The common aspect ratios for TVs, as referenced, are 4:3 for standard television and 16:9 for modern widescreen HDTV.
Understanding the "ratio of TVs" typically refers to the aspect ratio of the screen – the proportional relationship between its width and its height. This ratio determines the shape of the display and how content is framed and viewed.
Historical TV Aspect Ratio: 4:3
For decades, the television industry standardized on a 4:3 aspect ratio. This ratio means that for every 4 units of width, the screen has 3 units of height. Visually, this results in a screen that appears more square compared to modern displays.
As noted in the reference, this 4:3 standard was the norm for television broadcasting for a long time:
"Television broadcasting stayed with the 4:3 standard..."
This ratio was prevalent throughout the era of standard definition (SD) television. Content produced for this format was designed to fit within these dimensions.
Modern TV Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen
With the advent of High Definition Television (HDTV) and the increasing popularity of widescreen cinematic formats, the television industry transitioned to a wider aspect ratio. The standard for modern TVs became 16:9.
This ratio signifies that for every 16 units of width, there are 9 units of height. The result is a significantly wider, more rectangular screen that more closely matches the field of human vision and the aspect ratios commonly used in filmmaking today.
The reference highlights this shift:
"...until the recent move to HDTV and 16:9 widescreen."
Almost all modern flat-screen TVs, monitors, and even many mobile device screens utilize the 16:9 aspect ratio.
Why the Change to 16:9?
The move from 4:3 to 16:9 was driven by several factors:
- Improved Viewer Experience: A wider screen provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for movies and sports.
- Compatibility with Film: Many films are produced in widescreen formats (like 1.85:1 or 2.39:1), which fit better on a 16:9 screen than on a 4:3 one.
- HD Standards: The technical specifications for HDTV were developed with the 16:9 aspect ratio in mind.
Comparing the Ratios
Here's a simple comparison of the two primary TV aspect ratios:
| Aspect Ratio | Description | Shape | Era/Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:3 | 4 units wide, 3 units high | More Square | Standard Definition TV |
| 16:9 | 16 units wide, 9 units high | More Rectangle | HDTV, Widescreen TV |
Source: Based on information from tru-vumonitors.com
While content originally created in 4:3 can be displayed on a 16:9 screen, it often results in black bars on the sides (pillarboxing) or requires stretching or zooming, which can distort the image. Conversely, widescreen content on a 4:3 screen would have black bars on the top and bottom (letterboxing).
In summary, the prominent aspect ratios discussed in the context of television history and technology are the traditional 4:3 and the contemporary 16:9.
