The focal point is the only thing that matters with resolution. Our ability to resolve two points drops dramatically outside of our focal point so the information is based only on the absolute clearest portion of our vision.Strazdas said:this graph is incorrect. it is based on our focus point and assumes we are blind outside it, which we are not. our focus point while having higher fidelity than the rest of our vision consists of only 2% of our total vision field.Lightknight said:http://www.rtings.com/images/optimal-viewing-distance-television-graph-size.png
Another thing to note is that resolution is the true for of antialiasing, because aliasing exists due to poor resolution. this means that raising resolution even beyond what our eyes can see is HIGHLY BENEFICIAL to experience.
Since the point is when the average eye can tell the difference between resolutions then using our point of focus is the only pertinent information.
Were the chart to somehow take into account non-focal vision then you may even have to be inches away from the TV in some cases to resolve pixels. Addressing anything but our focal field is entirely pointless for any kind of discussion on resolution.