When is the BIG screen television TOO big? (1 Viewer)

[Brian Kirchhoff]

I’ll cut to the chase…

I’m putting in a new Home Theater in a small basement of a new townhome in Minneapolis. The room is approximately 12 x 12.

Is the Samsung HLM617W too big for this room?

I really love this TV on paper and am thrilled at the Idea that it would go along way to filling the wall. But might it be like sitting in the front row at your local multiplex’s “Big House” for every show?

Any thought/recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Michael Mathius]

Brian:

Since you have a basement, have you considered a front projector? I have the Sony HS10 projecting a horizontal 100" picture and love it. Since your room is only 12' a Panasonic 300 which has a shorter throw lens would give you about a 100" picture.

Both of these pjs with a nice screen are within your price range.

 

[Allan Jayne]

RE: (thread title)

Depends on your personal preference and, in the case of an RPTV, whether the body of the TV set takes up too much space.

Some folks like to be in the front row all the time.

It is a good idea to view the set in the store for a reasonable time before ordering or buying. To some folks the flickering of the scan lines makes them dizzy when sitting close. Some sets have finer scan lines and therefore more noticeable flicker than others out of the box, you can tweak the set if you really want to.

The imperfections and shortcomings of standard TV will be more noticeable on a big screen seen up close.

Video hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm

 

[Michael Mathius]

I'm simply asking Brain if he had considered front projectors. I've found that many people are not aware of the improvements in picture quality and prices of front projectors today.
The Samsung HLM617W is 25" deep which means the screen will be atleast 30" off the front wall. He'll also be sitting atleast 12" from the back wall. This would now give him about an 8' viewing distance. With a front projector he would have about 11' instead.

The Samsung HLM617W cost $4000. The Panasonic 300 cost $1800. A DIY screen can be built for less than $50.

I also have a 53" Sony RPTV which is 15' away from where I sit.

Again this is just an option.

 

[Mark All]

The only time a TV is too big is when one can't fit it down the stairs and into a basement room. Measure carefully.