Digital Media Concepts/LD, 2D, SD, 3D, HD, 4D, 4K, 8K

There are different types of definitions and dimensions that have been created, discovered, or invented for either a very long period of time or recently.

LD (Low Definition)

Low Definition is the image quality that displays either 320x240 pixels or 480x272 pixels. The term “low definition” is referred to digital television when it is transmitting at a matching resolution as LD analog television systems. Low definition displays a lower resolution than Standard definition; and shows a blurry quality. When you see low definition in television, the image quality is similar to a VHS videotape. The VHS videotape can be compared to low definition because of its low bandwidth. Usually you will find low definition programming on the Internet; and social media like YouTube (that is if you go to settings and change the video quality to either 144p, 240p, or 360p; or if the video is automatically set to 144p, 240p, or 360p). You will also find low definition programming transmitted on Mobile DTV and Slow-Scan TV systems. Not only that, even you will find low definition transmitted on portable devices such as Apple’s iPhone, Sony’s PlayStation Portable, and Apple’s iPod.

2D (2nd Dimension)

2-Dimensional is an artwork that displays a flat plane surface. 2D is also a shape that has a length and a width. It even also doesn’t have any type of thickset. There are basic traditional shapes that have and show the 2D qualities and features, such as a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, and dodecagon. Now when you see 2D traditional animation, it shows individual drawings that show the illusion of characters and objects moving. One of the earliest examples of 2D traditional animation and also one of the first cartoons is a 1908 film called “Fantasmagorie.” It’s a silent quiet film that was first released in France; and was directed and produced by Emile Cohl. Nowadays, 2D animation is not much on paper, but instead it’s mostly online. You will see 2D pictures in animated TV shows, animated movies, video games, websites, advertisements, apps, etc.

SD (Standard Definition)

Standard Definition is the image quality that displays 640x480 pixels. As you see standard definition, the image quality is similar to a DVD (also VHS). Earlier, Standard Definition TV was widely available; and you would see many TV programs and movies broadcasted in standard definition. Nowadays, you are more unlikely to see standard definition broadcasted in TV shows and movies; as well as seeing and playing video games in SD format, and seeing advertisements in SD, etc. Standard definition is now like low definition as both of them are now old and antique definitions. However, standard definition can still be found on websites, like YouTube. Standard definition displays 480p, 480i, 576p, or 576i. Only the option of 480p is available on YouTube.

3D (3rd Dimension)

3-Dimensional is an artwork that displays a depth and thickness. 3D is also a shape that has a length, a width, and a height. There are shapes that have and show the 3D qualities and features, such as a sphere, pyramid, cube, rectangular prism, cone, cylinder, etc. Now when you see 3D animation, it brings humans (as well as other living beings) and objects to life in animated movies, animated TV shows, 3D video games, etc. For a 3D animation to be successful, the 3D artist must make sure an animated 3D character or characters must be given the proper traits and motion. They also must be given the weight, bones, skin, and other features to look like a lively 3D character; even timing of the character to interact with other characters is important so that the audience can feel that the characters are actually communicating with each other and living in a real world (like Earth) that truly exists. The earliest verified 3D film was a 1922 film called “The Power of Love.” It’s a lost silent drama film released in the United States; and directed and produced by Harry K. Fairall, also directed by Nat G. Deverich. Later on, in 1935, the first 3D television was produced; the 3DTV would show stereoscopic 3D. Now recently in 2017, 3DTV was said to be dead due to declining in sales, expensive, the conflicting 3D glasses, and was negatively impacting people’s health.

HD (High Definition)

High Definition is the image quality that displays either 1280x720 pixels or 1920x1080 pixels. High definition displays the image quality that is similar to 35mm format. High Definition TV is widely available today (as well as other formats that are similar to HD, like 4K Ultra HD and 8K Ultra HD). Since HD is the newest and latest form of definition, and shows clear and sharp pictures; these would be the reasons why LDTV and SDTV are not widely available anymore. High Definition displays 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. You can see high definition anywhere, such as live-action movies, animated movies, live-action TV shows, animated TV shows, video games, advertisements, apps, etc.; even you can also see and find HD on websites like YouTube. YouTube displays only 720p and/or 1080p (not all videos display the HD format). The format that displays 1280x720 is the 720p format. The 720p format is a lower form of high definition, and is called “HD Ready.” The formats that displays 1920x1080 pixels are 1080i and 1080p formats. The 1080i and 1080p formats are the full forms of HD, and are called “Full HD.” HDTV first started transmitting in 1989 in the country of Japan. Later on, in 1993, HDTV technology came in the U.S.; then in 1996, the first public High Definition Television transmission and broadcasting occurred in the U.S.; then in 1998, High Definition Television sets were starting to become available in the U.S., and then transmissions started around late 1998. Also, the first and perhaps the earliest films to be shot in HD is a 1987 Italian movie called “Julia and Julia.”

4D (4th Dimension)

4-Dimensional is an artwork in where you are adding and extending another dimension from 3D shapes. 4D is similar to 3D. As you see some 4D objects, there would be depth added, but it may not be fully seen as it may be difficult to determine if the object is either in 4D or 3D (humans can clearly see 3D objects). There are 4D shapes such as a “Tesseract” which is similar to a 3D cube and a 2D square. The alternate name for the “Tesseract” is “4D cube.” The first 4D film ever was said to be “The Sensorium” which was released in 1984. Also, when you see a 4D film, you will see smoke, lasers, lightings, soap bubbles, etc. that may show a 4D effect. 3D films like “Captain EO” and “Muppet*Vision 3D” are examples of showing 4D aspects.

4K (4K Ultra High Definition)

4K Ultra High Definition is the image quality that displays either 3840x2160 pixels or 4096x2160 pixels. 4KUHDTV is widely available today as of 2020 (even 8KUHDTV), as it is currently one of the newest forms of high-technology. 4K is said to be 4 times the resolution of Full HD. 4K’s image quality is clear and sharp just like HD and 8K. Also, the 4KTV is expensive, but however the costs are lowering down as a lot of people are buying it. There are some movies and TV shows today that are available in 4K, but not every movie and TV show is available in 4K format as these types of technologies are expensive. The “K” in 4K means “Kilo,” which is “1000,” thus giving the 4K resolution width of approximately 4000 pixels. You can find 4K content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, etc.

8K (8K Ultra High Definition)

8K Ultra High Definition is the image quality that displays 7680x4320 pixels. 8K is twice as 4K in pixel count. Just like 4K, 8K is also currently one of the newest forms of high-technology; and the TVs are very expensive. Just like HD and 4K, 8K’s image quality is clear and sharp. 8K is said to be 4 times bigger than 4K, and 16 times bigger than a Full High Definition Television. The “K” in 8K means “Kilo,” which is “1000,” thus giving the 8K resolution width of approximately 8000 pixels. Currently, there are no movies and TV shows available in 8KUHD. Also, the pixels in 8KTV are very small, thus making the pictures very highly detailed and look like a reality.

Others

2K (2K Ultra High Definition)

A resolution width that approximately has 2000 pixels. An image quality that displays 2048x1080 pixels.

5K (5K Ultra High Definition)

A resolution width that approximately has 5000 pixels. An image quality that displays 5120x2880 pixels.

10K (10K Ultra High Definition)

A resolution width that approximately has 10000 pixels. An image quality that displays 10240x4320 pixels.

16K (16K Ultra High Definition)

A resolution width that approximately has 16000 pixels. An image quality that displays 15360x8640 pixels.

2.5D (2.5 Dimension)

A mixed and a blend of 2D and 3D.

ED (Enhanced Definition)

A definition that is similar to standard definition.

QHD (Quad High Definition) or WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition)

A definition that displays a resolution of 1440p format. An image quality that displays 2560x1440 pixels.