Step Three - Choosing an Aspect Ratio

Standard NTSC television, video, and computer display images in a 4:3 aspect ratio. High-definition television or HDTV is shown in widescreen (or 16:9) format. Most films shown in a cinema display in an even wider aspect ratio than that. Our most popular screen aspect ratios, as you might expect, are also the 4:3 or 16:9 formats. But which one is best for you? We have created a handy reference for deciding which aspect ratio is best for you »

Quick Tip: Masking borders can be added (and potentially removed) as a way to eliminate the projected black bars you see when using your projector in its non-native format (ie 4:3 projector displaying in 16:9). Masking borders also enhance the perceived brightness of an image on a screen. The human eye perceives the image to have more contrast and a sharper picture with brighter colors.

Common Applications	Aspect Ratio	Width/Height
NTSC Video (US Standard for TV broadcast)	1.33	4:3
PAL Video (European Standard for TV broadcast)	1.33	4:3
HDTV Video (New standard for high definition TV - less common)	1.78	16:9
Cinemascope* (35mm film format used in theaters)	2.35*	wider than 16:9
35 MM Filmstrip	1.32	4:3
2x2 Standard 35MM Double-Frame Slides*	1.50*	--

* Screens are available in these configurations, but they are not listed on our site due to low demand. If you need a screen in one of these aspect ratios, call a Projector Expert and they can order one to your specifications.