Sony Support

Article ID : 00032144 / Last Modified : 07/23/2019Print

What is the recommended viewing distance and viewing angle for rear projection televisions?

    Consult the tables below to determine the recommended minimum and optimum viewing distances for Sony® projection televisions.

    Analog televisions (4:3 aspect ratio):

    Screen Size Minimum viewing distance Optimum viewing distance
    43 inches 5 feet 11 feet
    46 inches 5 feet 11.5 feet
    48 inches 6 feet 12 feet
    53 inches 7 feet 13.25 feet
    61 inches 8 feet 15.25 feet

    High-definition or high-definition capable televisions (4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio):

    Screen Size Minimum viewing distance Optimum viewing distance
    42 inches 5.9 feet 8.75 feet
    46 inches 5 feet 9.5 feet
    50 inches 6.6 feet 10.5 feet
    51 inches 6 feet 10.5 feet
    57 inches 7 feet 12 feet
    60 inches 7 feet 12.5 feet
    65 inches 8 feet 13.5 feet
    70 inches 8 feet 14.5 feet

    NOTE: Recommended maximum viewing angles differ depending on the type of projection television.

    • For all LCD projection televisions, the horizontal maximum viewing angle is within 65 degrees left or right of the center of the screen. The vertical maximum viewing angle is 30 degrees above or below center.
    • For all other types of projection television, the horizontal maximum viewing angle is within 60 degrees left or right of the center of the screen. The vertical maximum viewing angle is 20 degrees above or below center.

    Deviation from the recommended viewing angles may cause the picture to appear lighter, darker or not clear.