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What does it mean for a TV to have an aspect ratio of 16:9?

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User JamesDS
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Answer: Below

Explanation:

It means that the ratio of the length to the width of the display is 16:9, (simplified).

in terms of pixels, a "16:9" display has 1280:720 actual pixels. since this ratio simplifies to 16:9 when divided by 80, we often refer to 1280 x 720 pixels as "16:9"

3 votes

Answer:

the ratio of width to height is 16 to 9, about 1.778

Explanation:

You want to know the meaning of a TV aspect ratio of 16:9.

Aspect ratio

In the context of a movie screen or television, the "aspect ratio" is the ratio of width to height. An aspect ratio of 16:9 means the television screen is 16 units wide for each 9 units high. Other ways to say this are ...

  • width is 1 7/9 times height
  • width is about 77.8% greater than height

For example, a screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio that is 48 inches wide will be 27 inches high:

16 : 9 = 48 : 27

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Additional comment

When movies and TV were introduced, the picture tended to be nearly square. For many years, the aspect ratio used was 4:3. As technology improved, screens became wider, engaging more peripher vision and providing a more immersive experience.

These days, an aspect ratio of 16:9 is used for high-definition TV and many displays. US theaters generally use an aspect ratio of about 1.85:1, and "wide screen" showings use a ratio of about 2.39:1.

The "golden ratio" of Φ = (1+√5)/2 ≈ 1.618034 is considered to be the "most pleasing" aspect ratio of a rectangular shape. This number shows up often in nature.

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User Ualinker
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