What is the danger? Or is it UL? If so, how did it start?
I’ve never heard of this rule, but most of the recommendations I do know of about ideal distance from a TV have to do with preserving the integrity of the image: if you sit too closely, the individual scan lines will be so prominent that the image will suffer.
Some EMF alarmists say that you’re in danger from electromagnetic forces if you don’t sit at least six feet from your television. This sets off my BS detector (even at a distance of six feet).
Pub Med also has some relevant titles from that era, but the abstracts are not online.
I was always told it would hurt my eyes/vision. I cannot confirm if this is true or not, but I want to throw it out there.
It’s so you won’t block anyone else’s view. Down in front! And either stop giggling or turn up the sound. Consarned whippersnappers!
"RADIATION"
I thought this was restricted to mothers - like my own - who lived through the atomic age and the “Duck and Cover” campaigns, but don’t quite know what radiation is. My mum was equally freaked by it when we had black and white TV though.
Same here. “Don’t sit too close to the telly, it’s bad for your eyes.” That went for b/w tellies mainly. Didn’t seem to be such a problem when we got colour TV.