What Screen Size at What Distance?

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Sometimes, bigger is not better. In this case a customer wants to maximize his video performance but is not certain about what would be “too big”.

Here are the links used in the discussion:

*The discussion below is based on actual chat transcripts with the omission of any personal/confidential material to protect the customer’s privacy. An example in this case is to change the contact’s identification name/number to “Customer” or a generic name.

 

Transcripts:

  • [19:53] Customer: I was interested in one of the HDTV ez cinema screens. I am trying to decide between sizes. I would be using it indoors and outdoors. My home has an 8 foot ceiling and12 foot wide room. What is the largest size screen I could use in my home with that ceiling height?
  • [19:59]        Rick Thank you for your interest, if I may have a moment, I can bring up some options for you.
  • [20:02]        Rick: My largest recommendation would be the 135 inch diagonal screen in a 16:9 (HDTV) aspect ratio. The viewing surface alone is about 10’ wide and 5.5’ high. You will have less than 1’ on either side of the screen and less than 2.5’ to divide between the spaces above and below the screen.
  • [20:02] Customer: Do you think the 150 would be too big for that size room?
  • [20:04]        Rick: It certainly would. When the full dimensions of the screen come into play, there will be little room for error
  • [20:04] Customer: Viewing distance would be approx. 15 ft
  • [20:06]        Rick: This matches the SMPTE standard viewing distance for a 135” screen.  Check out this video to learn more: https://elitescreens.com/elitetube/screen_size_edu.mp4
  • [20:06] Customer: What if one model I am looking at is temporarily out of stock?
  • [20:07]        Rick: We have quite a few different frame models to choose from such as the  Sable Frame ER135WH2
  • [20:07] Customer: So it’s a “no” on the 150.
  • [20:07]        Rick: It’s entirely up to what you want.  A 150 gives you little room for error on the installation in a room of your given specs.  It may be too big and not comfortable to watch.
  • [20:08] Customer: What’s an easy way for me to decide on this?
  • [20:09]        Rick: Project on your wall first. Measure out the projected image on your wall to 131” wide.  With your 16:9 projector, this will be a 150” footprint.  Sit and watch it for a while. If it still looks good, then make the buy.  We like upselling buyers but we don’t want to do it if you would have been happier with a more conveniently sized screen.
  • [20:09] Customer: I appreciate the honesty.  I’ll experiment here and get back to you with the size that works best.  Thanks for your help.
  • [20:09]        Rick: Thank you for choosing Elite Screens.
  • [20:10]        Rick: this uses a folding frame.
  • [20:10] Customer: Yep, appreciate it.