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Aspect Ratio and Projection Screen Size

To better understand what size screen you may want, you will need to understand "aspect ratio".  It's really not that difficult. To learn more about aspect ratio,  go HERE.

Aspect ration has to do with the width of your screen in relation to its height. For instance, 4:3 is like our older TV's (kind of square shaped). 16:9 is like the newer widescreen TV's

4:3 was known as the "Full Screen" version where as 16:9 was the "Wide Screen" Version. When you were watching a movie on television, didn't you ever wonder what, "This film was modified form its original version to fit your screen" meant? Basically, it meant the picture would fill your screen.

When "Letter Box" came out it seemed as though you were losing part of the picture on your old TV because you had those "black bars" at the top and bottom of your screen. Actually, you were seeing more of the actual picture. However, in order to put the full width on your old TV, the height had to be lowered.  The aspect ratio (the width and height of the film) stayed the same. Here you could see the full picture as it was shot. The "modified to fit your screen" version actually showed less of the actual picture.

Think of it this way: You take a picture using a panoramic lens. You want to send that picture to your friend. However, you don't have a "wide" envelope. All you have is a "card" sized envelope. In order to send the picture you cut off the sides. That is what was happening to film on our older TV's. That is why the newer TV's have gone to the wider screens.

For real theater viewers, there's also "cinemascope". This is a different aspect ratio commonly referred to as 2.35:1, although in actuality it is 2:29:1 (for more on this go here). For some films to be shown properly, this aspect ratio is needed. Here again, you may need other equipment to fill this screen when watching other versions. That equipment may include a video processor and anamorphic lens.

Now, what size screen do you need for your home theater? It may be best to talk with your home theater dealer or installer. They will help you to see what options best fit your needs. They will then be able to help you decide which screen will be best for your home theater.

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