TV Placement

Very few people walk into a store to buy a TV without an idea of where they would place it. You might be shopping for a TV for a family room, a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, an office, or maybe you want to project movies on the back of your house for the whole neighbourhood.

There are lots of different spots you might like to put a TV. A TV in your office to stay alert to current events. A TV in your family room for the kids to watch Spongebob and Dora. A TV in the bedroom to catch the late shows in comfort.

Some rooms are dedicated to a particular function, and some serve many purposes. Is the room you want to put a TV in a multi-purpose room, where you might sit and read or have a conversation? Is watching TV the only thing that will be happening in the room? A room dedicated to TV will be able to take a larger screen, while a mega-screen might overwhelm a room you are trying to have a quiet conversation in. Be aware of how you will use the room, and factor it into your decision about screen size.

What about a TV in the bedroom? Studies have shown that watching TV right before bed can interfere with your brain’s ability to prepare for sleep. Your long term health can be impacted by excessive television watching. Ultimately, you’re going to decide where you want a TV or TVs placed, but a TV in every room of the house can interfere with living a healthy, balanced life. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

As the guy in my family who gets excited about new technology, I need to recognize that my wife doesn’t always share my enthusiasm for all things bright and shiny. You may be the one always trying to sell the idea of something bigger and better to make your home more entertaining, more welcoming, or more efficient. On the other hand, you may be the one who has to try and talk your spouse down from whatever marketing brochure he or she (OK, OK, probably ‘he’) has just read.

Please remember that technology is fun, but relationships matter. Be responsible and buy what you can afford. Don’t sacrifice marital harmony for things that only matter so much. There’s nothing wrong with buying nice things, but recognize that not everyone involved in making the decision may have the same priorities. Besides, what good is the amazing new TV if you can’t afford Doritos? That said, TV is one of the most cost-effective forms of entertainment available in North America. Just price-compare going out to dinner and a movie.

Important Questions to Ask:

1.       How many TVs do I really need?

2.       Should I buy fewer but better TVs?

3.       Is it a good idea to put a TV in my bedroom? In my kid’s bedroom?

4.       How big should a TV be to put it in the space I want it?

5.       Am I putting undue pressure on my relationships by seeking new toys?

6.       How much TV is too much?