Aspect Ratios Explained

SQUARE FORMAT (1:1)

Square format (1:1) screens are extremely versatile and are suitable for all formats of projection. They are best suited to be used in Square (1:1) format for Overhead and 35mm Slide projectors.

They can also be used in Video (4:3) and Widescreen (16:9) format for business and home-cinema Data/Video projectors. However, using a Square format screen with a Video or Widescreen projection does not show the image at it's best due to the inevitable blank white areas of screen above and below the image which are not in use. It's much better to use a Video (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) format screen for these projectors, as the image is neatly masked by a black border, which enhances the on-screen picture.

VIDEO FORMAT (4:3)

Video Format (4:3) is the standard image shape that is projected by the vast majority of data-video projectors. Video Format screens provide a perfectly matched projection surface for PC applications; such as MS Powerpoint, as well as DVD, Freeview, and other Video sources. The image is neatly masked by a black border which enhances the on-screen picture.

WIDESCREEN FORMAT (16:9)

Widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio is best suited for Home Cinema viewing. Widescreen is the image shape used by most modern LCD or Plasma TVs. Most data-video projectors can be switched to widescreen (16:9) mode in their operating menus. Dedicated home cinema/theatre projectors have a 16:9 ratio at the heart of their optical system, and this aspect ratio is designed to provide a perfectly matched projection surface for widescreen image viewing. The image is neatly masked by a black border, which enhances the on-screen picture.

WIDE XGA FORMAT (16:10)

Wide XGA (16:10) Aspect ratio (also known as "Business Widescreen") is best suited to projection when using a widescreen computer and have a 16:10 aspect ratio projector. This new format is continuing to grow and although we currently have a limited number of screens in this Aspect ratio, we are increasing our range of screens.