Help with buying a new TV

When buying a new TV, you are overwhelmed and overwhelmed by technical terms: cryptic abbreviations such as LCD, QLED, OLED, HDMI?

How big is 55 inches really and how do you determine the "optimal viewing distance"? Which TV is right for my apartment? Will the 75 inch 4K TV fit in my 15 square meter living room? How do I stream my favorite series on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Co?

We offer an overview of current technologies, explain terms such as screen diagonal, LCD, OLED, HD, UHD, 4K, 8K and give advice on the optimal viewing distance and the ideal size of the TV display. As a manufacturer of screen protection solutions, we can also provide a solution for retrofitting anti-reflective coatings on reflective TV screens.

So how big is 55 inches?

Screen sizes in inches and their conversion

The display of a TV is now measured in inches, with one inch being approximately 2.54 centimeters. Below we list some common display sizes and their conversion into centimeters: 32 inches = 81.28 cm 43 inches = 109.2 cm 50 inches = 127.0 cm 55 inches = 139.7 cm 65 inches = 165.1 cm 75 inches = 190.5 cm To convert the image size from inches to centimeters, use the simple formula: Screen diagonal in cm = Screen diagonal in inches x 2.54

Why 55 inches are not always the same as 55 inches - or are they?

We have just covered the conversion from inches to centimeters and now inches are not supposed to be the same as inches? It is of course correct that 55 inches is almost exactly 139.7 cm. However, almost all TV sets have slightly different display shapes, or rather different aspect ratios. For example, aspect ratios of 1:1 or 4:3 are familiar from the early days of television. Modern flat screen TVs tend to be in widescreen format, for example 16:9. The following graphic explains the relationship between the screen diagonal and the ratios of the width and height of the TV screen.

A short excursion into the geometry of the circle

We imagine,that the drawn 1/4 circle has a radius r of 55 inches. Every connection from the center of the quarter circle to the circle line has an identical length. This means, however, that all points on the circle line are exactly 55 inches from the center of the circle (imagine the 1/4 circle extended by one circle segment to form a complete circle). If you now draw a rectangle in the 1/4 circle, one corner of which lies on the center of the circle and the opposite corner touches the circle line, you get the maximum screen diagonal that fits in a 55-inch circle. This rectangle represents a display whose diagonal measures exactly 55 inches. If we compare the "display" drawn in red with an aspect ratio of around 16:9 ("wide screen") with the "display" drawn in blue with an aspect ratio of around 16:10, we immediately see that both "displays" have different width and height dimensions. Nevertheless, the red and blue arrows (each of which represents the screen diagonal) are exactly the same length (in our example, fictitiously 55 inches = 139.7 cm). Thus, the two "TV screens", red and blue, have absolutely identical display diagonals with different width and height dimensions.

Infinitely many possibilities for the aspect ratio with an identical diagonal of the TV display

The same applies to the green and orange rectangle or display: All colored arrows represent the respective screen diagonal and have the same length, which means an identical screen diagonal, although the width-to-height ratios are different each time. Mathematically speaking, there are therefore an infinite number of different aspect ratios for screens and displays with an identical display diagonal. All possible rectangles or displays must simply meet the condition of identical display diagonals, which means that they point from the center of the circle to the circle line.

The Pythagorean theorem for televisions - mathematics of ancient Greece

As shown geometrically, in reality there are no always identical display dimensions, and the aspect ratios of different televisions can differ, sometimes considerably. The most common aspect ratios for televisions are 16:9, 16:10 and 21:9. A 55-inch TV with an aspect ratio of 16:9 has different dimensions than a 55-inch TV with an aspect ratio of 21:9, even though they both have the same diagonal. To illustrate this mathematically, let's take a 55-inch TV with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The width and height of this TV can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the sum of the squared sides a and b is equal to the square of the hypotenuse c.

Screen width ² + Screen height ² = Screen diagonal ²

Screen width and screen height with a known aspect ratio of 16:9 and screen diagonal of 55 inches

After the aspect ratio in our 55 inch TV example is known as 16:9, we can express the width and height in relation to a variable x:

Screen width = 16x

Screen height = 9x

Screen diagonal = 55

Let's insert these values ​​into the equation Screen width ² + Screen height ² = Screen diagonal ² : (16x) ² + (9x) ² = 55 ²

And then we get:

256x ² + 81x ² = 3025

337x ² = 3025

Resolution to x

x ² = 3025 / 337

x ² ≈ 8.97

x ≈ 3

This also gives the factor x for the screen width and screen height:

Display width = 16 * 3 = 48

Display height = 9 * 3 = 27

Display width and display width of a 55 inch TV with 16:9 aspect ratio

After we have used the example of a 55 inch TV, we can also specify the values ​​with display width = 48 inches and display height = 27 inches. A 55 inch TV with an aspect ratio of 16:9 therefore has a display width of about 48 inches and a display height of about 27 inches.

Screen width and screen height of a 55-inch TV with 21:9 aspect ratio

However, a 55-inch TV with a 21:9 aspect ratio has different dimensions. If we apply the same procedure,we get:

Screen width = 21x

Screen height = 9x

Screen diagonal = 55

If we insert these values ​​into the equation Screen width² + Screen height² = Screen diagonal²: (21x)² + (9x)² = 55²

And further we get:

(21x)² + (9x)² = 55²

441x² + 81x² = 3025

522x² = 3025

x² = 3025 / 522

x² ≈ 5.79

x ≈ 2.41

Width = 21 * 2.41 ≈ 50.61 inches

Height = 9 * 2.41 ≈ 21.69 inches

Result of our Pythagorean consideration Display diagonal and aspect ratios 16:9 and 21:9

As you can see, a 55-inch television with an aspect ratio of 21:9 has a width of approximately 50.61 inches and a height of about 21.69 inches. Although both TVs have a diagonal of 55 inches, their width and height are different due to the different aspect ratios. Therefore, 55 inches is not always the same as 55 inches when looking at the actual dimensions of the screen.

Conclusion Display diagonal: 43.50, 55, 65, 75 inches or larger

Even if two TVs have the same display diagonal, this does not necessarily mean that they are the same size. The width-to-height aspect ratio can vary. The choice of display size depends on the available space and personal preferences.

How do you choose the right display size? Here are some hints and tips.

Display size and ideal viewing distance

The relationship between a TV's display size and the ideal viewing distance is crucial for an optimal viewing experience. An inappropriate viewing distance can cause visual discomfort such as eye strain, distorted image and reduced picture quality. Here is a detailed explanation on this topic:

The display size of a TV is usually measured in inches. The diagonal of the screen is used as a measure. Larger TVs offer an impressive viewing experience and are good for movies, sporting events and games. However, an appropriate viewing distance is crucial for optimal image reproduction.

Calculating the ideal viewing distance

The ideal viewing distance depends on the screen size and resolution of the TV. A rule of thumb is that the optimal viewing distance is about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal of the screen. For a 55-inch TV with HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), the ideal viewing distance is about 1.5 to 2.5 meters. Modern TVs often have 4K resolutions, and 8K resolutions are still relatively rare. For 4K and 8K TVs, the viewing distance can be shortened. The optimal viewing distance can be easily estimated using the table below, although personal preferences also play an important role.

Visual aspects

A viewing distance that is too short can make the image appear oversized and overwhelming, while a viewing distance that is too great can make details disappear. An optimal viewing distance makes it possible to see the entire image clearly without straining the eyes.

Table Recommended viewing distance depending on the display size and resolution of televisions

Image quality and immersion

Immersion describes the visual immersion in the film world. The ideal viewing distance contributes significantly to the image quality of the television experience. A suitable distance enables details and colors to be perceived optimally and increases the immersive effect of the viewing experience. If the distance between the TV and the seating is too great, subtle details can be lost and the viewing experience impaired, meaning that sporting events such as the Bundesliga are not experienced as intensely as a football fan would naturally like - to be up close and personal with the football action.

Technological factors

The resolution of the TV is a key parameter that must be taken into account for the optimal viewing distance. With higher resolutions such as UHD 4K or 8K, viewers can sit closer to the screen without seeing a pixelated image. Our table of recommended viewing distances depending on screen diagonal and resolution provides additional information on this. These technologies make it possible toto enjoy a razor-sharp image with fine details even from a shorter distance.

Ergonomics and comfort

An optimal viewing distance supports an ergonomic sitting position when watching TV and increases comfort enormously. Observing the ideal viewing distance can reduce neck and eye strain and thus contribute to an overall more pleasant viewing experience. The relaxation factor increases significantly when you maintain the right viewing distance. A few centimeters here or there does not matter.

Conclusion Viewing distance for televisions and TV sets

The ideal viewing distance in relation to the display size of a television is crucial for the picture quality, the viewing experience and comfort. By taking the recommended viewing distance into account, the viewing experience can be optimized and visual discomfort avoided. It is advisable to determine the ideal viewing distance based on the screen size, resolution and personal preference to get the most out of the TV.

Different Screen Technologies

The most common display technologies found in TVs are:

• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – LCD displays use liquid crystals illuminated by a backlight. They offer good picture quality and are cost-effective.
• QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) – QLED uses quantum dot technology to produce a wider range of colors and better brightness. They offer brilliant colors and are energy efficient.
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) – OLED displays emit their own light and offer perfect blacks and incredible contrast. However, they are more expensive and have a limited lifespan.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LCD displays use a backlight shining through liquid crystals to create the image. Each pixel of an LCD display is made up of three subpixels (red, green, blue | RGB) that together represent the desired colors. The backlight, which is provided by either LEDs or CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamp | fluorescent tubes or cold cathode fluorescent lamps), is an essential component. LCDs are inexpensive to manufacture and offer good image quality with high brightness and contrast. However, they have limited viewing angles and can have weaknesses in black representation in dark scenes.

QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode)

QLED displays use quantum dot technology, which uses nanocrystals to emit light. These crystals emit precise wavelengths of light, creating a wider spectrum of colors. The quantum dots filter the light from the backlight to optimize color accuracy and brightness. QLED TVs are characterized by increased brightness, vivid colors and high contrast. They are more energy efficient than conventional LCD displays and offer an improved viewing experience, especially in bright environments.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

OLED displays use organic light-emitting diodes, which generate their own light and do not require a backlight. Each pixel of an OLED display can be controlled individually, allowing for perfect blacks and infinite contrast. OLED screens offer vivid colors, fast response times and wide viewing angles. They are particularly suitable for dark rooms as they deliver an excellent contrast ratio and deep black levels. However, OLED displays are more expensive and have a limited lifespan as organic materials can fade over time.

Current display resolutions for TVs

• HD (High Definition): HD offers a resolution of 720p to 1080p and delivers a sharp image.
• UHD 4K (Ultra High Definition): UHD 4K offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and delivers impressive picture quality with fine details.
• 8K: 8K is the latest technology with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels and offers incredibly clear images with even more details.

HD - High Definition

HD refers to high resolution screen formats, usually 720p (1280×720 pixels) or 1080p (1920×1080 pixels). It offers sharper and more detailed picture quality compared to the standard SD resolution (720x576 pixels), which is almost non-existent in modern TVs. HD content is widely available and provides an improved viewing experience, especially for sports broadcasts, films and games.

UHD 4K (Ultra High Definition)

With a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, UHD 4K offers significantly higher picture quality than HD with 1920x1080.With 4x more pixels than Full HD, 4K delivers razor-sharp images and the finest details. This technology enables an immersive viewing experience and is particularly suitable for large screens to display clear and detailed images.

8K resolution

8K is the latest technology in image resolution, with a resolution of 7680×4320 pixels. It offers four times the resolution of UHD 4K and delivers exceptionally clear images with even more detail and depth. Although 8K content is currently still limited, this technology will become increasingly important in the future due to its impressive image quality and level of detail.

Problem: Reflective TVs

Reflective TVs Displays are often a source of unwanted reflections that can negatively affect the viewing experience. These reflections can be caused by light sources such as windows or lamps and disrupt the image on the screen. Even if the viewing distance is optimally set and the latest OLED 4K technology is in the living room, the TV display can reflect so strongly that you can see your own reflection and the surroundings on it, or the living room is reflected in it. This problem can significantly impair TV viewing pleasure and is often a knockout criterion. Permanently darkening the room is certainly not a solution. There is usually no room to subsequently relocate or hang up the TV. The only solution is to subsequently anti-reflectively coat the display. The surface of the display is provided with an anti-reflective film to effectively reduce reflections and produce a clearer image.

High-quality anti-reflective film from Neoxum

The anti-reflective film from Neoxum plays an essential role, by not only effectively anti-reflective TV screens, but also offering additional protection against damage. It acts as a barrier between the display and external influences, thus protecting against scratches, dust and fingerprints. This helps to extend the life of the TV and maintain the picture quality. The precise adjustment of the Neoxum anti-reflective film significantly reduces reflections and glare, which significantly improves the viewing experience, especially in bright environments. By minimizing annoying light reflections, the image is displayed more clearly and with more contrast, which leads to a more pleasant and undisturbed viewing experience. This improvement in picture quality makes the TV experience more realistic and immersive. The film effectively protects the display against external influences, which not only maintains the visual quality, but also extends the life of the TV.

Buy anti-reflective films for TVs online

The display dimensions are already stored for numerous well-known brands and models. Using the manufacturer and model filter on the docda website, you can easily find the perfect anti-reflective film for your television. If your TV is not listed or you cannot find your television, please contact us. As a manufacturer of anti-reflective films, Neoxum also makes custom-made products for your television to efficiently minimize annoying reflections on your device, whether it is new or old. We have also thought about the installation of some of the very large films. With our installation kit for televisions, it is very easy to attach the display films, which adhere without adhesive. Summary of subsequent anti-reflective coating of televisions In addition to anti-reflective coating and protection against damage, Neoxum's custom-fit anti-reflective films for every inch size offer numerous advantages. The anti-reflective protective film improves the visibility of the display, reduces glare and ensures a more pleasant viewing experience. It effectively minimizes reflections and glare,especially in bright environments or when light comes in from the side through windows. Even indoors, poorly placed lamps can cause glare, which is effectively reduced by the film. The anti-reflective film from Neoxum not only serves to protect TVs from reflections, but also offers additional protection against damage. In addition, it protects the display from scratches, dust and fingerprints, thereby extending the life of the TV.