1280x1024 or 1280x960 for 19" CRT?

[butch84]

I remembered that the SXGA standard, or 1280x960 uses a non standard aspect ratio. While most computer monitor resolutions have an aspect ratio of 4:3, 1280x960 has an aspect ratio of 5:4. So, would using 1280x960 on my 19" CRT stretch the image, since my monitor was designed with 4:3 resolutions in mind(i think)?


I have been using 1280x960 for quite a while, so i guess maybe ill just keep doing that, im just curious, and i always like more desktop space. Also, whats the deal with SXGA lcd screens? Are they physically made with aspect ratio 5:4 so as to not stretch the image whilst running at 1280x1024?

Thanks guys
butch84

 

[Accord99]

Er, 12800x960 is a 4:3 aspect ratio, so it would be the correct resolution since most CRT monitors have a physical 4:3 AR. 1280x1024 is 5:4 and would cause geometric distortions on a CRT, but most desktop LCDs between 17"-19" in size are phyiscally 5:4 and don't suffer any distortions running at 1280x1024.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Accord99
Er, 12800x960 is a 4:3 aspect ratio, so it would be the correct resolution since most CRT monitors have a physical 4:3 AR. 1280x1024 is 5:4 and would cause geometric distortions on a CRT, but most desktop LCDs between 17"-19" in size are phyiscally 5:4 and don't suffer any distortions running at 1280x1024.

Exactly what I was going to say...so I'll just quote him.

Why do you ask? Are you worried about damaging your monitor? You won't; as long as both of those modes are officially supported by your monitor. Just make sure that you have the driver (.inf) file for your monitor loaded up, this way only the officially supported resolutions are displayed. By default, Windows hides modes a monitor can't display when the correct .inf file is loaded.

 

[JackHawksmoor]

Thanks for the info about LCDs. 1280x1024 definitely looks distorted on a CRT, but looks fine on my LCD, so I was wondering if the actual aspect ratio was different.

 

[butch84]

no, im not worrying about damaging my monitor or anything, but i was thinkin' i could always use more desktop space yknow? But if it distorts, then i wont use it.

Thanks for reaffirming my suspicions.

EDIT: WHY do lcd's between 17-19" use the 5:4 asect ratio when the norm is 4:3?

 

[BFG10K]

4:3 is for CRTs (1280 x 960).
5:4: is for LCDs (1280 x 1024).

WHY do lcd's between 17-19" use the 5:4 asect ratio when the norm is 4:3?

The norm is 4:3 for CRTs. The norm varies on LCDs depending on its native resolution.

 

[EeyoreX]

EDIT: WHY do lcd's between 17-19" use the 5:4 asect ratio when the norm is 4:3?

As was mentioned, the "norm" depends on the native resolution of the LCD. Also, that's like asking why many 16:9 LCDs are becoming mainstream, and therefore the "norm". It's because the norm is changing to better suit the needs and wants of the consumer.

\Dan