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2K resolution

Display devices or content having horizontal resolution of approximately 2,000 pixels

Display devices or content having horizontal resolution of approximately 2,000 pixels

2K resolution is a generic term for display devices or content having a horizontal resolution of approximately 2,000 pixels. In the movie projection industry, Digital Cinema Initiatives is the dominant standard for 2K output and defines a 2K format with a resolution of . For television and consumer media, the dominant resolution in the same class is , but in the cinema industry this is generally referred to as HD and distinguished from the various 2K cinema formats.

Resolutions

FormatResolutionDisplay aspect ratioPixels
2K scan from 35film (typical)1.32:1 (512:389, ≈4:3)3,186,688
DCI 2K (native resolution)1.90:1 (256:135, ≈17:9)2,211,840
DCI 2K (flat cropped)1.85:12,157,840
DCI 2K (CinemaScope cropped)2.39:11,755,136
QXGA1.33:1 (4:3)3,145,728
WUXGA1.60:1 (16:10)2,304,000
Full HD1.78:1 (16:9)2,073,600
QWXGA1.78:1 (16:9)2,359,296

Standards and terminology

In the cinematography industry, 2K resolution traditionally refers to a digital scan of 35mm film with a resolution around 2000 pixels wide. Typically this is done at , but the exact dimensions vary based on the aspect ratio and size of the scan area.

In modern cinema, another common 2K resolution is . This is the resolution of the 2K container format standardized by DCI in their Digital Cinema System Specification in 2005. The resolution of the encapsulated video content follows the SMPTE 428-1 standard, which establishes the following resolutions for a 2K distribution:

  • (full frame, or aspect ratio)
  • (flat crop, aspect ratio)
  • (CinemaScope crop, aspect ratio)

However, the term 2K itself is generic, was not coined by DCI, and does not refer specifically to the DCI 2K standard. Usage of the term 2K predates the publication of the DCI standard. The resolution has also been referred to as a 2K resolution by other standards organizations like NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories and ITU Radiocommunication Sector (which were involved in the standardization of 1080p HDTV and 4K UHDTV). In consumer products, (1440p) is sometimes referred to as 2K, but it and similar formats are more traditionally categorized as 2.5K resolutions.

References

References

  1. James, Jack. (2006). "Digital Intermediates for Film and Video". Focal Press.
  2. (10 October 2012). "Digital Cinema System Specification". [[Digital Cinema Initiatives]].
  3. (November 2005). "DCI and OTHER Film Formats".
  4. Ascher, Steven. (2012). "The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age". Penguin.
  5. Ascher, Steven. (2007). "The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age". Penguin.
  6. (October 10, 2012). "Digital Cinema System Specification Version 1.2 with Errata as of 30 August 2012 Incorporated". [[Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC]].
  7. (September 29, 2006). "SMPTE 428-1-2006: D-Cinema Distribution Master - Image Characteristics". Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).
  8. (2004-03-25). "Defining_2K_and_4K".
  9. (2003-06-24). "CGTalk {{!}} 2K Film Resolution".
  10. (2002-09-26). "what resolution/ratio/frame rate? : Cinema 4D".
  11. (2021-08-17). "JOURNALS {{!}} Broadcast Technology {{!}} NHK STRL".
  12. (2021-08-17). "ITU-R BT.2245-6".
  13. "What is Resolution of Monitor? Full HD vs 2K vs 4K".
  14. Michael Hession. (16 April 2012). "BlackMagic Cinema Camera: Whopping 2.5K Resolution for Under $3000". Gizmodo.
  15. (11 February 2021). "Scarlet-W Dragon Operation Guide V7.4.0". RED Digital Cinema.
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