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My first question, will the TV be too big?

#1
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10/22/09 at 8:20pm
  • Joined: October 2009
  • Post Count: 2
Hi, I am new here and could use LOTS of advice, but I will start with my first issue.

We have been shopping for a new tv now that we just got rid of the old curio/wall unit that housed our tube tv.  I am used to this huge wall unit on my 20' wall with 10ft ceiling, so I was thinking BIG BIG BIG.  I got this fireplace/console and it is 39" high.

I was looking at a 55" LG that is on sale this week for less than $1500.  it's a crazy price, can't get near that price for even a 50" so I really want to grab it.

Just wondering if it is TOO big and if I will regret it.  we have one loveseat directly in front of the TV at 12' and the sofa is at a corner to the loveseat so sitting anywhere from 7-9 feet from the tv.  also a chair in the corner about 10 feet away. 

Is my room too tight for the tv?  I will try to attach a pic of the furniture...it is 65" wide and 39" high and the tv is 51.5" wide side to side.  (don't notice the old tv sitting there!)

thanks so much! once we decide on the tv, all my surround sound questions will follow!!

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#2
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10/22/09 at 8:49pm
  • Joined: May 2003
  • Location: Eastern NC
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For a 55" screen, I'd move a little closer.
We sit about 11 ft. from our 61", and it's perfect. Actually, 10 ft. is supposed to be perfect for a 60"-61" screen. The way our room is, we can't move a foot closer though. If I could, I would.
After you've had it a few days, it won't look as big............
Good luck!
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#3
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10/23/09 at 4:54am
  • Joined: July 2002
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As Ed said, 55" is definitely not too big.

However, putting it on top of the fireplace in your picture will probably be too high, you want the middle of the screen at eye level.

Also, while it's impossible to be sure without seeing the specs and picture, I don't think that price is that great.  LG is not a top tier brand; and I did a quick scan at Costco and saw a 54" Panasonic for $1299. 
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#4
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10/23/09 at 6:11am
  • Joined: October 2009
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Thanks for the reassurance about the size.  I found all these size calculators online and they are so inconsistant....one telling me that my optimal size is 47"...that's when I started getting worried that it would be too big.  I know it's a little high, but I wanted something substantial under it since this is my main room of the house you see when you walk in.  I will mount it on the wall, but not too much higher.

As for the price, this is for a LCD, 120hz...I know I can get plasma much cheaper, but there is so much glare in the room and we do a lot of daytime watching.  It's on sale for 1479 @ PC Richards and best buy said they will match it.  The people in the store told me LG was good...I know Samsung is ideal, but for the same specs it would be hundreds more, and I like that the LG has speakers in the front, due to my surround-sound ignorance (I will try to solve those problems in future posts!).  Are there any other brand I should look at?

Thanks again!

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#5
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10/23/09 at 10:33am
  • Joined: January 2004
  • Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
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I sit 8 ft from my 61" screen.  I would actually go bigger if I had the room.

For the height, before you make a mistake, hang a picture where you want the TV and sit in your primary seat and look at it for an hour or two.  See if your neck hurts, you eyes get fatigued, and you are otherwise comfortable.

You have to consider what your purpose is.  Interior design or a home theater experience.
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