How do I measure a TV screen?

Igiveup_2

I'm just looking at LCD tv's on ebay.

Please can someone tell me,
If I get a 26" one, is that the size across the screen from side to side and not the actual size of the tv?

barnabee

Measure just the screen area diagonally - eg from top left to bottom right.

fairenoughclough

barnabee wrote:

Measure just the screen area diagonally - eg from top left to bottom right.

Then subtract about an inch in my experience.

albertross_2

Do you mean what is the visible screen size horizontally, or the total width of the case? Which model?

You have to do a bit of pythagoras to work it out from 26, or just look on the manufacturers website.

It's about 22.66-31 inches, depending on which model, and which measurement you mean. (If the speakers are at the side, it will be nearer 31 inches across, than 22.66), and it also depends on the aspect ratio 15:9 , 16:9 etc..

alikat_3

barnabee wrote:

Measure just the screen area diagonally - eg from top left to bottom right.

This always used to be the way to measure your tv screen, although unsure if same standard applies with widescreens TV's.

frogman_2

All screen measurements are diagonal measures. The problem with CRTs & TVs is that the measurement is made from lug-to-lug which is inside the front bezel and so not visible.

So measure the visible screen diagonal and then ADD 1" to 2"...in the case of TFTs, all measures are usually quoted for the visible screen.

Sput2001

frogman wrote:

All screen measurements are diagonal measures. The problem with CRTs & TVs is that the measurement is made from lug-to-lug which is inside the front bezel and so not visible.

So measure the visible screen diagonal and then ADD 1" to 2"...in the case of TFTs, all measures are usually quoted for the visible screen.

Indeed. For a 28" CRT TV you'll get around a 26" viewable area. For a 28" LCD TV however, all 28 inches will be viewable.

A_Nice_Englishman

This is what the peoiple who sell tellys for a living say

http://www.retra.co.uk/Television%20Screen%20size.htm

Igiveup_2

Thanks guys, This site and people on it are just so much appreciated.
x

John_Gray

How do I measure a TV screen?

Amazed that some witty type hasn't replied, "With a tape measure"...!

John

PS So I won't.