Understanding the Dimensions of a 55-Inch TV

What does 55-inch signify?

A 55-inch TV refers to its diagonal screen size, which is the length measured from one corner of the screen to the diagonally opposite end. It does not refer to the width, height, or depth of the TV. This is a standard convention across all manufacturers and is based on the aspect ratio of the screen, which is typically 16:9 for modern HDTVs and UHD 4K TVs.

Exact measurements of a 55-inch TV

Although referring to the diagonal size, if you want to know the exact width of a 55-inch TV, some simple maths comes useful. As most flat screen TVs these days follow the aspect ratio convention of 16:9, a 55-inch TV typically will approximately have a width of 47.9 inches (121.7 cm). To explain this, if as per the 16:9 ratio, the television width is 16 units, the height is 9 units and the screen length will be the hypotenuse. This means, for a 55-inch TV, the width comes out to be approximately 47.9 inches.

Taking bezels into account

TV screen sizes are measured without considering the bezel (the frame around the screen), meaning the actual horizontal width of a 55-inch TV will be a bit more than the calculated width when you include the bezel. However, the size of the bezel can vary significantly between models. Thinner bezels have become more common in recent years as manufacturers focus on providing larger display areas.

Importance of TV Size for Viewing Experience

Optimal viewing distance

An important aspect to consider when purchasing a 55-inch TV is your viewing distance. The ideal viewing distance for a 55-inch TV is approximately 8.75 feet (2.67 meters). This distance is calculated based on the standard recommendation by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). It states that the best viewing experience is gained when the viewing angle is at a degree of 30.

TV placement and room aesthetics

The width of your 55-inch TV impacts the placement and aesthetics of your room as well. Bigger TVs require wider TV stands or mounts and enough wall space if you are planning to wall-mount your TV. Considering the room aesthetics, it's important to keep your room measurements in mind before purchasing a larger TV. Always measure the TV stand, wall mount, and room space to ensure your new TV will fit perfectly.

Understanding the impact of resolution

A 55-inch TV can offer great viewing experiences, especially with high resolution. High-definition (HD), Full HD (FHD), 4K Ultra HD, and even 8K resolutions are available for TVs this size. Higher resolutions ensure sharper images, better detail, and a more immersive viewing experience. When comparing TVs of this size, it can be beneficial to opt for a higher resolution as it can greatly enhance your viewing experience.

Factors to Consider When Buying 55-Inch TV

Smart TV features

Today’s 55-inch TVs offer more than just basic TV viewing. They are equipped with Smart TV features such as streaming apps, voice recognition, and even artificial intelligence. These features provide a more connected and convenient TV viewing experience. It is ideal to know your needs and do a bit of research about the features of different models before making a decision.

TV Sound Quality

The sound quality of a TV is often overlooked, but for a complete viewing experience, good sound is essential. Some 55-inch TVs may come with in-built soundbars or support for Dolby Atmos. It might be worthwhile to consider this feature while buying, especially if you're keen on immersive audio for movies and gaming.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a TV describes how many times it redraws the image on the screen per second. A higher refresh rate typically ensures smoother motion, and it can be particularly important in fast-moving scenes in movies or games. Most 55-inch TVs come with a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, but modern TVs may offer up to 120Hz or even 240Hz.