Getting the right LCD for the right size room?

[the klaxon]

Hi, I've just finished decorating the front room ( literally ) and the next step now is the new TV. The room is more or less an exact square measuring 5m x 5m.

We used to use my old 26" Sony Bravia for that room and it was far too small, but we carried on using it until the room was done. I am adamant that we need something along the lines of a 32", maybe bigger?

I measured the recess next to the chimney breast where the TV will sit ( at an angle ) and 32"/34" looks to be the best bet but is this too small gaming?

I wanna be able to sit in the opposite corner and clearly read any text on a game without having to shuffle forwards on the floor.

I always liked my Sony Bravia but I found the blacks to be a bit smudgy ( even with the colour settings adjusted ) my brothers Samsung looks alot better than mine ever did, sharper picture, crisper colours.

So, what is everyone using here and what deals are worth looking at?

Cheers.

[VR46]

Text on a 32" would probably be a strain on the eyes from the other side of the room yes, personally I'd go for a 37", don't think it would look overly large and out of place in that sized room. Nothing worse than buying a TV and wishing you'd gone for the next size up.

Don't know where to suggest for price deals, do see quite a few LCD's pop up on www.hotukdeals.com though

[Geoff D]

How far away will you be from the screen & what's your budget?

[Skull Commander]

I'd agree that it needs to be at least 37" or above IF the TV is going to be against one wall and the seats the other.
I'd personally be thinking 42"...


Costco have some cracking deals on plasma and LCD teles, and you get five years guarantee (If you are a member)

[the klaxon]

Well, we don't really have a budget as such, we are looking to get something on HP/finance, Tescos do finance on TV's which is cool. I appreciate that places like Costco do fantastic deals, bought my Bravia there a few years ago but as you know, you need the cash readily available and at the moment, we don't have that sort of cash lying around or in a bank account ready to spend.

The furthest distance from where the screen would be to where the sofas are around 4m or 13ft, I'm worried that 37" would be too big but then again, like David Holiss said, I don't wanna be always looking at a 32" wishing we had gone bigger.

Looking at the Samsungs last night in Comets and they look lovely, especially the 100Hz flicker free 1080p ones, wow, the quality was fantastic, don't know whether it was because it was hooked upto Sky Hd or a Blu Ray disc but just WOW again!

I don't really want a Sony this time, great TVs but I fancy a change this time around.

Thanks fellas

[Geoff D]

For me, at 13ft I'd be looking at 42" (if it fits in your space of course) - it'll look huuuuuge to begin with, but it's funny how quickly you adjust to the size.

[teddymeow]

I sit about 3 metres from my 46" Bravia and it doesn't look anywhere near as big as it used too.

Maybe I should get one of those 70" Bravias!

[sharky_ob]

And then, if you're thinking 37" or 42", wouldn't you be better off with a plasma?

[the klaxon]

Plasma? Forgive my ignorance but I thought plasmas were bad...especially for gaming, the screen burn issue springs to mind. I take it they are way past that now technology wise but still, I have my reservations plus, aren't plasma units alot more bulkier than LCDs?

[smokedog]

I sit about 3 metres from my 46" Bravia and it doesn't look anywhere near as big as it used too.

I also sit about 3 metres away from 42" Bravia and it looks tiny. I need at least a 50"+ LCD

[Richard.John]

Get the biggest that you can afford. That's the general rule and I regret not getting a 37 or 40 (Sony) now. Your new 'big' screen will shrink in time.

[Uli]

Get the biggest that you can afford. That's the general rule and I regret not getting a 37 or 40 (Sony) now. Your new 'big' screen will shrink in time.

i second this. there's no such thing as a too big screen - that's utter nonsense.

i recently upgraded from my 42" Plasma to a 52" LCD and i quickly got used to the new size. also i've got a projector complete with a 140" screen for watching movies. i am sitting 2.5 m apart from the screen by the way - which is not much - and never suffered from any eye problems.

[the klaxon]

Thanks for all the info so far. We have gone from DEFINATELY getting a 32" , to DEFINATELY getting a 37" and now...we are dead set on a 40"

We are probably gonna go for the Samsung LE40A656A, it's a 100Hz, full HD 1080P, 50000:1 dynamic contrast. 40" is really our limit in both ??? and size, alot of places are doing it in a package with a Samsung BD-P1500 blu ray player, black stand and a couple of blu ray films.

Is this a good TV, I realise it's an older model compared to the new series of Samsungs that are out there but we just want a family TV plus good gaming.

Thanks.

[Geoff D]

We are probably gonna go for the Samsung LE40A656A, it's a 100Hz, full HD 1080P, 50000:1 dynamic contrast. 40" is really our limit in both £££ and size, alot of places are doing it in a package with a Samsung BD-P1500 blu ray player, black stand and a couple of blu ray films.

It's a good TV - here's a review

[Skull Commander]

I'v went Samsung twice now (42" Plasma for the sitting room and 32" LCD for the games room) and I'v been pleased both times. Great picture and no problems at all.