Screen size

Deciding which size TV to buy is one of the more enjoyable aspects of buying a new set. Most consumers tend to go bigger when replacing their old TV, and there’s a good reason to do so with high-definition programming. A big screen makes HD content especially compelling, creating more of a theater experience. It also enables you to fully appreciate the fine, sharp detail. Here’s how to determine how big is big enough:

Choose a screen size appropriate for your use

For the most part, we recommend at least a 37-inch screen for a primary TV you'll watch often, and we believe most consumers would be happier with a 40- to 42-inch TV, budget and room size permitting. In larger rooms, a 46-inch or bigger set is often preferable. If you're waffling between two screen sizes, you'll probably be happier in the long run with the bigger set. Screens of about 26 to 32 inches are good for casual viewing in bedrooms, and even smaller screen sizes suit kitchens.

Consider how the TV will look in your room

While a 40-inch-plus TV may strike you as overly large (especially if you’re moving up from a 27-inch tube set), sets of that size are appropriate in many home settings, especially if they’re slim flat panels that will either be wall-mounted or placed on a stand flush against a wall. Practicality does come into play, of course. Measure your available space before you shop so you don’t overdo it.

Allow enough distance for optimal enjoyment

When deciding how a set will fit in your room, remember to factor in viewing distance. If you sit too close to the screen, you might notice the picture elements (pixels or lines) that make up the images, sometimes referred to as the "screen-door effect." It's the same principle as looking at a newspaper photograph with a magnifying glass that reveals the dots making up the image. You’re also more likely to notice any flaws in the images, such as graininess or video noise, what you might consider "snow" or specks.

TV programming tends to look better and more natural if you sit at least 5 feet from a 40- to 47-inch set and 6 feet from a 50-inch or larger TV. If you’re watching top HD content on a 1080p set—say, from a high-definition DVD player—the finer detail and superior quality allow you to sit closer so you can more fully enjoy the experience of a larger image. Conversely, with run-of-the-mill standard-definition programming, you might need to sit a bit farther away because the detail isn't as fine and the quality isn’t as good.