16:9 (Also called Widescreen)

As viewed on a 16:9 TV

16:9 Cropped to 4:3 (Centre cut-out)

As viewed on a 4:3 TV

The outer edges of the original image is not visible with 4:3 cropping.

16:9 Letterbox

As viewed on a 4:3 TV

Black bars are at top and bottom of the screen to view the 16:9 image.

This is the only ratio which allows the viewer to see the entire original 16:9 shaped picture on a 4:3 shaped Television set.

4:3 Full Height Anamorphic (FHA)

As viewed on a 4:3 TV

FHA is the method used to horizontally squeeze a 16:9 picture into a 4:3 frame.

An un-squeezed 16:9 image looks tall and thin on a 4:3 TV

... to keep everyone happy, broadcasters decided on a ‘halfway house’ screen ratio of 14:9 – which means that everyone gets thinner bars on their screens – unless you have a modern television that magically resizes the picture for you.

14:9 Letterbox

As viewed on a 4:3 TV

Black bars are at top and bottom of the screen to view the 14:9 image.

A compromise between 16:9 and 4:3, often broadcast in the UK

14:9 Widescreen

As viewed on a 16:9 TV

Black bars on the right and left to view the 14:9 image.

A compromise between 16:9 and 4:3, often broadcast in the UK