Bigger equal better?

[theDreamer]

So I am looking at getting a new HDTV, but this question pertains also to LCD monitors. Is getting a bigger display always better? Assuming you have the power to run it or display at the quality you enjoy the most, where does having to much display hurt the viewer?

In the list of HDTVs, using 1080P, is there a limit of size that should be stopped at? I have seen the 103" HDTV videos and love them, but it probably be years before they reach a consumer level, and seem a bit to much. So bringing it down to 60" are we still to big for even a 1080P resolution, or are we in the range of good size, ~55" or is 42-46 the best. Just want to get everyone's opinion on this matter in what they think about proper size (v. resolution/display).

On the other side of the field we have monitors. I see people with 30" monitors and think they look great, but I look at my desk and space and would be shocked to fit even one 30" monitor in my work area (could easily fit, but it would overpower my desk I feel). For monitors I have two questions really, have we reached a limit on size where growth will begin to slow (30" stays the largest for awhile with a 2560x1920), and what is to big for a computer monitor?

 

[zentech]

imo, bigger will always trump smaller.
it's what the people want.
someone said it best a few days ago - even the name of this website is 'hard' forum, not 'soft' or 'small' forum. human nature to want to push the limits.

i thought a 30 would be too big for my setup, that feeling lasted about 20 minutes. your mileage will vary.

even if i had two 30's on my desk, i wouldnt feel overpowered - right now running a 19/30/19 config, and it's great

 

[zzaa604]

hey zen,
which 30" are you using? Thinking about a 30" but kind of hesitant it may be too big.

 

[RadXge]

Bigger is not always better.
I will take a 50" TV over a 60" if the 50" features a better image quality.

I have a 50" Pioneer Plasma and I seat at about 7.5' from it and it looks great.
This was the best option considering my budget.
60" would be great but the 60" Pioneer Kuro is very expensive ($6 000-$7000).

The optimal size is driven by the seating distance and, of course, the budget.
Take a look at the size vs distance and resolution chart:
http://hdguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/hdtv_distance_chart.pdf

My 27" (PC) Monitor is great because it features high contrast ratio and great color saturation & accuracy. But, I would pick anytime a 24" monitor if I could find one with a significantly better image quality.

 

[zentech]

hey zen,
which 30" are you using? Thinking about a 30" but kind of hesitant it may be too big.

...gateway, and it's great so far!
pics in the 'show your setup' thread.

it will seem big when you first get it, but adjusting won't take long at all