Why Are TVs Measured Diagonally? (Easy Explanation)

Have you ever wondered why TV screens are measured diagonally?

This article will explore the reasoning behind this aspect of screen measurement.

From the early days of television to modern marketing strategies, we’ll discuss how this diagonal measurement became the industry standard.

Why Are TVs Measured Diagonally?

Historical Perspective

Television screens are measured diagonally due to the way they were originally measured in the past.

Early TVs had circular picture tubes that projected images onto the screen. The surface area of the screen could not be larger than the surface area of the tube, so measuring the tube provided the best measurement of the screen.

As TVs evolved to rectangular shapes, the diagonal measurement remained the standard for screen size calculations.

Aspect Ratios

Another reason for measuring TV screens diagonally is the differing aspect ratios between various models.

Common aspect ratios include 4:3 for older TVs, 16:9 for modern HDTV displays, and 21:9 for cinematic or ultra-wide screens. Measuring diagonally allows for a consistent way to compare the sizes of TVs with differing aspect ratios.

It shows the size of the visual experience rather than focusing solely on the height or width dimensions.

Check also: Why do TVs not come in all sizes?

Comparison with Other Devices

Measuring screens diagonally is not unique to TVs.

It is a standard method used for other display devices such as:

• computer monitors
• smartphones
• tablets
• watches
• etc.

This makes it easier to compare and understand the sizes of various devices with differing aspect ratios and form factors. By using a single, consistent method for all devices, manufacturers and consumers can easily compare and select the appropriate screen size for their needs.

To recap, TVs are measured diagonally due to historical reasons, differing aspect ratios, and a consistent way to compare display sizes with other devices.

This method continues to be the standard, providing a clear representation of the size of the visual experience on all types of screens.

Benefits of Diagonal Measurement

Visual Impact

Measuring TV screens diagonally offers a simple way to convey the size of a television screen to consumers. By providing a single measurement instead of multiple dimensions, it allows buyers to easily compare the screen sizes of different TV models.

When shopping for televisions, one of the most important factors for consumers is the visual impact that the screens can have. This diagonal measurement emphasizes the largest dimension of a screen, making it more appealing for customers.

Consistency in Sizing

Another benefit of measuring TV screens diagonally is the consistency it provides in sizing across different aspect ratios.

Early television screens had an aspect ratio of 4:3, but modern televisions often use 16:9 aspect ratios, which are wider and can provide a more immersive viewing experience.

By maintaining diagonal measurements as the standard, consumers can quickly compare screen sizes between televisions with different aspect ratios. This uniformity makes it easier for people to know what size screen they are purchasing.

The diagonal measurement ensures that televisions can be accurately compared, and it simplifies the process of finding the right size screen for one’s needs.

As new screen technology and aspect ratios are introduced, the use of diagonal measurements will continue to offer a consistent and straightforward method for comparing the sizes of TV screens.

Here’s a guide on how big a TV you need for your living room.

How to Measure A TV Screen

TV screens are measured diagonally to determine their size.

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of properly measuring your TV screen using simple tools and a step-by-step method.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Locate the bottom-left and upper-right corners: These are the two corners of the screen that you’ll need to measure from. Make sure you are measuring only the screen and not including the frame/bezel.
2. Place the end of the tape measure at the bottom-left corner: Make sure it’s positioned at the very edge of the screen. Hold it firmly in place.
3. Extend the tape measure to the upper-right corner of the screen: Carefully stretch the tape across the screen to reach the upper-right corner. Make sure the tape remains straight and stays in contact with the screen throughout the process.
4. Now, read the measurement

Now you have successfully measured your TV screen!

Keep this measurement in mind when purchasing a new TV or fitting it into a specific space, such as on a wall mount or TV stand.

Why can’t you get TVs in all inch sizes?

There are a few reasons why TVs don’t come in all inch sizes.

One primary reason is the manufacturing process of television screens. TVs are created by cutting panels from large sheets of glass, and manufacturers optimize their production lines to produce the most popular sizes efficiently.

This means focusing on producing common sizes, like 32-inch, 43-inch, 50-inch, and so on, while avoiding the less common or odd-sized screens as they would be less cost-effective.

Another reason is the standardization in the industry.

TV manufacturers follow certain display resolution standards, such as HD, Full HD, and 4K, which have specific aspect ratios (usually 16:9).

These aspect ratios, when applied to different screen sizes, result in standard diagonal measurements. Sticking to these standard sizes ensures that content created for these resolutions can be displayed properly on the screens.

Finally, consumer preferences and viewing habits play a significant role in determining the available TV sizes. Most people prefer larger screens for their living rooms, which provide a more immersive viewing experience. Smaller TVs, on the other hand, are usually suitable for study rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens.

Manufacturers monitor these trends and cater to the demands of their target market by producing TVs that match these preferences. As a result, less popular sizes may not be widely available, as they wouldn’t generate enough demand to justify production.

In summary, the limited availability of certain TV inch sizes is mainly due to manufacturing processes, industry standardization, and consumer preferences.

Manufacturers focus on producing standard-sized screens that align with industry standards and cater to the most popular consumer demands, ensuring that the majority of users can find a suitable TV for their needs.