Video Asylum

Posted by David Aiken (A) on October 15, 2006 at 00:22:43

In Reply to: Re: Need advice on new TV: LCD v Plasma v DLP posted by MMasztal on October 14, 2006 at 15:58:24:

Well, I'd say size IS an issue. You don't want to be watching a screen that's too small for the viewing distance. Usefully, as viewing distance increases, cost often becomes an effective deterrent to watching one that is too big for the viewing distance.

One rule of thumb I've seen is that the viewing distance should be roughly 2.5 times the screen diagonal measurement so, for a 13'-14' distance you're talking a 60" screen. My viewing distance is about 8' and I'm comfortable with a 32" screen at that distance but probably a 37" would be better so maybe 72" or so would be better than 60" for your room. I've also seen another site with a calculator that ends up delivering an answer almost twice that size. Given the size, I wouldn't consider LCD because of cost and you're really starting to run out of LCD screens at that size anyway. Plasma is definitely a more cost effective option than LCD at 60" and DLP is more cost effective again.

LCDs have an edge over plasmas in rooms with higher ambient light levels or where reflections on screen are an issue, and both of those issues are problems in my room so I chose LCD given that I didn't need a big screen so cost wasn't going to be prohibitive with LCD for me.

My advice is to start looking at a few plasmas and DLP sets and see which you prefer, plus compare prices for screens in the 60-72" range. I think you'll start to get a feel for your preferences and what fits the budget once you start doing that. Try to audition screens in lighting levels similar to your usual viewing levels and at your normal viewing distance.

David Aiken