SMPTE

Definition

SMPTE and related ITU notes describe a ~30° field of view for conventional HD (about 1.6× screen width) and closer seating when the source is 4K so pixels stay below visual acuity. These are viewing-geometry conventions, not a promise that every seat in a seven-seat riser will match. Combine SMPTE distance with pixel-pitch if you are deciding 1080p vs 4K at a given diagonal.

Calculators that use this

• Screens & projection

  Screen Viewing Distance Calculator

  Convert a screen diagonal into THX 40° and SMPTE 30° seating distances. Inches on the diagonal; metres (or feet) to the seat.

• Screens & projection

  Pixel Pitch and Retina Distance Calculator

  Find pixel pitch and the distance at which 4K (or 1080p) pixels hit 1 arc-minute visual acuity.

• Screens & projection

  Ideal Viewing Angle Calculator

  Get horizontal and vertical field of view from image size and seating distance. Compare with THX 40° and SMPTE 30°.