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Resolution

What is it?

  • In computers, the resolution is the number of pixels (individual points of color) contained on a display monitor.

  • For graphics monitors, the screen resolution signifies the number of dots (pixels) on the entire screen.

  • For example, a 1920-by-1080 pixel screen is capable of displaying 1920 distinct dots on each of 1080 lines, or about 300,000 pixels.

1920 pixels

21.5 inch

1080 pixels

1920 X 1080 Monitor (21.5 inches)

Higher image resolution means more image details.

  • In the case of dot-matrix and laser printers, the resolution indicates the number of dots per inch.

  • For example, a 300-dpi (dots per inch) printer is one that is capable of printing 300 distinct dots in a line 1 inch long.

  • This means it can print 90,000 dots per square inch.

Resolution

For printer

DPI (dot per inch)

Pixel (width-by-height )

For display

 For example, a 15-inch VGA monitor (640x480) displays about 50 dots per inch.

DPI & Pixel Relation

  • For example, a 640-by-480 pixel screen is capable of displaying 640 distinct dots on each of 480 lines, or about 300,000 pixels.

  • This translates into different dpi measurements depending on the size of the screen. 

Pixel (width-by-height )

DPI (dot per inch)

640 x 480 pixel  ~  50 dpi

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  • 720p      =    1280 x 720     - It is usually known as HD or “HD Ready” resolution.

 

  • Here’s some video resolution in short form:

Resolution in Short

  • 1080p    =    1920 x 1080   - Known as FHD or “Full HD” resolution.

  • 1440p    =    2560 x 1440   - Commonly known as QHD or Quad HD resolution, four times the resolution of 720p HD.

  • 2160p    =    3840 x 2160   - Known as 4K, UHD or Ultra HD resolution.

  • 720i, 1080i, 4320i etc.

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  • P stands for progressive.

  • i stands for interlaced.

What if Resolution Changes?

  • When resolution increases,

  • Images become crisper due to a higher pixel density.

  • Text and images may also become smaller because more pixels per square inch are being displayed.

  • When resolution decreases,

  • Text should appear bigger.

  • Images are not as crisp.

  • Performance requirements go down.

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