4:3: Traditional nearly square aspect ratio used for most current analog television screens

16:9: The aspect ratio most commonly known as widescreen or letterbox.

These ratios describe the “shape” of the output, measured horizontal by vertical.

There are three areas where aspect ratios come into play when using 3M Digital Signage software:

1)   The aspect ratio of the media files you are playing

2)   The aspect ratio of the output of the player

3)   The aspect ratio of the display being used

If the aspect ratios are not properly aligned, black bars at the top and bottom or left and right of the media file can occur. This is referred to as the ‘Letterbox’ effect.

Examples of possible Letterboxing:

Media File Aspect Ratios

There are two factors that can affect the playback of media files in inspire, in regards to the aspect ratio:

Encoded aspect ratio of the media file: All video files must be encoded at either Standard 4:3 or Widescreen 16:9. This is determined at the time of encoding.

Aspect ratio of the frame used for playback: The frame used for playing back the show must be the same as the encoded aspect ratios of the media files.