View Full Version : Ok guys, since I am selling my Big Screen..
HDTV-NUT
01-03-2006, 06:38 PM
Since I am selling my 61'' Big Screen because of the fact that our viewing area is just to small now, I am looking at my other options as to what I will purchase. I was thinking of going with the Sony KD-34XBR960
34" Wega™ XBR® CRT High-Definition TV http://www.crutchfield.com/S-wHG3hrsaeJY/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=148350&I=158KD34XBR
I know that CRT's are what some would call "dieing technology" but I dont think that any other technology can yet match the CRT quility.
My sitting position is about 7 feet from the TV now. (You can see why my 61'' Wide Screen is to big. haha) I think that the 34 inch would be a perfect size. Not to big but not to small.
Anyway, I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were and if you have any suggestions. I guess what I want to know is, what would you guys do if you were in my shoes? Thanks :)
Those Sony models have certainly been well reviewed.
At 7' you could consider the 42" LCD-RPTV, or something similar.
marcvh
01-03-2006, 07:35 PM
If you want your setup to meet recommended THX standards (a 36 degree viewing angle) then 7 feet is just about the correct distance.
If you've tried the 61" in that space and found the results unacceptable, I would downsize as little as possible. 34" would be too small for me; YMMV.
HDTV-NUT
01-03-2006, 07:36 PM
57U, in your oppinion, how does the 42'' LCD-RPTV compare to the model I listed above in terms of picture Quility in both HD and SD?
Also, In your oppinion, do you think the 34'' I listed above will be to small from a viewing distance of 7-8 feet? Im used to this 61 inch, I dont want to have to get out my binaculers to see my TV! haha. I just want a perfect size for a viewing distance of 7-8 feet.
HDTV-NUT
01-03-2006, 07:38 PM
marchvh, your saying that according to THX 61'' is a perfect size for a 7 foot viewing distance?
marcvh
01-04-2006, 12:13 AM
marchvh, your saying that according to THX 61'' is a perfect size for a 7 foot viewing distance?
That's what the viewing distance calculator (http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html) says. However, you don't have to accept George Lucas's opinion, and a good choice for the occasional movie might be a bit too overwhelming for daily viewing.
That is a great TV! I think you will be happy, I will bet that the picture quality will be better as well.
HDTV-NUT
01-04-2006, 12:40 AM
Ya, we use the TV for both movies, sports, and like you said, daily viewing. Im really having a hard time decideing what I want to go with now. The more I think about it, the more I think that the 34'' Sony CRT HDTV is going to be to small. I really wish they made a 42inch CRT. I know it would weigh a ton but I would still buy it.
They have a 40 inch I believe??
HDTV-NUT
01-04-2006, 01:13 AM
sony has a 40 inch CRT? i sure couldnt find one. the biggest sony CRT 16:9 HDTV i could find is 34 inches
That THX calculator is intended to provide a "cinema-like" experience, regardless of the quality of the signal. Although it may be possible for a younger person to watch a 61" TV from that distance, many people, especially older people would get headaches or dizziness from that distance. SD would be "unwatchable" for most people.
See the HDTV FAQ "How large an HDTV to buy". The 2-2.5 times screen size is a good "rule of thumb" if you're watching any SD and if you're over 20.
You should also read the last sentence in the following paragraph from the THX link. (maximum to half maximum)...
Maximum recommended viewing distance: Based on data from Electrohome, which suggests a viewing distance of three to six screen widths for video. This corresponds to the point at which most people will begin having trouble picking out details and reading the screen. Probably too far away to be effective for home theater, OK for everyday TV viewing. Most people are comfortable watching TV between this distance and half this distance.
You cannot "blindly" ;) follow a calculator if you don't know what the calculator is intended to calculate.
For example if you put in 42" TV, and 16:9 screen, it provides a "maximum" distance for an NTSC signal of 14.6'. The "minumum comfortable distance" is therefore 7' for an NTSC signal. Does that sound at all familiar?
