How Close is TOO Close?

This Linus Tech Tips video investigates how close you should sit to a very large television, using an 86 inch LG NanoCell as the test subject. The team builds a testing setup and surveys staff to determine their preferred distances, then compares those preferences to widely cited guidelines from institutions like SMPTE and THX. Early on, the video emphasizes that absolute viewing distance is less important than the sense of presence and immersion, introducing the idea that field of view filling and perceived immersion play a big role in comfort. The discussion moves through several concrete reference points, including 30, 40, and 26 degree field-of-view targets, and ties these to real seating distances in their room. The segment also touches on practical considerations such as screen door effects, eye strain, and the difference between theater-like immersion and everyday living room setups. Throughout, the hosts debate personal comfort versus measured guidelines, revealing that people naturally cluster into two camps: those who sit relatively close and those who prefer to back off for a more relaxed experience. In the end, the hosts synthesize the results into a practical takeaway: for a screen this size, 7 to 9 feet can feel immersive for gaming, while a bit farther back suits movies, with individual room layouts and personal preference shaping the final choice. The video also nods to LG’s NanoCell features and HDMI 2.1 capable ports as future-proofing considerations for gaming while hinting at the broader topic of how display tech impacts viewing comfort and presence.

Topics · Technology · Science & Technology