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DON'T GET IT ...screen too large = eye strain???

Recently I was reading a post on projectorcentral.com, where they were discussing proper screen size - and referring to 2.35:1 screens and such, as well. In the article (and I've heard this point/argument made before) they mentioned that too large of an image can cause eye-strain, due to your eyes having to move back and forth across the screen to track the action (and uses the "tennis match" analogy) - inferring that a smaller image keeps your eyes more "at rest", with less need for excessive movement.
I DON'T GET THIS AT ALL!!!! Infact, if anything (and I've never heard anyone EVER complain at a tennis match that they're eyes hurt, nor anyone at a movie theater sitting in the "nose-bleeds"), our eyes are constantly moving around CONSTANTLY in our day to day lives. I actually find that sitting with your eyes "fixed" in one position (like when you're staring at a computer all day) IS WAY MORE STRENUOUS, and that keeping eyes moving in a sitting like this, would be LESS straining!
Anyway, I don't necessarily agree with their position.
I have heard that movies are usually shot with much less camera motion (largely), as compared to tv programming. And that that excessive motion can give you a head-ache, and such. But I 've NEVER EVER heard anyone say their eyes are tired from having to pan back and forth across a large screen image!
Anyone else have any feedback on this, or opinions?
I think it's an important enough topic to helping people consider their PJ setups, screen sizes, proximity to screen, etc.
iplaynaked

Showing 2 responses by mitch4t

mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
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I have a projector and a 240" inch screen (12' high and 16' wide). I sit 25 feet from the screen and it is thoroughly enjoyable. I've had if for a year and I've never experienced any eye strain. The only reason I didn't get a bigger screen was that my room couldn't accomodate it. Nothing wrong with going big if executed properly.
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mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
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I get asked the question about the mirror and the sound reflection. Not a problem at all. The system truly sounds incredible. When I first completed the system, I hung a 15 ft high and 40 ft long drop cloth to block the mirror image reflection for fear of being distracted. I don't use the cloth any longer because no one ever notices the reflection. As far as the sound reflection from the mirrors, I have a very thick carpet and lots of thickly upholstered furniture in the room, along with thick drapes covering a 12' x 12' rear window.

I just added the Marantz BD-8002 blu ray player, which gives me access to the new hi def sound formats. The Realta chip in the Marantz is the real thing, just an incredible picture. I've used the Toshiba HD XA2 with the vaunted REON chip for a year...the Realta chip markedly improves upon even that unit. Nine full range speakers in the system....the sound and picture is totally immersive.

Really....to watch a movie in hi-def audio and video at my place is an incredible experience.

In my place, bigger is better...by far.
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