Aspect Ratio

List the four most commonly used aspect ratios and explain what medium they are best suited for.

1.33:1 (4:3) Used to be the standard format for televisions. It was adapted from the ratio of film stock in the "Silent Era."

1.78.1 (16:9) The standard format for HD displays used in modern televisions and computer monitors.

1.85.1 The widescreen format that has been the predominant film ratio since the mid-1950's. It is still being used today.

2.39.1 This is typically used for the big budget blockbusters. This ratio has been the standard anamorphic widescreen format since the early 1970's.