conflicting info on light coverage area!

Well acording to some people on this site a 1000 watt hps light will cover a 4x4 footprint or a 5x5 depending on who you ask. Fine and dandy BUT I've read articles in magazines (skunk) recently claiming an 8x8 effective grow area. So I check a couple of online light sales places and they too clain the 8 foot area. Who's right? Do I listen to strangers on a message board or the grow articles in a national pot magazine?

So far it doesn't matter as I'm only doing a few plants this run but next time I'd like to know and not guess?

EXPERT advice needed!
Thanks.

8 X 8 is the maximum light coverage area with a 1000W, and if you try to use only one light for that area, your buds will not be big and dense. I'd say 5 X 5 is the most you should try for, but ideally, you should be going for 4 X 4.

but also account for your walk around space and other shit..say ur foot print is 8x8 hang that 1000watter in the center and the most precious lumes will be in the 5x5 center of the 8x8 room giveing u ample walking space..and allowing u 2 put smaller plants or taller ones on the outer perimeter..

basically it comes down to more wattage, better quality. if it is out of the 5X5 area it is getting less than optimal wattage... take this for example...car audio amps online are 500 watts rms and another website will advertise the same exact amp as 2000 watts peak because it "works" up to 2000 watts but its only gonna push 500 continously...i hope this clearifys it a little

Thanks guys thats helpful. i'll stick with the smaller area and not try to push it. The 4 plants in the middle of that 1000 watt hps are really growing good though. Overkill City.

P.S. Gotta love taking advice from a guy with the username ireallydontknow......lmao!