Viewing distance

[Methost]

Using the distance calulator located here, I have found that the THX recomendation for my 51" screen is just under 6'. I have a rear projection screen. While I have never sat 6' from the screen, this seems ... close. Has anyone found this calculator to be pretty acurate? Does 6' really seem about right for a 51" rear projection?

 

[MDS]

That's the minimum distance - about 1.5 times the screen width. It's ok for HD if you really want to feel immersed in the image, but for me personally I think it is way too close.

 

[Methost]

That's the minimum distance - about 1.5 times the screen width. It's ok for HD if you really want to feel immersed in the image, but for me personally I think it is way too close.

Actually, thats the Max distance that THX recomends. Now this is for front screen projection if I am not mistaken. So whats the recomended distance for rear screen?

 

[BMXTRIX]

That calculator is VERY accurate, but it is recommended THX viewing and SMPTE viewing distances based on HD material with a HD display. So, ONLY when viewing HD material should you ever be that close.

More accurately, THX standards as listed are written for front projection in movie theaters. So, while it is acceptable for you to be that close, that is a pretty small screen for everyone to be able to gather around and lots of people are going to be way off center.

Usually, those standards are what people follow when they go with front projection in a home theater in their home. A 10 foot wide screen with a 15 foot viewing distance. Then they only watch HD material and some DVDs using a good upconverting DVD player. I run about 92" wide at 12 or 13 feet viewing. It is excellent for us and truly immerses you in the movie or game. A bit more than you need for Fox News though.

Way more than you would ever want for non-HD sources which look terrible even at 3x the screen width.

 

[MDS]

Actually, thats the Max distance that THX recomends. Now this is for front screen projection if I am not mistaken. So whats the recomended distance for rear screen?

Where did you get that information? If 1.5 times were the Max distance that would imply that you can watch even closer.

 

[Methost]

Where did you get that information? If 1.5 times were the Max distance that would imply that you can watch even closer.

http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

 

[BMXTRIX]

http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

Errmmm - You may just be reading it a bit incorrectly.

Maximum SMPTE viewing distance for 30 degree field of view is 1.87 times the screen WIDTH.

Maximum THX viewing distance for 26 degree field of view is 2.17 times the screen WIDTH.

Recommended THX viewing distance for 36 degree field of view is 1.54 times the screen WIDTH.

This is based on a 16:9 screen - and screen width was selected.

Of course SMPTE and THX, while high quality professional organizations are not part of the law enforcement community and you will not be fined, charged, or placed in jail if you choose to ignore these recommendations and doing whatever the heck you personally want to do.

Keep it fun!

I personally run about 1.8 times screen width. See some screen door as my PJ is 2+ years old now and is not a full 1280x720 - but it still works great.