What Happened When the Aspect Ratio of Screens Was 4:3, Changed to 16:9?

In fact, scientists and companies; along with replacing television screens, computer monitors and phones. standard aspect ratio It was not a very unexpected development.

But how? The whole world started to use the same standard And on what basis was this standard determined? Let’s start from the basics and get enlightened.

Let’s start from the first step, what is this “16:9”?

16:9 is a standardized aspect ratio that defines a measurement of 16 units wide and 9 units high. UHD, HDTV, Full HD and SD digital televisions; smart phones; International standard image format for computer games and monitors.

So why was this ratio specifically chosen and standardized?

As cinema and the film industry developed, different dimensions emerged. You can guess that this was causing a big problem. All these different formats, a single frame on a television screen How would it fit?

Dr. joined a working group on electronic production in 1984. Powers suggested switching to a 16:9 ratio. According to the value he calculated, the exact ratio of different aspect ratios was the geometric mean.

4:3 (standard television) to 2:35 (an average movie ratio) It also met the geometric mean. So mathematically it was a consensus rate. However, his suggestion was not immediately implemented.

As HD televisions were developed, the 16:9 format began to be more adopted.

Additionally, 16:9 offered a more balanced and natural image on widescreen televisions. human eye, It was designed to cover wide angles.

When the calendar shows the year 1993 European Union, He decided that as new monitors and televisions emerged, the image format should also be standard. Well, the rest of the world followed, as usual.

The usual movie theater atmosphere was not abandoned.

The 16:9 format gave a much more cinematic feel, reminiscent of the large movie theater screen that people were used to. Moreover, it was also very suitable for use with formats of other ratios. For example, for a 4:3 image black parts on the sides was being added.

If you have noticed, most Hollywood movies are not shot in 16:9 ratio and when they are projected on the big screen or television, they add black parts to the sides as we mentioned. Platforms and televisions “Fit to Screen” and “Original” It offers different viewing options such as.

Economic factors also ensured that this standard was firmly established.

Manufacturers of products such as televisions, computers and phones; When they adopt a certain ratio, it becomes easier for them to standardize in terms of material usage and cost. Thus, they optimize production processes and reduce costs.

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