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Aspect Ratios
The aspect ratio of the standard television is 4:3, representing
the picture being 4 fixed units wide by 3 units high. This
is commonly shortened to 1.33:1 or just 1.33. This aspect
ratio used to be the movie industry standard in creating films,
therefore television adopted the 4:3 ratio. |
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As color film entered the market (during the 1950's), the movie
industries needed a new edge to maintain separation between movies
and television. Widescreen-projection and multi-channel sound
formats were the solution.
| This created a bit of a problem being that
television maintained their 4:3 aspect ratio and movies being
created in a larger aspect ratio. Solutions to this dilemma
are commonly known as “panning & scanning” and
letterboxing.
Panning
and Scanning
The traditional movie seemed to have one main action
focus area during scenes. The image is then cropped to fit
the 4:3 frame with the main action area in the center. This
obviously cuts out part of the movie, losing scenes. The
image on the right shows how significant amounts of movie
images are lost.
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Panning and Scanning
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Letterboxing
Many directors felt that panning and scanning is,
in away "butchering" their film. When directors
refused to have their film panned and scanned, an new technique
of letterboxing was created.
Letterboxing shows the full widescreen film intact. The
image is filled with a smaller, but wider, aspect-ratio image.
Black borders are displayed on the top and bottom of the film
to fill in the extra space. |
Letterboxing
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Aspect Ratio
Calculations
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4:3/1.33:1
NTSC Video
Diagonal x .8 =
Width
Width x .75 = Height
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16:9/1.78:1
High Definition (HDTV)
Diagonal x .87275
= Width
Width x .5625 = Height
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1.85:1
Widescreen
Diagonal 鞣� 1.135
= Width
Width 鞣� 1.85 = Height
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2.35:1
Cinemascope Widescreen
Diagonal 鞣� .2.55
= Height
Width x 2.35 = Width
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ElectriMask System
Stewart Filmscreen manufactures for all your aspect ratio needs.
You can create 4:3 frames to watch television, or lower the masking
panels to create aspect ratios ranging from 16:9(HDTV) to 2.35:1
(Cinemascope Widescreen). Optional acoustically
transparent masking is available to create the best audio
experience.
All ElectriMask systems are   approved. Motor system:100 Volt and 120 Volt/60 HZ
(cycle).
The Dual Roller ElectriMask system are also C.E. approved. Motor
system: TUV 240 Volt/ 50HZ (cycle).
ElectriMasks are custom made for
screenwalls and
retractable screens. All masking panels are motor driven.
Lowing and retracting of the masking panels may be controlled
by a variety of wall mounted or remote control systems. Frames are constructed
of angular steel bars, steel plate end cover, and L-shape brackets.
Masking Panel Rollers are 2" diameter steel tubes secured
to the motor.
Click on the images below to view individual
specification sheet of these masking systems.
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