While researching projectors, you might encounter terms like WXGA resolution vs. full HD projector and wonder what they mean. Well, they refer to the projector’s pixel count and describe the device’s resolution and aspect ratio. The best projectors’ resolution influences the ability to include image details and image quality. To understand these aspects, you will need to know some basic information about digital projectors and video projectors to understand these aspects.
The reason is that you want to have the best projector for golf simulation, theater-quality movie watching, and even for video gaming or business purposes. That’s why it’s important to know this form of resolution, including knowing a projector’s native resolution vs support resolution. All of these factors matter.
Check out our article on a video projector vs. an overhead projector for additional information, or read on.
Key Takeaways_
- WXGA projectors have a slightly taller aspect ratio than full HD models, containing fewer pixels.
- Full HD devices offer 1920 x 1080 pixels with enhanced details compared to WXGA.
- Full HD remains the ideal baseline for a home theater, while WXGA is often used in business more than in the home.
Difference Between WXGA and Full HD Native Resolutions
A wide extended graphics array (WXGA) resolution device features 1280 horizontal pixels and 800 vertical pixels, written as 1280 x 800. The fact that there are more horizontal pixels than vertical makes the screen rectangular, and its aspect ratio is 16 units to 10 units.
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A full HD resolution projector matches the format of most TV shows and movies available today.
On the other hand, a full HD projector has 1920 horizontal pixels by 1080 vertical pixels, giving it a 16:9 aspect ratio. Because of these factors, WXGA and full HD projectors differ in the number of details and image quality alongside aspect ratios.
Aspect Ratios of WXGA and Full HD Resolutions
Aspect ratio refers to the screen’s dimensions, such as 16 units to 9 units or 16:9. Many modern TVs have an aspect ratio of 16:9, causing most content to be released with this aspect ratio. Additionally, laptops have shifted toward this same aspect ratio for their screens. Because of this fact, full HD projectors, easily show content with a 16:9 ratio. On the other hand, WXGA projectors have an aspect ratio of 16:10, meaning they would have black space at the top and bottom of the screen when showing 16:9 content.
Fine Details for Your Viewing Experience
Full HD projectors have about 2,073,600 pixels total, and each pixel adds another detail to the display. Because of this high pixel count, the picture quality is increased on higher-resolution displays, such as full HD or 4K. However, the WXGA models have about 1,024,000 pixels, which is less than half that of full HD, resulting in a loss of details and muddier appearing dark regions.
STAT: WXGA is the widescreen version of XGA delivering the same vertical resolution but providing 20% more horizontal resolution. (source)
The contrast ratio is the primary thing that impacts the appearance of black levels, but pixels define the area.
Availability of WXGA and Full HD Projection
Full HD projectors can be found more easily for home theater enthusiasts since they are the current standard for the device. The only higher resolution available is 4K, though some brands are trying for 8K models.
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A WXGA projector can be harder to find, but they typically are listed under the business section of a brand’s website.
Meanwhile, WXGA projectors expand on the capabilities of an XGA projector and have become common entry-level devices. Many brands offer a wide range of full HD devices, while the same ones offer only a few WXGA devices. Additionally, WXGA is used chiefly for businesses.
Other Common Resolutions for Projectors
- An SVGA projector is also known as a super video graphics array and features 800 x 600p with a squarelike image of 4:3.
- XGA resolution, extended graphics array, improves on the SVGA standard, and retains the 4:3 ratio. It has 1024 x 768p.
- WUXGA or widescreen ultra extended graphics array expands further on the resolution of WXGA with the same ratio and 1920 x 1200p.
- 4K devices offer roughly 4,000 pixels along the horizontal axis in the form of 3840 x 2160 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9.
