What size TV to get - not too big is the answer for most people

What size TV to get – not too big is the answer for most people

What size television should I get?

Firstly you must consider the size of your room and the distance you are viewing the TV from. Then determine if you have Standard Definition (normal broadcast television through an aerial), or are intending to get a High Definition (HD – Freesat HD or Sky HD) set-top box or Blu-Ray player? Finally, there’s the cost implications of running an oversized TV, and its impact on your energy bills and the environment.

High Definition (Satellite/Cable) or Standard Definition (aerial)

If you are not intending to get high definition (HD) don’t go over 40 inches: Why? Standard definition (SD) TV is only broadcast at a low resolution, so all you’re doing is enlarging a poor quality image. Text will looked jagged and images will be soft or pixelated. However, if you’re viewing the TV from further away it may not be as noticeable.

With High Definition the images are far more detailed, allowing you to have a larger screen as the images are sharper and you can sit closer to them without them seeming blurred – like computer monitors.

Viewing distance to television screen calculator

Viewing Distance		Ideal screen size for SD Terrestrial TV (Freeview/Analogue)		Ideal screen size for HD Satellite/Cable TV (Sky/Virgin) & Blu-Ray
4ft – 6ft	1.2m – 1.8m	26 inch	66 cm	32 inch	81 cm
6ft – 8ft	1.8m – 2.4m	32 inch	81 cm	37 inch	94 cm
8ft – 10ft	2.4m – 3.0m	37 inch	94 cm	42 inch	107 cm
10ft – 15ft	3.0m – 4.5m	40 inch	101 cm	46 inch	117 cm
15ft – 20ft	4.5m – 6.0m	40 inch	101 cm	52 inch	132 cm