Many households are positioned either too near or too distant from their television sets, an expert has warned. Viewing from an incorrect distance can diminish picture quality, make films and sport less engaging, and even lead to headaches and eye strain. Nick Bunce, TV expert at AO.com , said: "One of the most overlooked parts of setting up a new TV is where you actually sit in relation to the screen. Many households buy larger televisions without adjusting their viewing position, which means they're not getting the full benefit of the picture quality they've upgraded to.
"As a general rule of thumb, you should be sitting roughly 1.5 times the screen's diagonal size away from the TV. So, for example, if you own a 55-inch television, the ideal viewing distance is around two metres. "Sitting too close can make fast-moving on-screen action, such as watching live football or gaming, feel uncomfortable for your eyes.
On the other hand, sitting too far away means you lose the detail and 4K picture clarity that you've paid good money for. "Viewing distance also affects how immersive your setup feels. Getting the positioning of your sofa and telly right can genuinely make home viewing feel that much more cinematic without spending any extra money." For the optimum balance of eye comfort and picture quality, you should ideally be seated approximately 1.5 times the screen's diagonal size away from your television. To minimise neck strain and maximise comfort, the centre of the screen should be positioned roughly at eye level when you are seated.
It is advisable to avoid positioning your TV directly opposite windows, as natural light and glare can significantly diminish contrast and picture quality, especially during daylight hours.