Optimal TV stand height?

[mshan]

What is the optimal height for a 50 inch HDTV (specifically Panasonic TH-50PX75U), at a viewing distance of 10 - 12 ft.?

 

[pennylane]

Since that's a plasma (I think), you can get away with fairly extreme viewing angles. Ideally the TV should be close to viewing height (however high your eyes are) or a little higher. I think a little higher is generally better because it seems more natural to look a little bit up.

Do you have a speaker system? Do you have a center channel? If so, your TV placement may depend on where your center speaker may be. Your center speaker should also be ear height (aka eye height) or slightly above. It's better to have the center speaker above rather than below, because if it's above, it can still sounds like it's from the middle. If it's below, it sounds like it's below pretty much no matter what. Anyway, the center speaker causes some issues, so that the TV should be high enough to view comfortable, but low enough so the center speaker isn't too high.

 

[Deinonych]

I personally like to have the center of my display right at eye level. I used to have my SXRD on a console that was too high, and it was uncomfortable to watch for extended periods.

 

[tate16t]

I agree with Deinonych. I have a 50" Panasonic plasma and have it mounted on the wall. The center of my display is just a tad higher than eye level.

 

[Odeen]

I agree with Deinonych and tate16t. Even though plasma will not look dimmer or less contasty when viewed at an angle (unlike RPTV's and, to a lesser degree now, LCD's) but craning your neck back for extended periods of time will be uncomfortable.

Plus, having the middle of the display slightly below eye level gives you room to lay down while you watch TV.

 

[Tiamat]

I usually put the display so that my eyes are directly lined up with the bottom 1/3 mark of the display. At 10' you have quite a bit of wiggle room though because the you are far enough away that the entire screen is within your focus anyways. I would put the screen such that you have enough space for the center channel speaker to be placed optimally.