How to Choose a Screen Size for a Plasma TV

By eHow Electronics Editor

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One of the main considerations when shopping around for a plasma TV is its screen size. If the size is inappropriate the buyer might regret it for years to come. You need to be very careful when picking the screen size before you walk out the door.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Measure the dimensions of the room where you plan to put your TV. Depending on the viewing distance you may decide that one size might be better than another. Read the suggestions given below about the screen size comparison to the viewing distance:

Viewing distance / Suggested screen size
6-7 feet / 30”
7-8 feet / 35”
8-9 feet / 40”
9-10 feet / 45”
10-11 feet / 50”
11-12 feet / 55”
12 feet and above / 60”, 65”

Step2

Check the availability of space in the area where you are going to place your TV. Don't crowd yourself. However, if you happen to be a party person and like to invite friends over every weekend, you may want to opt for a larger screen size even if there is a space constraint.

Step3

Plan your budget carefully when you buy a plasma screen TV. Bigger screen sizes can cost much more than the smaller ones.

Step4

Determine the alternate uses of your plasma TV. If you plan to conduct presentations via computer or play interactive games, the size of the screen could matter even more.

Tips & Warnings

Selecting a screen size which is too large for your room may not be a good decision. As time goes by the pixels on the screen become more prominent when viewed from shorter distances.
Remember that screen sizes are measured diagonally and not horizontally. On an average for every 3” increase in the size there is an average 1.5” added to the width of the screen horizontally. This is especially true for wide screen TVs.