[Tig] semantics: definition vs. resolution

[Kevin Shaw]

I think that perhaps within our industry we should treat "definition" as
being synonymous with "format". For example standard definition is a format.

I have always adhered to a simple rule

Resolution = pixels across
Format (definition?) = pixels across AND lines/pixels down

Therefore 2K (the format being 2048 x 1556) has similar resolution to HD
(1920 x 1080) because 2048 is only a few pixels more than 1920.

However 2K is a much larger format, (has more definition) than HD because
there is more picture area.

I also maintain that we spend a bit too much time worrying about pixel
resolution and not enough on bit depth, but that would be another topic...

Just my thoughts

Happy Coloring
Kevin

Kevin Shaw                 colorist, instructor and consultant
kevs at finalcolor.com          www.finalcolor.com
----------------------------------------------



> From: Jim Houston <jdhouston at earthlink.net>
> Date: Fri, 4 May 2007 15:41:18 -0700
> To: Alexis Hurkman <hurkman at mac.com>
> Cc: tig <tig at ns1.colorist.org>
> Subject: Re: [Tig] semantics: definition vs. resolution
> 
> Thanks to Yuri Neyman (Gamma & Density) for support in 2007.
> Guide to TIG Posting is at
> http://tig.colorist.org/wiki3/index.php/Guide_to_TIG_Etiquette
>  ====
> 
> 
>  
> I think the terms come from two different fields.
> 
> One is the domain of art where definition has always
> been used to mean the clarity of line, texture and form (how clearly is
> it delineated against something else).  The perception of
> clarity relates to it's definition.  Definition can't be measured.
> 
> The other is the domain of science where resolution is the ability
> to separate two fine details from each other.   Resolution is an
> attribute that can be measured and assigned values based upon
> sampling theory (as inexact as the results might sometimes be).
> 
> 
> and just to mix things up a little bit...
> 
> accutance is the perception of how sharp something is.
> 
> Anyone on the list from the OED, give me a call and
> i'll straighten you out. :-)
> 
> Jim H.
> Starwatcher Digital
> 
> 
> On May 4, 2007, at 10:52 AM, Alexis Hurkman wrote:
> 
>> 
>> "Resolution - The ability of an optical or video system to reproduce
>> fine detail. A measure of the 'sharpness' of a picture. Usually
>> measured in pixels in the horizontal direction and lines or pixels
>> vertically. Often the horizontal and vertical resolutions are
>> different."
>> 
>> "Definition - A description of the sharpness or clarity of a
>> television picture. High definition pictures portray a lot of detail,
>> while low definition pictures look soft and less clear. See also
>> resolution."
>> 
> 
> 
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