Researchers say: This is how big your TV should be

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with a team from Meta, have investigated how much detail the human eye can actually perceive on a screen.

The results suggest that in practice, most living rooms don’t need 4K resolution at all.

But the conclusion is also met with criticism.

The study was conducted with only 18 participants and therefore cannot be considered representative.

The researchers used a new unit called pixels per degree (ppd), which describes how many pixels the eye can distinguish within a given field of view.

The test subjects were exposed to different color patterns on a 27-inch 4K monitor and the ability to perceive detail was measured at different distances.

Research results show limited detail perception

The results showed that the human eye perceives black and white and grayscale patterns more clearly than color.

When it comes to color details, the eye’s capacity is limited.

For example, yellow and violet were only detected with a resolution of 63 ppd, while black and white reached 94 ppd.

Co-author Rafał Mantiuk points out that our brains create the big picture from relatively limited sensory input.

– Our brains don’t actually have the capacity to perceive the details of colors very well, which is why we saw a large decrease in color images, especially in peripheral vision, he said.

The researchers also published a distance calculator and a matrix showing the ideal relationship between screen size and sitting distance.

Still, they emphasize that the study should be seen primarily as a basis for further research, not as a definitive truth.

Technology and experience don’t always go hand in hand

Critics of the study point out that the subjective experience is left out.

Many people choose TV based on brand-alliance and habits rather than objective measurements.

Even though the research suggests that Full HD can be sufficient at ordinary distances, most people still choose 4K models.

This is partly because newer 4K TVs are often equipped with better processors, more light zones and higher brightness.

Another argument for 4K is flexibility.

The bigger the screen, the more you can take advantage of the high resolution.

Experts also point out that 8K will only become relevant when TV sizes reach over 100 inches.

Many recommend going up a size when buying a new TV. Most people don’t regret it.

As with picture settings, it’s all about personal preference.

Some people prefer neutral colors and the cinema experience, while others opt for bold colors and high contrast.