Nowadays home entertainment has one synonym and that is Projectors. Today, home theatre systems are specially used for streaming new movies and shows through online streaming services with your whole family. People are preferring projectors over large screen televisions merely because of the wide range of advantages they offer. Some of the perks are:
- Customisable screen size
- Huge images
- Eye comfort
- Compact size
- Portability
If these home theatre advantages sound like factors you have been looking for, then you should definitely opt for a Projector. Home Theatre systems are a necessity nowadays, considering the fact that our kids spend so much time on their phones. So, this might be the perfect way to bring your family together while streaming shows they adore. And that can only be possible if you have a really nice Projector at your house. So, if you have been wanting to buy a Projector since forever just so you can flex on your friends and family, then we have just the article for you.
Before you move on to reading this article, must check the best projectors under $500.
In this article, we are going to enlighten you about the Best Aspect Ratios for a Projector.
What is Aspect Ratio?
You might have come across projection obsessed people referring to their projector screens as 4:3, 16:9 or 2.35:1, but what does it mean?
Aspect Ratio is the relative shape of the viewing area or screen based on a ratio of width to height.
For example; a 4:3 aspect ratio means for every 3 units of measure for height, there will be 4 equal units of measure for width.
Following is the list of most common aspect ratios found in projector screens nowadays:
1:1
A 1:1 aspect ratio renders a perfectly squared projector for overhead projectors (OHP). It is specifically used in schools and education institutions. If you are using a native SVGA/XGA projector, then you can definitely opt for a 1:1 aspect ratio screen.
4:3
The 4:3 or NTSC aspect ratio is quite similar to the traditional television sets or computer resolution. This dimension is identical to the field of vision for a pair of human eyes. If you are using a native SVGA, XGA or UXGA projector, then you can definitely opt for a 4:3 aspect ratio screen.
16:10
This is the most popular aspect ratio for the latest WXGA or WUXGA notebooks. If you use a native widescreen notebook as your media player or a wide format XGA (UXGA) projector, then you can definitely opt for a 16:10 aspect ratio screen.
16:9
The 16:9 aspect ratio, also known as HDTV, was developed by SMPTE as being the geometric mean of the full range of US and European standard aspect ratios at the time. It was designed to accommodate high definition performance. Nowadays it is a widely used format in television and gaming design. It is also the most common format in standalone monitors.
2.35:1
The Widescreen Cinemascope format or 2.35:1 aspect ratio has now become a common medium for a movie theatre or “Big Screen Cinema”. This is ideal to use with widescreen home theatre projectors and anamorphic lenses to create a full cinematic effect.
Why does the Aspect Ratio matter?
When you are on your way to choosing a screen for your home, you are choosing where you want your black bars to be. If you have a 16:9 screen, the black bars will appear on the top and bottom while viewing 2.35:1 content. This makes the image appear to be smaller than the 16:9 content.
And if you have a 2.35:1 screen, then the 16:9 content will have black bars on the sides, making the 16:9 content appear to be smaller. This is one of the major reasons why people argue 2.35:1 screen is the best Projector screen aspect ratio.
To give you the best cinematic experience while watching a Disney movie or your favourite anime, movies and TV shows are bound to be enjoyed on bigger screens. So that they can give you a more cinematic experience while staying in the comfort of your home. And what’s the best way other than the home theatre system?
There are a ton of movies such as The Dark Knight where the image quickly switches from 2.35:1 to 16:9 during the movie itself. Hence, the best way to watch that movie is through the projectors. If not, then the image will be projected above and below the screen or will be merged into the centre with the black bars on the side, making the 16:9 portion appear to be smaller. So, if you think you are going to power up the home theatre system just for watching movies, then you are doing it wrong.
When 2.351 movies are released for the home, the makers expect black bars on the bottom of the image, so that they can put subtitles inside those bars. Movies like the 2016 Ghostbusters have used those black bars in ways that were never in the original movie.
Why 16:9 is the best Projector Screen Ratio
If you are looking for the most versatile, least expensive screen, then 16:9 would be the perfect choice for you. We’ve addressed some of the major points which are as follows:
HD Broadcasts
16:9 is the most popular format for two reasons. Today’s HD broadcasts and home theatre cinematic content typically comes in the aspect ratio of 16:9. And secondly, 16:9 can accommodate both 4:3 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios with the least amount of masking.
Cost
If you need to do 2:351 screen justice, then you first need to invest in a projector that can work with an anamorphic lens setup. The anamorphic lens is quite expensive, especially if you go for a motorised one. It also limits the projector options for you to choose from. The IMAX portions in movies like The Dark Knight will be stretched into a 2.35:1 screen, allowing you to have a poor experience of this amazing movie. So, we don’t recommend you buy a 2.35:1 projector screen.
If you want to have a better experience with your 2.35:1 screen, then we recommend you buy a projector with lens memory. This allows you to zoom out for 2.35:1 and back in for 16:9. As a result, you will have to increase your budget in order to afford the projector with lens memory. This also limits the number you have to choose from.
Back in Black
The major problemmost people have with 2.35:1 content is that the black bars haven’t been all the black. These slightly glowing black bars prove to be distracting to some people while watching the movie.
But nowadays the technology has improved. The higher-end JVC projectors have excellent black levels. Higher-end LCDs with the increasing number of local dimming zones are also doing a great job. However, these types of displays are hard on your pocket but we can assure you that they render an awesome experience.
- Also Check: How to connect projector to speaker?
Most versatile of them all
16:9 is the most versatile and least expensive aspect ratio for your projector screen. This screen works for most of the content, including games as well. You can also add a motorised masking screen to give your home theatre system a wow factor.
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