Will the screen size of 10 inches make a difference?

[Osage_Winter]

We're thinking now that the space in our HT room designated for the display can maybe squeeze a 60" HDTV depending on whether or not the sides can come out a bit and clear the cabinet doors to the left and right (the right side cabinet holds our AVR and BD player).

Unfortunately, our seating distance absolutely cannot change -- it must remain at 12 feet or so from the display to the main viewing area (basically my spot). The wife has been liking the looks of the Panasonic plasmas at 60 inches, while I think I'd prefer an LCD set (actually, what I would prefer, between you and I and the man on the moon, is any one of the 72, 75, 80 or 92-inch DLP Mitsubishis that are out now...but that's saved for a fantasy when I make more money or win some kind of lottery) if only because of the 120/240Hz refresh features that turn film into a video look (don't ask -- I know I am in the minority on this one...).

No matter what technology we end up going with, will we see a drastic viewing difference moving from our 50" Sony SXRD RPTV to a 60" screen? Keep in mind our viewing distance absolutely cannot be changed; will we see at least some dramatic differences going up 10 inches in size?

[lcaillo]

IME, yes, it will make a significant difference.

A larger screen will always enhance the viewing experience. Go as big as you can, you won't regret it.

[Osage_Winter]

lcaillo wrote:

IME, yes, it will make a significant difference.

Thank you very much, Leonard, for your opinion and input.

Do you believe things will begin to look a bit more "theatrical" in presentation -- that is, a bit more immersive -- with the 60 when viewing film on DVD/BD? I realize we're still not anywhere near correct, ideal seating distance from these sizes, but...

Also keep in mind that we do watch film in darkened conditions, with just a very dim night light built into our fancy torch light that sits to the left of the left main channel...

[Osage_Winter]

A larger screen will always enhance the viewing experience. Go as big as you can, you won't regret it.

Thank you.

Of course I would never regret or second guess a larger screen in any circumstance; I just kind of wanted to know if there should be a significant presentation difference, visually, jumping from the 50 to a 60 inch...if we'd notice it at our seating distance of 12 feet.

[eugovector]

A 60" screen at 12' will fill the same field of vision as your 50" screen at 10'. Move your chair up 2 feet, temporarily, and see what you think.

[Osage_Winter]

eugovector wrote:

A 60" screen at 12' will fill the same field of vision as your 50" screen at 10'. Move your chair up 2 feet, temporarily, and see what you think.

Interesting analysis, 'vector, thanks.

I will do that experiment when I can.

But do you feel, just speaking plainly without the benefit of results from this test, the way others do here based on their replies that the 60 inch screen should make a discernable visual difference if you had to guess?

[lcaillo]

Osage_Winter wrote:

Thank you very much, Leonard, for your opinion and input.

Do you believe things will begin to look a bit more "theatrical" in presentation -- that is, a bit more immersive -- with the 60 when viewing film on DVD/BD? I realize we're still not anywhere near correct, ideal seating distance from these sizes, but...

Also keep in mind that we do watch film in darkened conditions, with just a very dim night light built into our fancy torch light that sits to the left of the left main channel...

Yes. IME, at the distances you are describing, the change will be significant. This is, however, a personal opinion, and what is meaningful to you may vary greatly.

You will want to calibrate the set properly and you may want to consider backlighing if the room is very dark.

[Osage_Winter]

lcaillo wrote:

Yes. IME, at the distances you are describing, the change will be significant. This is, however, a personal opinion, and what is meaningful to you may vary greatly.

I understand. However, if a calibrator and videophile such as yourself says it will yield a significant change, I would take his or her word for it.

You will want to calibrate the set properly and you may want to consider backlighing if the room is very dark.

Of course I would calibrate; I would run the set through the proper setup discs I use, including the Spears & Munsil Blu-ray. As for backlighting, well, as I explained in a different post, we keep the room very dark for cinema viewing, but do keep a very dim "night light" on which is built into the torch lamp that's off to the side of the left front channel speaker. This casts a very subtle glow which makes the room a step above "pitch black," but it certainly is still dark in there.

When you say "backlighting," are you referring to mere ambient light like I'm describing, or actual backlighting behind the screen, which is supposed to help with eye fatigue, etc?

[eugovector]

Osage_Winter wrote:

Interesting analysis, 'vector, thanks.

I will do that experiment when I can.

But do you feel, just speaking plainly without the benefit of results from this test, the way others do here based on their replies that the 60 inch screen should make a discernable visual difference if you had to guess?

You will be able to discern the difference, but as to whether or not it will be significant to you is entirely subjective. If you move to 10 feet, this is exactly what a 60" screen will look like from 12" (in the same way that magazine held directly in front of your fact will fill more of your field of vision than your current 50" screen.

I currently have a 50" screen and sit 12 feet away typically. My next jump will be a 92" screen because, for me, 60" would be discernible, but not significant enough. If 60" is the biggest you can go, and you can't change your seating location, then there's not a lot else you can do beyond that.