Many people assume that the biggest TVs are the best, but that's not always the case. In some cases, a giant screen is ideal, since it provides the largest picture and often the highest visual clarity, to boot. But that TV becomes much less useful if it won't fit in the room you've set aside for it, or if you have to sit just a few feet from the screen. A television needs to fit comfortably in the space provided for it--like any other piece of furniture--and the best size depends on the conditions surrounding it. Knowing what to measure for can help you find the size that's right for you.
Instructions
1. Measure the dimensions you have set aside for your TV to see what will comfortably fit. You should leave a good six inches on either side of the set clear of any pictures, lamps or similar objects which may distract you from the screen.
2. Check the weight support of any TV stands or similar furniture intended to carry the TV. Larger TVs can be quite heavy (particularly plasma TVs). While a given TV stand may be wide enough to support it, it might not be strong enough to hold it up without collapsing. The instructions that came with the furniture should tell you how much weight it can hold, and allow you to pick a TV of an appropriate weight. Make sure you include the weight of additional equipment such as speakers or DVD players in your calculations.
3. Make sure the stand can support the depth of the TV as well as the height and length. While this is less of a concern for newer flat screen TVs (which are often as thin as a picture frame), they still have support stands which must be measured, while older cathode ray tube TVs can be quite boxy. Choose a TV small enough to rest on the stand comfortably and with complete stability.
4. Measure the distance between the chosen spot for your TV and the spot where you intend to watch it. Experts recommend an optimal distance of two to three times the diagonal width of the TV, or three to four times if you have HDTV. If you sit any closer than that, your viewing experience will be less than optimal (and you may hurt your eyes). If you don't have enough room in the area you have selected, think about buying a smaller TV.
Tags: from screen, Make sure, support stands
