How to Select the Size of a Flat Screen HD Television

Screen size is one of the most important considerations in shopping for a flat-screen high-definition television set. You do need to know the maximum TV size your wall or cabinet space can accommodate. But you also should consider seating arrangement. A small screen in a large space will be hard to see, but a large screen in a small space will make flaws in the picture distractingly obvious.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between the spots where your TV will be placed and where you most commonly will sit while watching the TV. Convert the measurement into inches.

2. Divide the measurement by 1.5 to determine the maximum size your HDTV screen should be, measured diagonally.

3. Divide the measurement by 3 to determine the minimum size the screen should be.

4. Choose a TV with a screen size within the range of your calculations in Steps 2 and 3. The best option would be the largest screen within that range that you can make work given other limitations such as available wall space and budget.

References

• CNet: Size Up Your TV Screen
• Crutchfield: Choosing Screen Size and Placing Your TV
• Amazon.com: Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?