Projection.
But I bought a Samsung 40 720P LCD. It allows me to also do 1080i. So that is where my question comes from.
Thanks,
Tory
1080i and 720p have the exact same data rate, so they are roughly identical in terms of quality. If you have a great deinterlacer converting the 1080i into 1080p, then 1080i might look slightly better.