Video resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up an image or video. It is typically expressed as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels, such as 1920x1080 or 1080p. The higher the video resolution, the more detailed and clear the image will appear.
Some common video resolutions include:
- 720p (1280x720): This resolution is often used for standard definition (SD) content and is considered lower quality than 1080p or 4K. It is often used for online video or television programming that is not being displayed on a high-definition (HD) or ultra-high-definition (UHD) display.
- 1080p (1920x1080): This resolution is often used for HD content and is considered higher quality than 720p but lower quality than 4K. It is often used for online video or television programming that is being displayed on an HD display.
- 4K (3840x2160): This resolution is considered ultra-high definition (UHD) and is the highest quality resolution currently available for consumer displays. It is often used for high-end video content, such as movies and television shows, and is best suited for displays with a high pixel density.
Here is an example use case for video resolution:
Suppose you are producing a video for your business and want to ensure that it looks as high quality as possible. You decide to shoot the video in 4K resolution, as this will provide the highest level of detail and clarity. You then edit the video and export it in 1080p resolution, as this is the highest resolution that most of your target audience's devices can display. This allows you to deliver a high-quality video to your audience while still taking into account the capabilities of their devices.
In this example, shooting the video in 4K resolution allows you to capture as much detail as possible, while exporting it in 1080p resolution ensures that the video looks its best on the majority of your audience's devices.
Videos are also encoded at lower resolutions for the following reasons
- Reducing buffering: By delivering a video at a lower resolution, the streaming service can reduce the amount of data that needs to be transferred and reduce the risk of buffering or other issues caused by a lack of bandwidth. This can make the video more stable and allow it to play smoothly without interruptions.
- Improving compatibility: Encoding a video at multiple resolutions can also help to improve compatibility with different devices and screen sizes. By delivering a video at a lower resolution, the streaming service can ensure that the video can be played on devices with lower processing power or smaller screens without causing issues.
- Reducing data usage: Encoding a video at lower resolutions can also help to reduce data usage, which can be useful for viewers who are on a limited data plan or are using a mobile device. By delivering a video at a lower resolution, the streaming service can help to reduce the amount of data that is used, which can save the viewer money and prevent them from exceeding their data limits.
It is worth noting that using lower resolution images can have some drawbacks, such as a loss of detail and clarity. Therefore, it is important to consider the trade-offs between file size, storage space, processing time, and image quality when deciding which resolution to use.