xbox Kinnect -distance/space needed

[HiAsAKite]

Hiya folks, wife and I are are considering getting an xbox and kinnect, mainly so she can use the kinnect to 'do' workout/fitness games, and we can both use it for other gaming (eg controller based).

What is the minimum space from the kinnect sensor needed to use it properly?

I'm into my games, she isn't (but loves the Nintendo Wifit type stuff) - so I suspect the Wi would suit her fine, and I have a fairly decent laptop for gaming, and an ageing PS2 - however part of me thinks I could justify the extra £100+ for an xbox package over the Wi for the extra 'serious gaming' capability it gives, plus enabling Mrs H to use it for fitness etc..

My concern however, is space from the kinect sensor due to sofa placement etc in the living room - I suspect you could just about get 6ft away from where it would be and just about not fall into a sofa- however is this really enough space (lateral space is less of a issue)? - we're both 5'10" - 5'11" in height..

Opinions from those of you who have used one in anger appreciated :-) - unfortunately if it can't tick the fitness box well, then is to a non-starter

[ofcorsa]

Our living room is fairly narrow and out kinnect just works. The actual space needed is quiet small but the distance from the sensor is the critical thing. Might be worth borrowing one?

[HiAsAKite]

How far do you have from he sensor?- we have the opposite set-up, wide room, facing TV in the 'shallow' dimension..

Sadly don't know of anyone with one to borrow, or even out in situ..

[SlimRick]

Something like this may help if you're limited on space:

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2011/06/nyko-zoom-kinect-...

[sorrento205]

put simply, the Wii is not in the same league as Kinect

6ft probably isnt enough room, i reckon 5-6ft is when my xbox asks me to step backward for best gameplay. We typically stand about 8ft away for best results.

http://support.xbox.com/en-GB/kinect/setup-and-pla...

[Altrezia]

I had to move my lounge around - we did have 6.5ft, it didnt work at all - we now have 10ft and it's perfect when stood about 8ft away.