Whenever you're considering a new TV for your home, you'll inevitably spend an untold number of hours looking through the specifications of all the ones you're interested in. However, one particular aspect which is quite difficult to decide is the size of the TV, especially in regards to how it will fit into the space you have available. For example, 40" to 55" TVs have become standard for most houses. However, there are people who want to buy larger sizes like 65", 75", or even 85" TVs.
With so many sizes now available in the market, you need to have a plan for choosing the most suitable one for your space. To help you in this venture, we have explained some factors based on which you can proceed with the selection of a proper-sized TV. The short answer is to go for the largest size you can afford (and will physically fit in the space you plan to install it), but there are a few details that you shouldn't miss out on before making a final decision.
How Is The TV Size Measured?
Regardless of the TV size you are choosing, it is recommended to know the process of measuring the size of the screen. Let's consider the 55" TV - the TV itself doesn't actually measure 55" across. Rather, the screen size is measured from one corner of the screen to the corner diagonally opposite. Keep in mind that this measurement considers only the screen, so the bezel or border doesn't factor in to the screen size.
What Factors Affect A TV's Size?
Image Resolution
The vast majority of TVs sold today are of the 4K (also known as UHD) variety, meaning the screen offers a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. In fact, this is exactly twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of 1080p - the previous standard - which meant a 1920x1080 pixel resolution. These are the two most common resolutions encountered in 2021 model TVs.
Truth is, it's nearly impossible to differentiate between a 4K and 1080p picture, even with the former's noticeably higher resolution. This is because the human eye can only pick up so many details within a given area, so the added resolution is essentially meaningless when it comes to smaller TVs. On the other hand, a newer 4K TV with a 65-inch screen will tend to look crisper (given proper 4K content) than a comparable 1080p TV - this is because the pixels in the lower resolution TV have to get larger to accommodate the bigger size of the screen. Thus, it becomes easier to notice jagged edges compared to the higher resolution TV.
The very early days of HDTVs rolling out in the marketplace included models with 720p resolution, meaning 1280x720 pixels or up to 1366x768 pixels depending on the manufacturer. These TVs have all but disappeared from the market with the exception of basic entry-level models that you probably don't want anyway, so we may as well disregard this format at this point.
On the other end of the market lies the fabled 8K TV with a whopping 7860x4320 pixel resolution. If you're following the trend, it's exactly twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of a 4K TV. For now, this resolution is found exclusively in flagship TVs that cost multiple thousands of dollars and appeal only to the most well-heeled videophiles. Note that there isn't a wide library of 8K content even in 2021, so consider these TVs a high-end niche product until the technology begins to trickle down in the near future.
Wall And Room Size
This one is simple - measure the space where you'll place the TV and buy the largest one you can afford. The idea of what's considered a "normal TV" size is constantly trending up, and you certainly don't want to regret looking at a small-ish screen a few years from now when you could have fit a larger TV from the beginning.
You might be torn about getting a TV so large that it "takes up the whole space", but that's ultimately a very dated adage that goes back to the days of CRT TVs that were way bulkier than their screen size would lead you to believe. Modern HDTVs are by and large the very definition of "thin and light"; in most cases, over 95% of the TV viewed from the front is the screen itself, and most TVs rarely exceed 4" in depth (not counting the stand). Do yourself a favor and get the biggest TV that will fit.
Positioning Of The TV
One important factor of choosing a TV based on size is the anticipated viewing distance from where you'll be watching the TV from. If there isn't much room between you and the TV, it's okay to go for a smaller size. The closest analog to this scenario is sitting in the very front row of a movie theater (remember going to those?) and trying to take in the whole screen - not very pleasant, right?
Likewise, a bigger TV will always be appropriate if you have the space for it. Viewing distance is a finicky thing based on a combination of science and personal preference, but it's ultimately down to what you want to do with your own setup. If you have at least 8-9 feet between your couch and the TV stand, why not go for the 65" (or larger) TV?
In addition, you can always use a viewing distance calculator to try to find the ideal screen size according to the distance between your seat and the TV itself.
Final Words
We hope you are now aware of the factors that need to be considered for deciding the exact size of your next HDTV. Be it an apartment-friendly 40" model or a mammoth 75" that commands the living room, you can easily decide which will be the most appropriate size for your own setup.
