Size Matters:  When It Comes To A Home Theater Television

Picking a television for the perfect home theater is a tough process.

First off, the price ranges are staggering. From a few hundred dollars to well over $50,000, the choices are amazing. What's also amazing is the fact that quality doesn't necessarily have to cost a bundle. It really depends on make and model.

When selecting a television for a home theater there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, size does matter.

Don't pick a television that won't work in the room you intend it to be in. For example, a big screen television in a room the size of the thimble won't look very good. If you have to sit too close to the television to take it all in, the full effect will be lost. The same goes for a television that's too small for a room. Squinting doesn't do anyone good and it sure doesn't make for a fun pastime in a room that's supposed to be a home theater.

If you're a real movie purist, the television you'll want is likely one that will play movies in the wide screen format. This is true for a number of reasons. First off, regular televisions don't have the ability to play a movie in its director's format. This means what is seen isn't everything the director intended. In the case of some movies, what's missed can be a lot.

To see movies in their intended format, you will want a rectangular television with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Basically a miniature movie screen. These can be found in regular picture tube televisions, front projection, rear projection and even plasma screens. The key is the shape and the ratio. Don't go with square if movie watching in its purest form is your thing.

For great wide screen viewing, you'll want as big of a screen as you can afford and your room will hold. Keep in mind that a television that's too big or too small will alter the experience. For example, the best viewing of a good wide screen television is basically worked out with this formula: the distance from the viewer to the television should be three times the size of the screen.

If you follow this formula for television buying and room arrangement, you should be set.

A home theater is a great idea for those who love movies, and doing it well doesn't have to break the bank. Careful planning and smart purchases with size in mind can mean the difference between a greet theater and an average one.

Back to:  Television Types and Size Considerations