Searching for the Perfect Aspect Ratio

Abstract

A debate is currently taking place over the appropriate aspect ratio for advanced television displays. Any selected aspect ratio is inherently incompatible with any other and will require the use of some form of accommodation technique. The derivation of the 16:9 (1.78:1) aspect ratio from accommodation techniques and display modes is explained, as is the relationship between aspect ratio and display memory. Research into the history of aspect ratios indicates that the 1.78:1 aspect ratio was adopted by the Standards Committee of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers (SMPE) in 1930. It also indicates that the factors that may initially have led to widescreen motion picture systems may no longer be applicable. The research for this paper found no clear indication of a preference for any particular aspect ratio for moving images nor any physiological reason to favor one over another. The research did show that cinematographers have not always favored the same aspect ratio.

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