Types of Aspect Ratio and Their Application

Can you recall the days when you have the option to choose between widescreen and full-screen TVs? If you failed to select the right screen option in those days, some parts of the movie got cut; or the black padding would appear around the video.

4:3 is the standard size of the television screen, which makes the movie suitable for viewing in any viewing option. Content makers and broadcasters prioritize the video aspect ratio since a definite display aspect ratio is in trend.

If you are a video maker, you need to consider the video’s aspect ratio so that the audience can get a full glimpse of the video. While many factors are considered, the aspect ratio comes in the latter part. Below are some of the types and uses of aspect ratios.

1:1 Aspect Ratios

According to E3 Displays, this type of aspect ratio is primarily popular in square television devices. Nowadays, it is most likely obsolete. You may only be able to see it on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

4:3 Aspect Ratios

Generally, 16:10 and 16:9 aspect ratios offer better resolution than the 4:3 aspect ratio. The video or display featuring in this aspect ratio is difficult to see. But in earlier years it was in trend in the computer screen and convention TV sets. People stopped watching a video in this aspect ratio due to the advent of HDTV.

3:2 Aspect Ratios

This aspect ratio is ideal for classic still photographs, and it is still in trend. You can see this aspect ratio in most tablets, laptops, and computers still now. You can even find it in gaming as well. Even the cameras ranging from micro to medium density have this aspect ratio.

21:9 Aspect Ratios

This aspect ratio is for specific devices and reasons. It is often treated as a cinematic or ultra-widescreen. It is widely used for those scenes that have an anamorphic format. The format is meant for rendering optical illusion and offers a 360-degree viewing option.

9:16 Aspect Ratios

The aspect ratio is popular in smartphones. You can find this aspect ratio in some of the iPhone’s settings. There is a high chance of finding tall videos in this aspect ratio.

What is the significance of the Aspect Ratio?

Because your intended audience may not get the full effect of your concept depending on how they view the image, different platforms have different aspect ratios, so ask what the primary platform for delivering your image will be whenever possible.

Instagram, for example, is a fantastic social platform for sharing images. Instagram has chosen a default aspect ratio of 1:1 for displaying images because it is designed to be used as a mobile app viewed in a vertical orientation. This enables them to have images that span the entire screen width while still leaving space above and below the image for other content.

Types of Aspect Ratios

The original aspect ratio (OAR) is the aspect ratio in which the film was initially produced. This could be changed to be viewed in other modes, such as television. Only by enlarging the original image to fill the area, cutting off the excess space, or stretching the image to fill in the site according to the new ratio can aspect ratios be converted.

A modified aspect ratio (MAR) is an aspect ratio that has been assigned to fit a specific type of screen and is different from the dimensions in which it was filmed.

Pixel resolution, spatial resolution, spectral resolution, temporal resolution, and radiometric resolution are all terms used to describe the resolution of digital images.

Importance of Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio must be kept in mind when resizing images or videos to avoid distorting them. It is also an essential factor to consider when purchasing large-screen LCD and Plasma TVs. The aspect ratio for these is 1.78, similar to that of theatres, attempting to provide the same experience.

If you are looking for an immersive and eye-pleasing display, refer to E3 Displays. They are experts in designing smart phoenix displays (https://www.e3displays.com/) for professional gamers and various sectors like health care, avionics, digital signage, military, consumer goods, and more.

FAQ

What is aspect ratio size?

Simply put, an aspect ratio is the ratio of an image’s width to its height (often expressed in an “X: Y” format) when no pixels or units are present.

Which is better 1280×720 or 1920×1080?

Although they have the same aspect ratio (16:9), 1920×1080 (1080p) is a higher resolution than 1280×720 (720p).

What are aspect ratio and resolution?

The aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of its width to its height (x:y). The total number of pixels displayed on your computer or television screen is an image’s resolution.

What res is 1080?

1920 x 1080 pixels. 1080p, also known as Full HD or FHD (full high definition), is a 1920 x 1080 pixel display resolution.

What is 720p and 1080p?

720p = 1280 x 720 – is commonly referred to as HD or “HD Ready” resolution. 1080p = 1920 x 1080 – is commonly referred to as FHD or “Full HD” resolution.