Distance/Screen SIze Formula?

I think 60" at 12' will be like sitting in a bar watching casual TV. IIRC, the SMPTE and THX numbers (88.5" and 107.4" 16 X 9 diagonal for a 12' vieiwng distance) provide the viewing angle from near the rear of a theater. I think you want the diagonal size to be at least half the viewing distance, preferably a bit larger. At 12', I think the only practical solution is front projection, and that's not practical for casual viewing given the ambient light constraints. A more practical solution is to decrease viewing distance.

It's not obvious what THX has to do with marketing monitors, except in so far as THX certification of certain components might add value. And SMPTE? It would seem in the best interest of both organizations to keep you coming to a theater.

Visit myhometheater.homestead.com/viewdistancecalculator.html for viewing distance calculators and explanations.

db

Chadnliz (I assume there are two of you, Chad & Liz),

If not for movies and good HDTV programming, why would someone post a query about video on AudiogoN? A query about casual viewing would be like me asking you which tube amp I should buy for listening to the news on my AM tuner. 60" at 12' is inadequate for movies or great HDTV like CSI:Miami -- I watch the program for its HD video and 5.1 audio, definitely not its content.

db

Chad etc,

I think your reply is a bit demeaning to lel and to me. lel wrote that they did not like the first few rows of a movie theater, and seemed to be asking about video size to achieve an image they might find satisfactory in their living room. From what you can be deduce from her query how did you conclude whether she is a housewife, a neurosurgeon, or what?

db