TV Resolution and you. Does size matter?

[CrashMan]

So you are looking at getting a new TV (or just looking for some fanboy fodder) and are wondering how important the resolution of said TV is.  Well here is a guide for you.

Here are the "megapixel" equivalents of the standard resolutions for reference (all wide screen):

480 = 720 x 480 = 345600 pixels
720 = 1280 x 720 = 921600 pixels
1080 = 1920 x 1080 = 2073600 pixels

 

The resolution the human eye can see depends on the viewing angle of what is being seen.  For this investigation, we will use a viewing distance of 6 feet (72 inches), and look at 32, 42, 52, and 62 inch screens.

Screen dimensions:

32" = 27.89" x 15.69"
42" = 36.61" x 20.59"
52" = 45.32" x 25.49"
62" = 54.04" x 30.40"

Viewing angles:

32" = 21.92 deg x 12.44 deg
42" = 28.53 deg x 16.27 deg
52" = 34.94 deg x 20.08 deg
62" = 41.14 deg x 23.84 deg

Human eye resolution for these viewing angles:

Formula - resolution = degrees * 60 arcmins/degree / .3 arcmins = degrees * 200

32" = 4384 x 2488
42" = 5706 x 3254
52" = 6988 x 4016
62" = 8228 x 4768

In conclusion:

As you can see even the "High Definition" resolutions are a long way away from visual acuity.  Things will get better further away, and worse closer naturally.

Questions/Comments welcome.