A Guide to Display Resolution

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a projector is its resolution. The resolution determines the quality of the image that the projector produces. A higher resolution means a better quality image, but the right resolution for you depends on your budget and needs.

This guide looks into everything you need to know about display resolutions. So, let’s start with the basic definition of the term itself!

What is display resolution?

Resolution or “native” resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image on a projecting surface. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution, and the clearer the projected image is.

A common term often associated with the resolution is the aspect ratio which is the ratio between the image width and height.

When looking for your desired projector, you have to keep in mind that resolution and aspect ratio go hand in hand.

Common projector resolutions

There are various resolutions available in projectors. However, below we have outlined the most commonly used ones.

• SVGA – one of the oldest resolution standards, SVGA, or super video graphics array, boasts 800 x 600 pixels, along with an aspect ratio of 4:3.
• XGA – short for “extended graphics array”, XGA is similar to SVGA except that it offers much higher pixels of 1024 x 768 pixels.
• WXGA – short for “wide extended graphics array”, WXGA is an improved iteration of the aforementioned standards that are commonly used in entry-level projectors. With a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10, it perfectly suits widescreen images.
• FHD – short for “Full HD”, FHD is the next best resolution in line with a resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) and an aspect ratio of 16:9.
• WUXGA – abbreviated for “widescreen ultra extended graphics array”, WUXGA is similar to WXGA in all aspects except the pixels, which are 1920 x 1200.
• UHD – Ultra High Definition is the highest resolution standard readily available in the market. UHD translates to a 16:9 aspect ratio and a whopping 3840 x 2160 pixels. It is often referred to as “4K UHD”.
• 4K – it is often interchangeably used with UHD in consumer applications. However, it is a professional production standard defined by the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI). It features an aspect ratio of 4K 1.9:1, and a resolution of 4096 X 2160 pixels.

Note that some other high-end resolutions are available or in development, such as 8K. However, the value of those resolutions has not yet been identified for the consumers.

Maximum input resolution

Maximum input resolution is the highest signal resolution that a project can process and display. If the resolution of the displayed content is different from the native resolution of the projector, the device will “scale” the image to match its native resolution.

For instance, if an SVGA-level video is to be displayed on a Full HD projector, the projector will compress the image to display it. On the contrary, if an FHD video is to be displayed on an XGA projector, the projector will enlarge the image to display it.

So, through scaling, a projector approximates how the image would look if it were to be displayed in the device’s native resolution. This process tends to reduce image quality.

However, it is worth mentioning that with the advancement in projector technology, scaled content now looks almost as good as if it was displayed in its native resolution.

In any case, for best results, it is always recommended that you adjust your output content settings to match your projector’s native resolution.

Common scenarios for projectors and ideal resolutions

The best projector resolution depends on what you intend to use the device for. You could be a homeowner looking to create a cinema room, a business owner looking to set up his conference room, or a teacher who wants to impart knowledge to their students in the best possible way.

Regardless of what your needs are, we have got you covered.

Business and Education

When choosing a projector for business or education, the resolution is an important factor to consider.

Depending on how detailed an image you are looking for, you can consider all the common projector resolutions listed above.

After determining the ideal pixels, it would all come down to the required aspect ratio. PowerPoint presentations are normally in either a 4:3 or 16:9 format, depending on the rules of the concerned company. Similarly, multimedia content often has an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Home cinema

When it comes to home cinema, whether it is streaming content or displaying cable/satellite feeds, you should consider the following two resolutions: 1080p and UHD/4k UHD. Similarly, an aspect ratio of 16:9 would be ideal.

Basic personal use

For personal use, including gaming, watching movies, attending a business meeting, or something else, a resolution of 1080p or 4k/4k UHD, and an aspect ratio of 16:9 should be good enough. However, depending on personal preference, these parameters can vary.

Things to consider when choosing display resolution

Now that you have decided on your projector’s display resolution, keep the following in mind when shopping for your ideal projector:

• Consider what you’re going to use your projector for – home, business, or education. This is the most important point to keep in mind. However, as mentioned above, a resolution of 1080p or above and an aspect ratio of 16:9 is compatible with all the cases.
• Make sure that the native resolution of your projector matches that of the content you intend to view on the device. It is just to avoid scaling and ensure the best possible output.
• Make sure that the aspect ratio of your projector is the same as that of your projector screen (if you happen to own one).
• Given a constant screen size, the distance between the image and the viewer also plays a key role when you are choosing your display resolution. For instance, to enjoy a larger, much clearer 4K image, you would have to sit twice as close to the screen as you would in the case of a Full HD image.

FAQs

Is 1080p a good resolution for a projector?

Yes, it is definitely a good resolution for a projector. 1080p not only offers you clarity in colour accuracy and smooth pixel performance, but the projectors with this resolution (FHD projectors) are very affordable as well.

Is 4K better than 1080p?

It depends on what you are using the projector for. 4K has a higher number of pixels than 1080p. So, if what you are after is a sharper, higher-quality image, then 4K is your best bet.

What is the highest resolution projector?

4K UHD is the highest resolution projector readily available in the market. Projectors with resolutions up to 8K are said to be in development.

Summary

There are a variety of display resolutions available, such as SVGA, XGA, WXGA, UHD, and 4K. However, the one you need depends upon your budget and, most importantly, your particular needs.

In any case, when you are in the market to buy your desired projector, make sure to check that it is compatible with its screen and the content you want to stream on it.