Display Resolution Explainer

SD (Standard Definition)

640 x 480

Standard Definition, commonly used in older TVs and early computer monitors.

const resolution = {
  name: "SD (Standard Definition)",
  width: 640,
  height: 480
};

// To set this resolution in CSS:
element.style.width = `640px`;
element.style.height = `480px`;

Did you know?

The term 2K is often misused. It technically refers to resolutions with a horizontal pixel count of around 2,000, which is closest to 2048x1080. However, many incorrectly use it to refer to 1920x1080 (Full HD) resolution.

What is resolution? What does it mean?

Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on a screen, expressed as width x height. Higher resolutions mean more pixels, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. Here's a breakdown of common resolutions and where they shine:

Basic Resolutions

SD (Standard Definition)

Pixels: 640 x 480
Where it's used: Older TVs, DVDs, and retro gaming consoles.
Example: Think of old CRT TVs—good enough for small screens but blurry on larger displays.

HD (High Definition)

Pixels: 1280 x 720 (720p)
Where it's used: Budget TVs, older smartphones, and YouTube videos with "HD" tags.
Example: Streaming a YouTube video in 720p still looks decent on small screens.

FHD (Full HD)

Pixels: 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
Where it's used: TVs, monitors, laptops, and most streaming platforms.
Example: Perfect for Netflix movies or gaming consoles like the PS4.

Advanced Resolutions

QHD (Quad HD)

Pixels: 2560 x 1440 (1440p or 2K)
Where it's used: High-end smartphones, gaming monitors, and laptops.
Example: A gaming monitor offering crisp detail for fast-paced action games.

WQHD (Wide Quad HD)

Pixels: 3440 x 1440
Where it's used: Ultrawide monitors for productivity, stock trading, or immersive gaming.
Example: Simultaneously editing a document while having multiple browser tabs open side-by-side.

WFHD (Wide Full HD)

Pixels: 2560 x 1080
Where it's used: Entry-level ultrawide monitors.
Example: Watching movies in widescreen format without black bars.

Premium Resolutions

UHD (Ultra HD)

Pixels: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Where it's used: Premium TVs, monitors, high-end cameras, and video editing.
Example: Watching 4K HDR movies on a big screen for cinematic quality.

8K

Pixels: 7680 x 4320
Where it's used: Ultra-premium TVs, professional film production, and museums.
Example: Viewing a nature documentary on an 85-inch 8K TV where every feather of a bird is crystal clear.

How to Choose the Right Resolution

Everyday Use
- FHD (1920 x 1080) is ideal for casual users who browse the web, stream shows, or do light gaming.
Professional Use
- QHD (2560 x 1440) or UHD (3840 x 2160) are best for graphic design, video editing, and photography.
- Ultrawide formats like WQHD or WFHD improve multitasking and productivity.
Gaming
- QHD provides a sweet spot for performance and quality.
- UHD (4K) is for those with high-performance GPUs and who want stunning visuals.
Cutting-Edge Tech
- 8K is future-proof but mostly relevant for professionals in filmmaking or those with enormous TVs and viewing distances.

Quick Example Recap

Resolution	Pixels	Best Use Case
SD	640 x 480	DVDs, retro gaming
HD	1280 x 720	Budget TVs, YouTube
FHD	1920 x 1080	Streaming, general use
QHD	2560 x 1440	Gaming monitors, smartphones
WQHD	3440 x 1440	Ultrawide workstations
UHD (4K)	3840 x 2160	Movies, editing, high-end gaming
8K	7680 x 4320	Ultra-high-end TVs, professional use

Higher resolution screens are great but require more powerful hardware for gaming or video editing. Choose based on your needs—don't go for 8K if you're just watching YouTube on a laptop!