I read an article recently that identified the optimum viewing angle (field of vision) as 36 degrees with 26 degrees as the acceptable minimum. The article further stated that if your screen is less than 25 degrees of your field of vision then you should consider putting a backlight behind your DTV to relieve eye strain when watching movies in complete darkness. Does anyone know how this viewing angle is calculated? I have a 32" XBR450 WEGA and my seating area is approximately 6' to 7' away. How does this translate to field of vision? Please advise. Thanks much.

Cheers

chavier,

I found a chart that might assist you. Take a look at the Crutchfield Guide to Home Theater Installation. Chapter Two (beginning page 4) has a chart showing viewing angles by screen size and distance from screen, and additional related data on the following page.

A rough rule of thumb is to multiply the screen size by three to determine a good viewing distance. In your example above (32" screen), you "should" be sitting eight feet (96") back. The chart above has much more precise data, of course.

Hope this helps! -Bruce