Display Size Matters

Visual communication equipment such as projectors and large displays are important tools in classrooms and meeting rooms.

When choosing the right equipment for your school or business, there are many factors to consider including image size.

Popularity of large displays

Large interactive display in a classroom Large interactive display in a classroom

An increasing number of schools and businesses are starting to use large displays and interactive panels. While they have some advantages, is it always the right solution? Research by projection market leader Epson suggests that it is not always the best option.

Epson’s surveys and research found that:

  • 40% of teachers have noticed a correlation between pupils being unable to see a screen properly and lower test/exam scores.
  • 58% of students cannot read a 70inch flat panel.
  • 76% of teachers said the use of better display technology would allow classes to engage more fully with lessons 

Seats at the edge of the rooms have been titled “cheap seats” because they offer a more restricted view compared to seats at the front of the room.

To ensure optimal visibility and effect, image size is essential.
While large displays and interactive panels are a great choice in small to medium rooms, in larger rooms they can lose their impact.

What are the other options for medium and large rooms?

Projectors today are more advanced with high brightness, high resolution, long lamp life and lower replacement lamp cost so they are ideal when a larger image is needed.
They are great in classrooms and meeting rooms ensuring that everyone can see the lesson or presentation regardless of where they are in the room and they offer a scalable solution with image sizes up to 500” diagonal to suit even the largest of spaces.

What about interactivity?

When thinking about interactivity, most people will instantly think of touch screens however there are also projectors including interactive functions.

The Epson Ultra Short Throw interactive projectors offer pen and finger-touch interactivity on images up to 100” diagonal.
Features such as Multi-screen interactivity allows the combination of two projectors to create an even larger interactive display, the Multi-PC projection software allows the simultaneous sharing of different source content and wireless capability enables easy connection from smart devices and Chromebooks.

You can find out more about the range of  Epson Interactive Ultra-Short throw projectors here.

Illustration of two Epson interactive projectors used to create an ultra wide image Illustration of two Epson interactive projectors used to create an ultra wide image

How do I determine the right image size for my room?

 The 4-6-8 rule states that the furthest viewer in the room from the screen is recommended to sit 4-6-8 times the vertical height of the screen, depending on the type of “viewing”. “Passive viewing” (e.g. video viewing), can be the furthest away, followed by “detailed viewing” (e.g. general reading of presentations), and “inspection viewing” (e.g. small text and spreadsheet content).

You can also use the table below to match the room size with the recommended image size.

Table illustrating viewing experience based on room size and display size Table illustrating viewing experience based on room size and display size

Source: Epson.co.uk