2K resolution

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 . For television and consumer media, the dominant resolution in the same class is , but in the cinema industry this is generally referred to as HD and distinguished from the various 2K cinema formats.

Resolutions

Standards and terminology

In the cinematography industry, 2K resolution traditionally refers to a digital scan of 35mm film with a resolution around 2000 pixels wide. Typically this is done at , but the exact dimensions vary based on the aspect ratio and size of the scan area.

In modern cinema, another common 2K resolution is . 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, which establishes the following resolutions for a 2K distribution:
* (full frame, or aspect ratio)
* (flat crop, aspect ratio)
* (CinemaScope crop, aspect ratio)

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 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, ( 1440p) is sometimes referred to as ''2K'', but it and similar formats are more traditionally categorized as 2.5K resolutions.

See also

* 21:9 aspect ratio

References

{{Video formats

Digital imaging
Film and video technology