Projectors Aspect ratio, and compare projectors to LCD and Plasma?

Question

I want to get a projector mainly for video games and movies, but every time I look the spec sheets say (aspect ratio 4:3/16:9) how is that possible I thought a projector screen should be like a TV with a fixed aspect ratio, a 42 LCD for example has a rectangular screen and is best suited for 16:9 but can accept 4:3 pictures but it will have pillar boxes on both sides is it the same for projectors and how can a projector have a 4:3 and 16:9, thanks for the help?

Answer 1

The projector has a "native aspect ratio" (16:9 or 4:3) but will project the "other" format as a subset (with black bars above/below or on the sides). See the link for a picture which addresses this (as an aside this diagram was intended to show why, for my viewing on a high resolution projector, I prefer 4:3 over 16:9).

The resolution of the program image is defined, and any subset (e.g. 4:3 image on a 16:9 screen, or 16:9 on a 4:3 screen) doesn't use all the available resolution. For example, a 4:3 image on a 16:9 projector doesn't use some of the width of the screen and while the vertical resolution (e.g. 480, 720 or 1080) is all utilized, the horizontal resolution is not. Similarly, a 16:9 image on a 4:3 projector can use all the horizontal resolution but only a portion of the vertical (the rest is filled with black).

Note that this ability to handle a different aspect ratio is similar to the ability of the projector to scale input signals to fit the native resolution of the projector. So, for example a 720p projector can accept a 480 or 1080 signal and fill the screen by scaling the input up or down, respectively.

As a final note, aspect ratios other than 16:9 (1.78:1) or 4:3 (1.33:1) -- such as 1.85:1, 2.05:1, 2.35:1 or 2.55:1 - must also be handled by projectors (or HDTVs) since these are common aspect ratios for films. All are handled the same way, but with narrower or wider bars above or below the "widescreen' image.

Any projector (or HDTV) only matches the input aspect ratio for one of many possible input aspect ratios.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hi projectors are designed to accept all aspect ratios,except the very early models which were fixed at 1.33:1 (4:3) .Some can "stretch"a 1.33:1 image to fill the whole screen. The standard aspect ratio for widescreen TV and projector screen is 1.78:1 (16:9) Some projectors have a re-size feature which can fill the whole screen with any aspect ratio.

Answer 3

It particularly relies upon on what style of domicile theatre you propose on having. in case you're going with a committed action picture room (reclining chairs, audio equipment-in-wall, particularly insulated room, etc.) then i might advise a projector. Its close to impossible for a plasma show screen to verify what a projector might supply you in show screen length, and in case you got here upon a ninety in. plasma, be waiting to spend over $50,000. Projectors do not deal w/ solar very nicely, yet once you have a action picture room, lights may be off or very dim anyhow. If it is your plan, seem up info on DLP projectors. you will discover DLP projectors supply you a greater useful photograph than liquid crystal show projectors, even nevertheless DLP and liquid crystal show projectors bodily seem a similar. so a techniques as affordable (and that i've got faith with the aid of affordable you mean what's clever for prevalent television observing and value) then projection shouldn't additionally be seen. Your possibilities for prevalent viewing, newscasts, and the occasional video condo may be greater suitable than basically a plasma television. I dont elect to confuse you so i might advise analyzing at your very own %. from the information superhighway internet site I offered under. Then bypass to 2-3 shops and talk over with the sales reps there. there are various different technologies each business enterprise makes use of and each have their very own benefit. that is not as user-friendly a variety as maximum folk anticipate.

Answer 4

Yeah man, it's the same deal.

You can either stretch the 4:3 image, or center it and have black bars on the sides. Either way, you can't beat a 100" picture for feeling like your in the game....well, a huge screen and a top notch sound system (no HTIB here lol).