How much resolution can the eye handle?

[davo]

We all know that we have limits to our hearing, but what about our vision?
Are we going to discern a huge difference at 3-4 meters with resolutions getting better and better? What is the limit of resolution we can perceive at that distance?
Also how fast can the refresh rates get before our eyes can't discern any more differences?

It would be interesting to hear any info or theories about the topic(any optics people out there?)

 

[mtrycrafts]

We all know that we have limits to our hearing, but what about our vision?
Are we going to discern a huge difference at 3-4 meters with resolutions getting better and better? What is the limit of resolution we can perceive at that distance?
Also how fast can the refresh rates get before our eyes can't discern any more differences?

It would be interesting to hear any info or theories about the topic(any optics people out there?)

Not sure of the answer but one benefit is higher resolutions will allow much larger pictures to be projected without increasing viewing distance. Bigger is Better. Have you seen those IMAX theater images? That's what I want at home

 

[Wafflesomd]

I beleive the human eye can only distinguise refresh rates up to 50 or 60 fps.

Alot of ppl say 60, but I can personally see the frames at 60hrz.

 

[davo]

Not sure of the answer but one benefit is higher resolutions will allow much larger pictures to be projected without increasing viewing distance. Bigger is Better. Have you seen those IMAX theater images? That's what I want at home

Thats fine when you are sitting in a theatre 20 meters from the screen thats bigger than your house, ( if you have that setup in your house then I hate you ) but how good can it get before you are unable to see a difference in your lounge room(house speak for home theatre)? Are we forever going to have 'the next best thing' hanging out there like a holy grail that cant be found?

 

[davo]

Ok, short answer is: with an 8 foot diagnal screen and 1080/60p projector you need to be 12 feet from screen AND with 20/20 vision. If you don't have 20/20 vision(few people have it), then you can get away with sitting closer. At these spec's you wont see any pixals on the screen.

Thanks to BMXTRIX for the info, just passing it along.

 

[MACCA350]

I saw a graph somewhere a while back that showed screen size against viewing distance and the lines(at different resolutions) were at the point of what the eye can resolve for 20/20 vision, I wish I could find it now.

cheers

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Also how fast can the refresh rates get before our eyes can't discern any more differences?

I know hardcore gamers that can play at 80+Fps

 

[sholling]

I used to have a gf that had ears that would shame a dog. She could Actually hear the 60 cycle hum from a TV and whispering was a waste of time. Anyway Up until my late 40s I enjoyed 20:15 vision and yes pictures can still get a lot better. 20:20 is average and in my old age (50) I'm reduced to 20:25.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Ok, short answer is: with an 8 foot diagnal screen and 1080/60p projector you need to be 12 feet from screen AND with 20/20 vision. If you don't have 20/20 vision(few people have it), then you can get away with sitting closer. At these spec's you wont see any pixals on the screen.

Thanks to BMXTRIX for the info, just passing it along.

Yes, that is a great formula for not seeing the actual pixels on the screen.
What he is looking for though is at what resolution you will not see an increase of picture detail, not pixels. In another word, will he see a resolution difference on a fixed size screen when you go from 1080p to 2160p, both with those resolution masters?
I am sure that is also picture size dependent.

 

[Hi Ho]

I know hardcore gamers that can play at 80+Fps

Anyone can play at 80 FPS. I do it all the time. It's just that it doesn't make a discernable difference when you get above 60 or so. With a CRT monitor, I can see flickering at 60hz and it drives me nuts. Therefore I have my refresh rate set to 85hz.

Another thing to add, it doesn't matter how many frames per second ones video card is pumping out if the refresh rate is set to 60hz.

 

[davo]

What he is looking for though is at what resolution you will not see an increase of picture detail, not pixels. In another word, will he see a resolution difference on a fixed size screen when you go from 1080p to 2160p, both with those resolution masters?
I am sure that is also picture size dependent.

I'm sorry if I didn't clarify my point. Here goes..

When the picture detail is dictated by the individual pixel, at what point can the human eye not resolve any further detail? Now we have to make standards as to what to measure against i.e. what size screen, veiwing distance. It appears THX prefer 12foot from a 110" diagnol screen as optimal setup in a home theatre.(quote from BMXTRIX)

If we use these as a basis to go from, at what point in the resolution scale will your eyes not see any further improvement in detail? Assume no limits to resolution of source and display. (I think I nailed it this time )

 

[MACCA350]

Found that graph but its in a different article, S&V Mag: Maxing Out Resolution

Cheers

Edit: Bugger, its a bit bigger than I thaught, sorry guys

 

[mtrycrafts]

Found that graph but its in a different article,

Cheers

Edit: Bugger, its a bit bigger than I thaught, sorry guys

Don't be. Now I don't have to magnify and see the pixels

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm sorry if I didn't clarify my point. Here goes..

When the picture detail is dictated by the individual pixel, at what point can the human eye not resolve any further detail? Now we have to make standards as to what to measure against i.e. what size screen, veiwing distance. It appears THX prefer 12foot from a 110" diagnol screen as optimal setup in a home theatre.(quote from BMXTRIX)

If we use these as a basis to go from, at what point in the resolution scale will your eyes not see any further improvement in detail? Assume no limits to resolution of source and display. (I think I nailed it this time )

OK. For that size and distance the chart below is not enough and you would need to go well beyond the 1080p resolution. At 12ft and 1080p, your max screen size, diag, would be 91"

 

[davo]

OK. For that size and distance the chart below is not enough and you would need to go well beyond the 1080p resolution. At 12ft and 1080p, your max screen size, diag, would be 91"

At least there is a reference guide people can look at to work out their home theatre needs (yes, NEEDS). Considering the spec's you got from the graph, and dont forget that this is the LIMIT of detail you can observe with pretty good eye sight, I'd probably still strech the picture out a bit more than 91".
I've only seen 720p so far and I thought it was a huge improvement over SD, so 1080p is going to be kick *** to watch!

 

[mtrycrafts]

I've only seen 720p so far and I thought it was a huge improvement over SD, so 1080p is going to be kick *** to watch!

Of course it will be Enjoy.

 

[BMXTRIX]

This is also an excellent resource...
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

People who go with front projection I still try to recommend THX standard viewing distance which is about 1.5x screen width. With very good eyesite, you may be able to pick up pixels, if you are looking for them carefully. But, most never complain for a second.