Display Resolutions | HD, 4k, UHD, WUXGA

What resolution?

HD, 4K, UHD, WUXGA or…?

Resolution Matters – Ensure Crisp, Clear Images

HD, 4K, UHD, WUXGA or…? While ultra-high resolutions are widely available, 4K is not always necessary – or even desirable. Using 4K without considering viewing distances and font sizes can result in content that is too small to read, even for those sitting at the front of the room.

So what resolution do you actually need? The DISCAS standard provides precise guidance, including the optimal font size required for readability from the farthest viewing point.

For most meeting, teaching, and presentation spaces, HD resolution (1920 x 1080 in 16:9 or 1920 x 1200 in 16:10) is typically sufficient. Higher resolutions such as 4K are primarily needed for high-detail content, including medical imaging, engineering design, or oil exploration.

It’s also essential to remember that a 4K display doesn’t automatically mean a 4K image. Any system is only as strong as its weakest link—if your source content, computer, or any part of the system is only HD, your display will only reproduce HD quality. A single HD pixel will simply be upscaled into a four-pixel block on a 4K screen. True 4K performance requires a fully 4K-compatible system from source to display.

Useful fact
Although 4K and UHD are often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference. 4K resolution is 4096 x 2160, whereas UHD (Ultra High Definition) is 3840 x 2160. UHD is precisely four times the resolution of HD – doubling both width (1920 x 2 = 3840) and height (1080 x 2 = 2160), retaining the 16:9 aspect ratio. In most ProAV applications, UHD is the preferred and more commonly used format.

Resolution