16:9 Aspect Ratio – The Ultimate Guide for 2024
In modern displays, images or videos are shown in various aspect ratios, with 16:9 being particularly popular. Next, we will explain this aspect ratio in detail, whether beginner or expert, this article is suitable for you.
16:9 refers to the ratio of width to height on a screen or display. For example, it means the length is 16 units and the width is 9 units, or approximately 1.77:1 to 1.78:1. It’s also known as the golden aspect ratio for displays.
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History of the 16:9 Format
Since Dr. Kerns H. Powers of SMPTE proposed the 16:9 aspect ratio in 1984, the high-definition television industry quickly adopted this widescreen format. Subsequently, computer monitors, and movie screens also accelerated their transition from 4:3 to 16:9.
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16:9 Aspect Ratio Complete List Calculator
Here is common 16:9 resolutions used in TV and movie theaters:
| RESOLUTION | TOTAL PIXELS | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|---|
| 640 ✕ 360 | 307,200 | nHD |
| 854 ✕ 480 | 409,920 | FWVGA |
| 960 ✕ 540 | 518,400 | qHD |
| 1280 ✕ 720 | 921,600 | SD / HD ready (720p) |
| 1366 ✕ 768 | 1,049,088 | WXGA |
| 1600 ✕ 900 | 1,440,000 | HD+ |
| 1920 ✕ 1080 | 2,073,600 | FHD / Full HD (1080p) |
| 2560 ✕ 1440 | 3,686,400 | WQHD |
| 3200 ✕ 1800 | 5,760,000 | QHD+ |
| 3840 ✕ 2160 | 8,294,400 | 4K UHD |
| 5120 ✕ 2880 | 14,745,600 | 5K |
| 7680 ✕ 4320 | 33,177,600 | 8K UHD |
| 15360 ✕ 8640 | 132,710,400 | 16K UHD |
- Research shows that the natural field of view for human eyes, combining both eyes, is approximately in a 16:9 aspect ratio. This widescreen display format makes watching videos more comfortable and reduces visual fatigue.
- Movie theater screens typically use a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a wider field of view for a more immersive and cinematic experience.
- The 16:9 screen is ideal for displaying high-resolution images without compromising quality. Currently, streaming services like Netflix and HBO offer HD content in the 16:9 format.
- Compatibility: From smartphones and tablets to laptops and TVs, 16:9 videos adapt seamlessly across different devices, ensuring a consistent viewing experience.
- When recording or shooting videos with a camera that has 16:9 aspect ratio, you can directly import them.
- Use video editing software to crop and edit the original video, adjusting it to a 16:9 ratio to fit specific displays.
- Resize video frames to match the 16:9 aspect ratio but be cautious as this adjustment may cause content distortion.
- 16:9 vs 4:3: 4:3 (1.33:1) was an early digital TV format. Converting it to 16:9 (1.77:1) usually requires cropping or stretching the image horizontally. Improper handling can lead to content loss or image distortion.
- 16:9 vs 21:9: 21:9 is commonly used in gaming monitors due to its wider field of view, ideal for VR panoramas in movies or games, creating an immersive experience. Playing 16:9 content on a 21:9 screen may result in black bars unless the content is scaled or cropped.
- 16:9 vs 9:16: 9:16 (0.56:1) is a vertical aspect ratio widely used in mobile videos like TikTok, Instagram Stories, and YouTube Shorts. Converting from 16:9 to 9:16 requires adding pillar boxing, and the overall picture size will shrink.
- 16:9 vs 1:1: Square videos (1:1) are popular on platforms like Instagram and Facebook for posts and ads. Converting to 1:1 from widescreen (adding black bars) may result in some loss of the image.
Because this format is widely popular, so we designed our led display (XA600-Series Indoor LED Display) with a cabinet size of 16:9 (600:337.5mm). The cabinet resolution can be adjusted for compatibility based on different pixel pitches P0.93, P1.25, P1.56, P1.87, corresponding to resolutions like 640*360, 480*270, 384*216, 320*180.
When customers request large displays, they simply need to stack enough standard cabinets with equal length and width. For example, need a 1800*1112.5mm screen, then stacking 3 cabinets each side, total 3*3=9 cabinets with if pitch P0.93, achieves a screen resolution of 1920*1080. This flexibility makes it easy for customers to choose and use our products.
Indoor Display XA600-Series
Front-end Convenient Maintenance
Cabinet Size: 600*337.5mm/16:9 Ratio
Compatible with 300*168.75mm Module
With 3 Years Warranty and 5% Spare Parts
6. Summing Up the 16:9 Aspect Ratio
The 16:9 aspect ratio has become an essential part of modern video streaming and social media. It serves as a practical balance for converting content between various platforms and devices, providing a standard guideline for customers choosing high definition led displays.
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Building D, Hongfa Science Park,
2035 Songbai Road, Shiyan, Bao’an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
