Optimal viewing distance?

[Adam77]

I am looking into buying the Sony KDF 55 XS 955. I am trying to figure out if my viewing distance from the set will be appropriate for a set of this size. The TV will be about 11 1/2 FT from the couch, and about 7 to 8 FT from the loveseat. Is this too close? Sony recommends a minimum viewing distance of 8 FT. This sounds like it may be too close though. I have read that to calculate your viewing distance you have to take the diagonal screen size, multiply it by 2.5 and divide by 12 to get the viewing distance in Feet. Is this right? Would a 50-inch TV be better? For owners of this set, what is your viewing distance from your TV?

Thanks

[57U]

Many people recommend a minimum viewing distance of 2 times screen size, for SD programming. HD and DVDs can be a bit closer. Some people complain of headaches and excessive neck/eye movement if you sit too close.

If people are actually going to be viewing from 7-8 feet, then I'd choose the 50", but if most of the time you're 11', then the 55 would be fine. Go to a store and sit looking at it from the various distances for a few minutes (especially with an SD image if you can)

[oman321]

Between the two there is not much difference. Go for the one you like the best you should be ok.

[chancellor]

I have the 55WF655, and sit about 10' from the set. In my opinion, it's a little too close, not because of size but because the resolution is not as good. If I just back up a couple of feet, I can't see the sparkly/screen door effect and scan lines on DVDs disappear. I think 11 1/2 feet is fine for the 55", but 7 or 8 feet is too close. I think the optimal distance is 2.5 times the screen size (for SD and HD), which for a 55 would be 11.45 feet, exactly where your couch is (and where I'd like to move mine).

Bottom line is, since you have the space, you should get the 55. It's a nicer TV than the 50 anyway, especially the XS.

[Adam77]

I’m going tomorrow to CC, and the tape measurer is going with me.