Seating distance for a home theater depends largely on the size of the screen and the space of the area. If you place the seats too close to the screen, you may get a headache from eyestrain. If you place the seats too far away from the screen, the benefits of HD and wide screens are diminished. Ideally, you should calculate the distances before you purchase a screen. That way, you can determine the distance of the seating, and buy a TV to fit the room. If you've already purchased a screen, then the process becomes simpler, though you may not be able to attain the ideal distance.
Instructions
1. Measure the length of your viewing area, gauging the intended spots for the TV and the place where you'll sit. Check the position of doors and walkways; you don't want people walking between the seat and the TV if you can help it. It's also important to note the position of windows or light sources, which may create glare if they are opposite the screen. When you have a basic idea of where you want everything to go, you can determine the proper distance more readily.
2. Check the diagonal length of the TV screen in inches. You can do this by measuring the TV screen itself, checking the instruction manual, or just looking at the packaging. The diagonal length is the basic length listed for all TVs.
3. Multiply the TV's diagonal length by 1.5. The result is the minimum distance (in inches) every seat should be from the TV.
4. Multiply the diagonal length of the TV by 2.5. The result is the maximum distance (in inches) every seat should be from the TV.
5. Set up each seat within the ranges you have calculated. If you can't fit a seat within those ranges, you may need to purchase a different TV that accommodates your space more readily.
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