Television sizes: WS vs. Standard

[Fairhope]

I have a question for all the mathematical wizzes out there. I've been looking to purchase a 32" television set for my basement. I can find pretty good deals on this size of screen ranging from $250 to $350.

However, I came across a JVC at BestBuy which is a 30" widescreen for $500. That's a little more than I wanted to spend, but that brings me to my question.

If most (if not all) all of the movies I watch are in widescreen, what size screen would be represented on a 32" television - and would it be smaller than the 30" widescreen television.

I'm confusing myself, so let me say it another way. Let's say you have a 32" television set. You pop in a widescreen version of a movie. Now you have the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. So, in essence, your screen size is now reduced. What is that screen size? Is it less than what you would be seeing on a 30" widescreen television?

Just something I've been trying to figure out. I though maybe someone here would know the answer. I never was that good at math.

[Capmaster]

It depends. Some movies in widescreen are just barely different, and others like the late '50s biblical classics like Cecil B. Demille's movies look like you're viewing them through a tank gun slit You still might end up with a band at the top and bottom with one of those movies.

[MrMoody]

If most (if not all) all of the movies I watch are in widescreen, what size screen would be represented on a 32" television - and would it be smaller than the 30" widescreen television.

Yes, but not by much. A 32" 4:3 TV has about 1/2" narrower screen than a 30" 16:9.

Theoretically, a 4:3 TV is .8 as wide as the diagonal measure, and a 16:9 is .872 as wide. In the real world, the diagonal measure is overquoted.

[Fairhope]

Well thank you both very much. From what I'm understanding, it probably wouldn't be worth the extra $200 for a 30" widescreen. I guess I'll just stick with getting the 32" standard television.

Thanks again.

[Capmaster]

Well thank you both very much. From what I'm understanding, it probably wouldn't be worth the extra $200 for a 30" widescreen. I guess I'll just stick with getting the 32" standard television.

Thanks again.

Do what we did - we got a 53" standard 4:3 Sony and even when it's got the band at the top and bottom, it's still a much bigger picture than most sets

[Fairhope]

I didn't know Baldrick payed the moderators so much money.

[bazooka]

I didn't know Baldrick payed the moderators so much money.

The mods work for free.

[Fairhope]

Yeah, I know. I should have put my smiley face at the end -

[Rookie64]

It depends. Some movies in widescreen are just barely different, and others like the late '50s biblical classics like Cecil B. Demille's movies look like you're viewing them through a tank gun slit You still might end up with a band at the top and bottom with one of those movies.

CinemaScope
http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/widescreen/cscope-ac.htm

Yea, I hate watching movies that wide.

Jaws is very wide as well.


Even on pojection TVs, they can be hard to see.

Ironically, they're easier to see on something very small, like a computer monitor, if you're sitting close in front of it (not the most comfortable way to watch a full length movie though - especially those old movies that are 3 - 4 hours long )

[Capmaster]

I didn't know Baldrick payed the moderators so much money.

We do it for the love of the hobby, and this forum.


Ahhhh, who am I kidding? ...we do it for the rush of excitement banning a particularly obnoxious and abusive member 8)