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16x9

By Ivana Redwine, About.com

Definition: The horizontal to vertical proportions of some TV screens, including HDTV screens. Many DVDs are made so they will look best on a screen with these proportions. However, for the first several decades television was available, the screens had horizontal to vertical proportions of 4x3. DVDs made to look best on a 16x9 screen can still be watched on a 4x3 screen, resulting in a certain amount of distortion, which seems to be untroubling to many viewers.

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