Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and the height of the television image. There are two popular aspect ratios. One is 4:3, also known as 4x3, 1:33:1, or, the standard ratio. The second common aspect ratio is 16:9 or 16x9 also known as 1.78.1 or wide-screen.

The invention of the larger screen TVs began with the aspect ratio of 16: 9 transmitting high definition signals, and with the width of the screen is 78% greater than its height, or, fully one third wider than the 4:3 ratio screens. The wider screen is a remarkable improvement on the old screen sizes. You can see larger pictures. The horizontal orientation is more in sync with your viewing habits. You will have an easier time viewing the images next to each other rather than on the top of each other.

We were accustomed to viewing the TV programs on the squarish monitors of 4:3 shapes which is only 1/3 wider than its height. But problems arise when you start watching the content meant for the older screens on the wider 16:9 screen, or, the content meant for the later on the former ratio screens. You are forced to make compromise in viewing quality and pleasure. Moreover, the larger screens are more suitable for DTV, HDTV, or the DVD.

If you face such viewing difficulties, the first step you should take is to ensure that the video settings on your TV match its aspect ratio. Most of the modern video sources such as the DVD players, games consoles, satellite and cable boxes and even the video iPods have aspect ration settings on them. Try to match the settings of each device with the TV to which it is attached: 4:3 for the standard size TV and 16:9 for the larger screen TVs.

Before you buy your new TV make sure that it has the aspect ratio control program on it. Most of the DVD players have the zoom functions which can be synchronized both with the 4:3 and the 16:9 TVs.