In this article, we will explore in detail 2K resolution, a topic of great relevance in contemporary society. 2K resolution has captured the attention of numerous experts and academics due to its significant impact on various aspects of daily life. Through meticulous analysis and the collection of empirical evidence, we will seek to shed light on the different nuances and facets that characterize 2K resolution, in order to provide a comprehensive and enriching vision on this topic. In addition, the practical and theoretical implications of 2K resolution will be examined, in order to promote a deeper and more detailed understanding of its importance in the current landscape.
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 2048 × 1080. For television and consumer media, the dominant resolution in the same class is 1920 × 1080, but in the cinema industry this is generally referred to as "HD" and distinguished from the various 2K cinema formats.: 71,685
Format | Resolution | Display aspect ratio | Pixels |
---|---|---|---|
2K scan from 35 film (typical) | 2048 × 1556 | 1.32:1 (512:389, ≈4:3) | 3,186,688 |
DCI 2K (native resolution) | 2048 × 1080 | 1.90:1 (256:135, ≈17:9) | 2,211,840 |
DCI 2K (flat cropped) | 1998 × 1080 | 1.85:1 | 2,157,840 |
DCI 2K (CinemaScope cropped) | 2048 × 858 | 2.39:1 | 1,755,136 |
QXGA | 2048 × 1536 | 1.33:1 (4:3) | 3,145,728 |
WUXGA | 1920 × 1200 | 1.60:1 (16:10) | 2,304,000 |
Full HD | 1920 × 1080 | 1.78:1 (16:9) | 2,073,600 |
QWXGA | 2048 × 1152 | 1.78:1 (16:9) | 2,359,296 |
In the cinematography industry, 2K resolution traditionally refers to a digital scan of 35 mm film with a resolution around 2000 pixels wide. Typically this is done at 2048 × 1556, but the exact dimensions vary based on the aspect ratio and size of the scan area.: 714
In modern cinema, another common 2K resolution is 2048 × 1080. 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,: §3.2.1 which establishes the following resolutions for a 2K distribution:: 6
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 1920 × 1080 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, 2560 × 1440 (1440p) is sometimes incorrectly referred to as 2K, but it and similar formats are more traditionally categorized as 2.5K resolutions.: 102