Why 16:9 and Not 2:1 or 18:9? Exploring Aspect Ratios in Television and Mobile Devices

When it comes to screen aspect ratios, 16:9 has become the de facto standard for television, smartphones, and many other devices. This short article delves into why this is the case and explores the world of different aspect ratios.

Understanding the Evolution of Aspect Ratios

Original television screens were 4:3, a result of the limitations of the technology when the technology was first invented in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

When digital television was being standardized in the United States by the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC), the decision was made to adopt a 16:9 aspect ratio. This choice was influenced by the desire for a format that could accommodate both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) content.

Why 16:9?

The 16:9 aspect ratio offers a compromise between the square 4:3 ratio and the more cinematic 2.35:1 ratio. With 16:9, content from both SD and HD sources can be displayed without significant loss of image quality.

Comparison with 2:1 and 18:9:

2:1: While 2:1 could serve as a compromise, it is not commonly used. The number 2:1 looks out of place compared to the more familiar 16:9, which people associate with high-quality content. 18:9: This format, used in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8, allows for a wider screen to accommodate more content width-wise, making it more intuitive to users.

Common Aspect Ratios in Use Today

Below is a breakdown of various aspect ratios used in different devices and formats:

Aspect Ratio Description 5:4 Close to a square, used in some early LCD computer monitors before 16:9 became the standard. Common resolution: 1281024. 4:3 Old CRT TVs used this ratio for SD content, dating back to the 1940s and even modern tablets like the iPad. 3:2 Used in some cameras and modern devices like the Microsoft Surface and iPhones until 2012 (iPhone 5). 5:3 Common in the Nintendo 3DS and some cheap LCDs with resolution 80480. Less awkward than 16:9 for widescreen content. 16:9 The current standard for televisions, computer monitors, and most smartphones. Also used by portable gaming systems like the PSP, PS Vita, and Nintendo Switch. 18:9 Emerging in smartphones, allowing for a wider display to fit more content width-wise while maintaining a familiar 16:9 aspect ratio. 21:9 Ultra-wide aspect ratio used in high-end gaming monitors and some "Cinema" TVs for a more immersive viewing experience. 16:10 Used in monitors and screens to give a slightly taller display compared to 16:9 without appearing wider.

Conclusion

While other aspect ratios exist, 16:9 has become the standard due to its versatility and compatibility with both SD and HD content. The format is here to stay, offering a balance between the square 4:3 and the more cinematic 21:9.

Understanding the different aspect ratios helps in choosing the right screen for your needs, whether it's for gaming, watching movies, or simply browsing the internet.