What is flat panel tv aspect ratio and how does it apply to me? This flat panel tv buying guide article explains exactly what flat panel tv aspect ratio is. By understanding a little more about aspect ratios, you will be able to quicker understand the advantages and disadvantages. This flat panel buying guide is ment to help you buy the best flat panel tv for your needs.Flat Panel TV Aspect Ration (considerations)
What is aspect ratio and why it matters to you?Aspect ratio refers to size. In this case it refers to the screen dimensional measurements in number of units. For example: the 16:9 ratio refers to 16 units wide by 9 units high. It would be wider than taller. A 4:3 aspect ration would be 4 units wide and 3 units high. Still wider than higher but almost square. The 4:3 and the 16:9 are the two main aspect ratios available for Flat panel TVs. The different aspect ratios are found with different broadcast standards. For instance the 16:9 ratio is commonly used for HDTV and the 4:3 ratio format is common for NTSC. However, DVD media utilizes both the 16:9 and the 4:3 ratios. So you WILL see black (or gray) bars on your display IF you view 4:3 media on your 16:9 ratio screen OR you view 16:9 media on your 4:3 ratio screen.
Which one to buy?Neither one will play all the media you will want to use your Flat panel TV screen for. So you will have to compromise one or the other. Fortunately you can still view whatever you wish and they both have good quality viewing. Here is what you will find.
What about those black bars i have heard about?When viewing 4:3 media on a 16:9 ratio screen you will find black bars on both sides of the screen. When viewing 16:9 media on a 4:3 ratio screen you will find black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. See diagram at left. So, if you are using your display, primarily, to view spreadsheets, computer graphics and other computer presentations the 4:3 ratio would be best for you. If you are using the display for, primarily, viewing movies then the 16:9 aspect ratio might be best for you.
Replacing your standard TVWhat if you a have a standard TV and will simply be replacing your current set? If you desire the same viewing consistency, as the standard set you now have, then the 4:3 aspect ratio will work best, unless you have access to HDTV. HDTV signals use the 16:9 ratios as their standard media choice.
What if I want to use the new display as a home theatre set up?If you desire to use your display as part of a home theatre set up the the 16:9 aspect ratio will be best for you unless you, primarily, use standard format DVDs and VHS video tapes. 4:3 aspect ratio: The 4:3 aspect ratio will be around for many years to come. So if you use your display to view computers, standard NTSCTV, DVD and VHS movies, and/or video games, then 4:3 ratio will still work well for you. 16:9 aspect ratio: The 16:9 aspect ratio Is perfect for widescreen images. This technology in HDTV form has become an industry standard formay. In fact laws have been in place that will require all broadcasters to make high definition TV available to all. As a result. HDTV prices are getting lower and lower.
What we recommend for each particular format?16:9 aspect ratio: Video games (with adapters), Widescreen DVDs and HDTV broadcasting 4:3 aspect ratio: Video games, VHS tapes, Computer viewing and presentations, standard DVDs, and NTSCTV (standard US television).
