How to Determine Sitting Distance from a Plasma TV

The quality of your viewing experience while watching TV depends on the distance between where you are sitting and the TV. Having a great, state-of-the-art television is one thing and enjoying viewing programs on that television is another. While the brand, size and picture quality matter, the viewing distance is also important. How do you determine the right distance to sit from your plasma TV? Some people will buy a TV that fits their room size. Others will move their furniture depending on the TV size. It’s all about the sitting distance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide the height you want to place your television. The height can be a determining factor for the correct sitting distance.

2. Find the exact screen size of your TV. Different sizes have their respective optimum sitting distances. For example, the ideal sitting distance for a 42 inch TV screen is between 9 and 12 feet. For a 50 inch TV screen, the distance can be up to 16 feet.

3. Modify the sitting distance based on your eyesight. If you have normal 20/20 vision, use the specified standard sitting distance. However, if you don't have standard vision, you may strain your eyes while viewing the TV from the specified distance. The exact distance can only be found on a trial and error basis as it varies according to your comfort.

4. Adjust the distance as necessary for your comfort if you have an inclined seating arrangement, such as a couch or a recliner.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t sit too far away from your plasma TV as it can downgrade the viewing impact of the image.
• Sitting too close to the screen can cause you to be distracted by the dots created by the pixels.
• Check the manual that comes with your TV. It should include suggestions for the optimal sitting distance.