For help and advice call 0345 467 8000

Or Email [email protected]

News \ Latest News \

Why get a curved TV?

Posted on 20th Mar 16 in Latest News by editor

Why get a curved TV?

Today large, flat-screen TVs have been around for years; 3D TV is just about hanging on in there and now manufacturers are touting curved TV screens as providing the ultimate viewing experience. But are they really so much better, or are they nothing more than a gimmick intended to boost sales?

Two of the concept's major proponents, Samsung and LG reckon there are measurable benefits, a claim supported by several scientists based on surveys carried out in the USA and Canada.

A study of the neurological factors that make certain images or objects attractive to the eye has found that objects with straight edges are not as naturally pleasing as those with curved edges. The survey was carried out by a team of researchers working in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto, and led by professor of psychology, Oshin Vartanian.

Looking at the issue from a slightly different viewpoint is Dr Raymond M Soneira, a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from Princeton, who suggests the individual's preference is primarily subjective. However, he has also found that the shape of the curved television screen results in the incidence of distracting reflections being significantly reduced. This makes the picture quality appear improved as the technology used in TV screens produces extremely high quality dark images and near perfect blacks. Some of this quality is invariably lost when the screen is subject to ambient light reflection.

According to some manufacturers, including Samsung, the viewer's experience is enhanced when the distance from their eyes to the centre and edges of the screen remains uniform. Because curved screens fill more of their field of vision they appear larger than they actually are. For similar reasons, the viewer experiences a greater degree of immersiveness. The company also argues that because the distance between eyes and screen is more uniform, edge distortion is much reduced.

Dr Soneira's study found that even those sitting off-centre of the screen experienced an improved view because the foreshortening effect of sitting to one side of the screen was reduced. Samsung have calculated that the optimal radius for a curved screen is 42cm (13ft-10ins) based on a viewing distance of between three and four metres (10ft to 13ft).

On a practical note, one of the major problems with curved screens is that they are difficult to bolt to a wall, unlike their flat counterparts. It may, therefore, be necessary to turn the clock back and revert to mounting the TV on a flat surface, such as a TV cabinet.

In conclusion, it seems that Samsung, LG and their fellow manufacturers may be onto something after all. The big question is whether the enhanced viewing experience makes it worthwhile scrapping a perfectly good flat-screen TV and replacing it with a significantly pricier curved model. Some simply have to have the latest piece of technologically advanced kit just as soon as it comes onto the market; others may decide to wait until their existing TV either falls off the wall or blows a circuit.

Read more in Latest News, or view All Entries

More on InsureThat

Apple iCar on the way?

In April this year, Apple launched what it described as its most personal product yet. The Apple Watch might have
Posted on 30th Oct 15

Apple iCar on the way?

In April this year, Apple launched what it described as its most personal product yet. The Apple Watch might have
Posted on 30th Oct 15

Ford scrap "heart attack monitor" driver seat

There's been no shortage of development in automotive innovation of late. BMW has recently joined the ranks of Honda and
Posted on 30th Oct 15

You might see Google's Driverless Car this summer

Google will be taking its first purpose-built driverless car onto public roads this summer. The tech giants have already been
Posted on 30th Oct 15

UK Green car sales on the rise

After a relatively slow start, green cars are starting to make a real impact on the UK automotive market. Sales
Posted on 30th Oct 15

How do you spell "Porsche"?

Did you hear about the man who drove into the garage with a Porsche and got back a Porshce?
Posted on 30th Oct 15