Is an 85" TV Too Big?

lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 07:37
Last edited 21/03/2021 - 10:07

We are looking at upgrading our 65" TV to something bigger. 75" would probably do the job, but I am eyeing off something bigger such as 82" or 85".

Does anyone have any pictures of an 85" in their living room? I really want to see how out of place / consuming of the room it looks.

We sit 3.6m away from the TV and it would go on a wall that is 5.55 wide (but 1.5 of that is a window on the side).

Our current 65" looks too small for the room.

https://imgur.com/deNuL1e

Also note we haven't furnished after our renovation so there will likely be a picture on the right to balance it out at some point.

Electrical & Electronics 85inch TV UHD TV

Comments

  • Hithere on 21/03/2021 - 07:45
    -1

    Viewing distance (in inches)/2 = recommended TV size.

    For example, if you usually sit 10 feet from the TV, that's 120 inches (10 feet x 12 inches).

    120/2 = 60

    The screen size for you is 60 inches (and remember, that's the diagonal measurement of the screen).

    https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00043948/#:~:te….

    • Viper8 on 22/03/2021 - 20:45
      +4

      I sit ~110" from my screen, and it's 55". So perfect according to that formula. Yet to me it is tiny. It fills perhaps just 10% of my field of view. 75" would be nice with twice the viewing area, and by no means do these look excessively large or require you to turn your head.

    • Pinchy on 23/03/2021 - 13:28
      +10

      What a silly calculation. Some people like bigger screens and some people like smaller screens?

      If you are talking about being too close to see the pixels. Most movies and TV shows are 1080 still anyway so you need to be even further away..

    • shiny1 on 23/03/2021 - 16:40
      +4

      Recommended viewing distance is stupid. I view my TV however far or close I want. 85 would be fantastic. I don't believe in "too big".

      • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2021 - 17:10
        +10

        I don't believe in "too big".

        Thats what she said ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

    • berry580 on 24/03/2021 - 06:58
      +1

      Have we taken resolution into account?
      Can we say 720p vs 8K tv has similar optimal viewing distance?

    • Baghern on 25/03/2021 - 12:20

      You need the version that adjusted for resolution

    • Hithere on 25/03/2021 - 13:23

      I've only quoted from the Samsung site and posted a link to it here.

      Don't shoot the messenger.

  • lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 07:53
    +1

    where did you get 120 from?
    We sit 3.6m away so by that calculation, it would be 70.

    Altgough plenty of contradicting information around this.

    This site says 85 if fine for 3.6m
    https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-size/size-to-distance-r…

    • spal on 21/03/2021 - 08:39
      +9

      Hithere said 120 inches is an example. Sizes could be personal preference. See if any of your friends have it. Spend some time with them and their tv.Or see if any of your cashed up friends would buy one for themselves, and then you get to try before you buy, at their place.
      Buy when there is a good deal that you don’t have any time to think before you buy.

    • EnALup on 23/03/2021 - 16:59

      I have 75" tele. It looks little small when watching it from 3-3.5 meteres. I would go for 82-85" if you can afford. Buy once buy big. 82-85" will look small after few weeks of viewing. You might have to redo the wall stand though to aligh it in cetre of wall.

    • Baghern on 25/03/2021 - 12:30

      He's using a basic calculation that doesn't adjust for resolution.

      You've got the right calc, the mid bottom half graph

      I'd say 70inch is as far as you want to go.

      Once ultra HD become normalised you can go to 85inch.

      Though the wording in that website is somewhat confusing. So it sounds like when they say 4k ultra HD, they mean the current fake 4k, which should be called Ultra HD.

      85 inchs will be fine if you're just watching 4k media

  • bargainHunterOz on 21/03/2021 - 08:56
    +16

    I had the same thoughts when i was upgrading and settled with 65" bases on the recommanded distance calculation. Honestly, there is nothing like "too big" when it comes to tvs. Todays TV are more like a piece of arts which suites in any room and the picture quality is good enough to be edicted to regardless of the brand. I would suggest to go for the highest size that your budget allows. It will take atmost 2 days to.adjust to it and after that there is no going back.

    • Indomietable on 21/03/2021 - 12:12
      +20

      there is nothing like "too big" when it comes to TVs

      There sure is !

      The feeling is similar to sitting front row in cinemas. I experienced this first hand and had to downgrade TV size.
      You'll also need to pay attention to what media resolution you are watching. Playing 720p in 85" while sitting 2m will turn it into Minecraft.

      • Nugs on 21/03/2021 - 12:28
        +8

        like watching tennis from the central umpires position
        .

      • Viper8 on 22/03/2021 - 20:42
        +2

        This is only valid if you're sitting right in front of the TV.
        Even a 100" screen doesn't require you to turn your head when viewed at a typical 3m distance.

        • Indomietable on 22/03/2021 - 20:50
          -3

          I don't know about you, but normal people try to sit in front of the TV when they watch it.

          • Viper8 on 23/03/2021 - 08:28
            +2

            @Indomietable: Key word being "right".

            • Indomietable on 23/03/2021 - 16:12

              @Viper8: "Right in front" is positional specific and imply very vague distance. Also, if you sit 1cm right in front of 100" TV you will need more than just turning your head.

              You are right that 100" & 3m does not require you to turn your head because it still falls at an acceptable distance ( see rtings distance field of view chart ) if you watch 4K movie, but can be nauseating for some people when watching sports.

              And personally, I prefer quality over quantity, ie I rather watch a movie on my iPad with good headphones rather than watching on a 150" washed out projector with a mediocre sound system. I would definitely opt for a smaller screen that can accommodate mixed-use rather than having big pixelated screen

  • 87percent on 21/03/2021 - 09:02
    +3

    I think if you put something next to that blank space on your wall (maybe a book case?), it would look fine. IMO, it just looks odd because of the huge empty wall next to it

  • Keplaffintech on 21/03/2021 - 09:22
    +2

    That's a nice high ceiling, certainly makes that 65 look small. IMO If you got an 85 you would need to centre it on that wall. This would mean you'd need to move the furniture over to the right too. I think it could work for that purpose.

    • lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 10:02

      I take your point, although we can't really move the couch as it is a walk-way to the back bedrooms.

      Also, the photo makes it worse than it is. It is one of those wide angel photos.
      Here's a better photo: https://imgur.com/deNuL1e

      • Lastchancetosee on 22/03/2021 - 14:11
        +6

        Celestial interference.

      • bobbieb on 23/03/2021 - 18:53

        If you can't move the couch, then you may need to think about how you'd locate the larger tv relative to where you're sitting.

        If the bigger tv's right edge is too far to the right, it may be uncomfortable to watch. Alternatively, you may need to push it all the way to the left to keep it centered.

        Maybe get some colored tape and mark out the dimensions of a few big tvs on the wall. That'll give you a feel for it it will suit your room layout.

      • goraygo on 24/03/2021 - 18:18

        @lockmc : I have a shorter distance from the sofa and I have a 86”. No issue there. We are watching movies like watching them in cinemas. 😬😬😬

  • Mechz on 21/03/2021 - 10:05
    +13

    I think 85 would be fine in that space.

  • ihbh on 21/03/2021 - 10:31
    -2

    We sit 3.6m away from the TV

    Have you considered sitting closer to the TV and downgrading the size and saving yourself some money?

    • lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 11:07
      -6

      Have not and will not consider that. You must be trolling right?

      • ihbh on 21/03/2021 - 11:48
        -3

        Nope. I have a 52" (I think) 13 year old TV. It's good with the attached 5.1 sound but we don't use it much except for the odd movie. To catch a quick episode of a series after the kids go to bed, we usually watch it on a 27" monitor - and we sit pretty close to this one.

  • This Guy on 21/03/2021 - 11:13
    +6

    85" is fine.

    You will probably need a new mount in a new location as the old mount is probably not rated for the size or weight of an 85" TV and the new TV's mounting holes will likely be in a different position. If the old mount is fine, make sure you have used all of the included mounting hardware and it is mounted correctly.

    Your new TV will be about 350mm taller so make sure you have at least 200mm between the top of your sound bar and bottom of your TV to make sure it fits in the same space.

    You will need two people to mount. Newer TV's are stupidly thin so they look better on a hall way like in your house.

    I would pay extra for delivery, 2x wall mounting (move your old tv to a new room) and a new wall mounting kit.

    • lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 11:39

      Thanks for the advice. The mount I got supports up to 100" so should be ok with that!

      • diasaha on 23/03/2021 - 11:44

        Check weight restrictions on your mount and your TV weight as well.

      • EnALup on 23/03/2021 - 17:00

        I think with 85" your mount might not be centered to the wall.

  • jonagrah on 21/03/2021 - 12:14
    +32

    Here's what it would look like… assuming my math is correct (Which is probably isn't!)

    https://ibb.co/dMwJF6F

    • lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 12:58

      This is awesome. Can you tell me the maths you used? Did you look up the size of a 65, and work out the size increase to an 85 based on pixels on that picture? Thanks

      • jonagrah on 21/03/2021 - 13:50
        +32

        65 / 85 = 1.30

        I cut your TV from the image, enlarged it by 130% and pasted it back into the original image.

        • Lockdude on 23/03/2021 - 12:58
          +3

          I think you meant 85/65. But I'm sure everyone knew that. Just thought I'd clarify in case anyone who was looking to learn was a bit confused.

          • jonagrah on 23/03/2021 - 13:28
            +1

            @Lockdude: Haha, I couldn't figure out how to edit it.

  • Stewardo on 21/03/2021 - 13:45
    +9

    I reckon you can fit 100”, Giggity

    • daft009 on 23/03/2021 - 02:40
      +1

      I have a 100" laser projector and we sit around 2.8m from it. Awesome

  • ode1online on 21/03/2021 - 14:03
    +3

    In my opinion , you have a lot of room. I think the 85 Inch be fine..

  • ShortyX on 21/03/2021 - 14:59
    +3

    If it were me, I'd be looking to put the lounge chaise on the other side (if possible) and move the couch closer to the TV. And I would centre the TV over the unit.

    If you wanted a really big screen, you could look into a UST laser projector and ALR screen.

    • Forkinhell on 22/03/2021 - 10:35
      +1

      If you wanted a really big screen, Samsung have just released a 110" tv.

      There is no comparison between a projected image and an LED tv, for picture quality.

      If you don't mind 'fuzzy' pics and you want to save money, go with the projector.
      Otherwise, get a 'proper' tv and enjoy the viewing experience, with blu-ray movies.

      Bear in mind that manufacturers are now concentrating on 8k resolution as the acceptable standard.
      Though it will be quite a while before there will be an abundance of 8k movies.

      • ShortyX on 22/03/2021 - 10:47
        +1

        If you wanted a really big screen, Samsung have just released a 110" tv.

        There is no comparison between a projected image and an LED tv, for picture quality.

        If you don't mind 'fuzzy' pics and you want to save money, go with the projector.
        Otherwise, get a 'proper' tv and enjoy the viewing experience, with blu-ray movies.

        It'll be great when massive TVs come down in price! Projectors definitely aren't as sharp as TVs but I wouldn't call them 'fuzzy'. A decent projector and screen can give a good cinematic experience, whilst keeping costs significantly lower than a massive TV.

  • bdl on 21/03/2021 - 15:35

    Kinda related - is a soundbar "too small" for pairing with an 85 inch tv? Would it be better to get an amp with separate speakers?

    • serpserpserp on 23/03/2021 - 13:35

      If the soundbar fills the room with the sound quality you want. Then no.

  • Daabido on 21/03/2021 - 16:21
    +2

    Get a projector.

  • franco cozzo on 21/03/2021 - 16:26
    +4

    just buy a cinema and be done with it

  • [Deactivated] on 21/03/2021 - 20:14

    That’s further than 3.5m in that photo.

    • lockmc on 21/03/2021 - 20:17
      +4

      Yep you're right. It's 3.6m.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/03/2021 - 20:20
        -2

        Nah

  • whatthecrappin on 22/03/2021 - 08:42
    +1

    it'll be too big for a week or 2 and then you'll end up moving the couches a little closer until you end up using the coffee table as a footstool!

    I cant wait till the 100" screens become the norm!

  • saltypete on 22/03/2021 - 08:45
    +4

    Go large! You have the wall and room for it.

  • Waltervp on 22/03/2021 - 10:33
    +1

    In that room just get the bigger screen :)

    My mother needed a new TV and she said not too big because she didn't like having a news reader's head look that big on the wall! The space for the TV just allowed 55" and I got her 55", couldn't be a mm bigger, and she instantly loved it, saying it is the perfect size TV. Bigger really is better for TVs, as long as you have the resolution to support it, 4K…

    At my home I got a 65" cheap TV and initially it looked big, but now we just love it, even though the picture isn't as great as a Sony Bravia perhaps, we are most satisfied considering what we paid. I hooked mine up to a cheap second-hand surround sound system which I think is pretty important with any cheap TV. Just a $50 second-hand job, and the rear speakers are just next to the TV with the other speaker towers, and still it is so much better than TV audio. Clearly, none of us are critical or fussy about these things, but we sure do appreciate the bigger screens.

    • buckethat on 24/03/2021 - 10:24
      +2

      Just a $50 second-hand job

      How much was the first hand job, asking for a friend.

  • nickl99 on 22/03/2021 - 12:25
    +1

    Kevin Smith talks about his 100inch tv given to him by Panasonic execs after he did some adverts for them. And he posts selfies with him standing next to himself on TV and they are almost identical height.

    • Dagwood-Dog on 24/03/2021 - 10:06

      I have 75' freaks me out when watching the cricket as they look about 2x the size! Still think they hitting the ball at me. I feel like a confused dog Haha

  • InLaymansTerms on 22/03/2021 - 12:54

    No such thing as too big, I just purchased a 100” TV for my living room and an 85” for my gaming room.

    I don’t care what she says, they all love the size.

    • lockmc on 22/03/2021 - 13:15

      Do you have any photos of that?

      • InLaymansTerms on 22/03/2021 - 16:09

        I don’t I’m afraid, only a picture of the receipt. Have not accepted delivery yet.

        • StonedWizard on 22/03/2021 - 23:58
          +2

          @xefour, Lockmc wasn't asking for a photo of your TV. They wanted it of something else. :p

  • down-under on 22/03/2021 - 17:58
    +1

    I use 120” screen (projector) to play games and still hope it could be 2 times bigger.

    TV is like houses, there’s no such thing as too big.

  • frenzal on 22/03/2021 - 18:03
    +1

    I just went from a 65 innch to 85 in and don't regret it at all. We sit about 3 metra away and have no issues.

  • dlakers3peat on 22/03/2021 - 18:27
    +2

    That room looks neat and tidy. No kids hey!

  • T1OOO on 22/03/2021 - 18:39
    +1

    85 or the 100” if u can spare the few extra grand.

  • Zondor on 22/03/2021 - 18:48

    No, go bigger

  • khomeini on 22/03/2021 - 19:13
    +3

    Here is my setup … it previously held a 75 inch tv but now has 100 UST. https://imgur.com/RSb9amV
    However, we sit around 5-6m back. The 75 inch was much too small in that room but upstairs it dominates which is roughly 3m back from the wall.
    (ignore the black box which is pretty much just a prop for the right height)

    I'm suggesting this because I think you'd be best served by a UST projector & screen…. ignore the TV fads of higher sizes & resolutions as once you buy a 4k you'll be okay with it vs 8k at least for a few years. Get something like this that doesn't break the bank ($2k projector + max 1k screen) and you'll be set for a few years.
    PS. You can make the size larger or smaller depending on what you feel by pulling the projector right up against the wall or a little further back. Mine is around 35cm back from the wall. It's the white box under the screen.

    • ShortyX on 22/03/2021 - 22:52

      How high is that screen? We had a 120” with a rear ceiling projector in our last house. I’d like to do a UST laser in our next house but I don’t think we’ll have the available height.

      • khomeini on 23/03/2021 - 09:28

        This is the screen I bought and its height according to specs is 1445mm. Its black when off & looks like a TV… everyone who sees it thinks it's a TV https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/100-Inch-16-9-Ratio-A…
        Our ceiling height is 3m so we have space to make it 120 if I wanted (I don't). I also have a standard projector with a 120-150inch screen in the home theatre but this one is in the lounge and suits us quite well.
        I think people don't understand that UST projectors are amazing value and practical. My wife & family were against it thinking oh it's a projector, it'll be cumbersome & not like a TV… now they wouldn't go back. For sceptics, check it out before looking at huge TVs.

        EDIT: I don't think I answered your question properly… a screen for a UST projector needs to be about 25-30cm above the projector. So realistically you can have the projector on the ground and have a 100-inch view about 1445+300mm (1.745m) empty wall height. Most houses that are 2.4-2.7m in height will work… even if you place it on a bench/tv stand it'll be around 2.1-2.2m. I've raised mine cos someone wanted it higher. Previously it was a little lower…
        See Exhibit B: https://imgur.com/uY0kFAX

        • ShortyX on 23/03/2021 - 15:00

          Thanks. If we went with UST, I may have to look into changing the unit underneath to house the projector and centre speaker.

    • daft009 on 24/03/2021 - 08:21

      Yeah I have a similar setup too.
      Laser projector with 100" alr screen

  • AustriaBargain on 22/03/2021 - 19:34
    +4

    There’s no such thing as too big. Mount that beast to a wall off studs, TVs have the mounting nipples built in these days. If it blocks a door then think about buying a bigger house. And upgrade your internet and home network so you can stream reliably in 4K.

  • apple2016 on 22/03/2021 - 19:57

    You can probably try printing something on a couple of a0 size paper and so that’s it’s in the same size as a 85’ tv.
    It would at least give you a rough idea of size.

  • trev likes bargains on 22/03/2021 - 19:58
    +1

    I use a short throw projector rated upto 150 inches. I'm under that size purely because the furniture/ wall limits the size.

    Knock yourself out

    • lockmc on 22/03/2021 - 20:50

      Not interested in projectors for my place, but how do they work? Are projectors very different than 10 or 20 years ago? I just rememeber they always looked shit in the daytime and the picture quality wasn't that great.

      • khomeini on 22/03/2021 - 22:33

        Very different. You'd be blown away if comparing these from old projectors.

      • trev likes bargains on 23/03/2021 - 14:08

        I wasn't trying to talk you into projectors. I was only trying to show you that 85 inches is actually small compared to some of the screen sizes that people are using these days.

    • tighttighttight on 23/03/2021 - 09:41

      Can you share which model/brand short throw projector?
      Do you need to make your room extremely dark?

      • khomeini on 23/03/2021 - 09:45

        Have a look at my second comment in this thread with a picture of how dark one needs to make their room for a UST projector (ultra short throw).
        I'll let trev let you know what make/model he has for his projector.

        • tighttighttight on 23/03/2021 - 09:56

          Thanks for sharing, lot's of good info.

          How about you khomeini, what brand/type of UST projector do you use?

      • Cluster on 23/03/2021 - 10:38

        Yes, your room must be basically pitch black to use a projector properly. Remember that the darkest shade of black you can project is equal to the background light in the room. Any amount of light is a compromise.

        • khomeini on 23/03/2021 - 11:41
          +2

          Yes you're absolutely correct. I wear light-absorbing black clothes whilst watching in the lounge in pitch black and make sure my guests do the same.

          Here is another view about these UST projectors:
          https://youtu.be/iLQkNB2FRo4

          PS. My recommendation for UST projectors which are best bang for buck Optoma GT5600 - what I have, Xiaomi 4k Projector.

      • trev likes bargains on 23/03/2021 - 14:07
        +1

        Hi my projector is a couple of years old now. It is a Xiaomi laser ultra short throw projector running a native 1080p resolution.

        It is our primary 'TV' and we love it. You definitely can't watch it with the blinds open. The quality is acceptable when the blinds are closed during the day.

        However, we mostly use it at night. We have never run it at it's highest brightness.

  • DiscoJango on 22/03/2021 - 21:29

    Get measuring tape, hold 85 inches diagonally where the tv would go, answer your own question.

  • dono2 on 22/03/2021 - 23:07

    NO, one has ever said they wish they got a smaller TV

  • deme on 22/03/2021 - 23:09

    Why not 120

    • jv on 23/03/2021 - 00:27
      +3

      We're pretty happy with our 120cm…

  • tomcat83 on 22/03/2021 - 23:34
    +2

    I sit 4m away from a 130" projector screen….. You'll get used to it pretty quick and wonder how you put up with a smaller screen before!

  • living4music on 22/03/2021 - 23:44
    +1

    Spare some cash for a shutter or blind to fill that massive glass panel.

  • StonedWizard on 22/03/2021 - 23:59
    +1

    I have a 75' that I sit just over 2m away from and it's perfect for us. It gives it a cinema experience, without having to turn your neck.

    For your distance, I think 85' would be absolutely fine.

    • jv on 23/03/2021 - 00:25
      +2

      75' that I sit just over 2m away

      Way too close…

      • StonedWizard on 23/03/2021 - 08:09
        +2

        @jv - All the "guides" said the same thing, the person in the store said it would feel like a cinema. I am glad I went with 75 and could have gone slightly larger.

        It's not too big, nor do I need to move my head to take it all in, it's just perfect for our needs.

  • jv on 23/03/2021 - 00:24

    Does anyone have any pictures of an 85" in their living room?

    https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+an+85%22+in+thei…

  • cheeksahoy on 23/03/2021 - 01:34
    +1

    No such thing as "too big" - unless you're sitting uncomfortably close to a picture, which I believe is impossible with current TV sizes.

    Here's my current setup. Would love to go OLED but might have to wait another 10 years to match this experience:

    https://ibb.co/LxVHmnn

    TLDR: Go as big as you can possibly afford.

  • JoshJ on 23/03/2021 - 01:46

    The bigger, the better.

  • participant123xyz on 23/03/2021 - 08:39
    +4

    For what it's worth, We recently renovated our house and the TV is about the same distance as you in the TV room (about 3.5m).

    We went 75 inches - as much as we love it, I reckon 85 inches would have also been fine but budget wouldn't allow.

    So long story short I don't don't think 85 inches from 3.5m would be too big, may seem big at first, but you'd get used to it after a day or two.

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