Not to be confused with 1440p
This chart shows the most common display resolutions , with the color of each resolution type indicating the display ratio (e.g. red indicates a 4:3 ratio).
2K resolution is a generic term for display devices or content having a horizontal resolution of approximately 2,000 pixels.[1] In the movie projection industry, Digital Cinema Initiatives is the dominant standard for 2K output and defines a 2K format with a resolution of 2048 × 1080.[2][3] For television and consumer media, the dominant resolution in the same class is 1920 × 1080, but in the cinema industry this is generally referred to as "HD" and distinguished from the various 2K cinema formats.[4]: 71,685
Resolutions
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Examples of 2K resolutions Format Resolution Display aspect ratio Pixels 2K scan from 35film (typical)
2048 × 1556
1.32:1 (512:389, ≈4:3) 3,186,688 DCI 2K (native resolution)2048 × 1080
1.90:1 (256:135, ≈17:9) 2,211,840 DCI 2K (flat cropped)1998 × 1080
1.85:1 2,157,840 DCI 2K (CinemaScope cropped)2048 × 858
2.39:1 1,755,136 QXGA2048 × 1536
1.33:1 (4:3) 3,145,728 WUXGA1920 × 1200
1.60:1 (16:10) 2,304,000 Full HD1920 × 1080
1.78:1 (16:9) 2,073,600 QWXGA2048 × 1152
1.78:1 (16:9) 2,359,296Standards and terminology
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In the cinematography industry, 2K resolution traditionally refers to a digital scan of 35 mm film with a resolution around 2000 pixels wide. Typically this is done at 2048 × 1556, but the exact dimensions vary based on the aspect ratio and size of the scan area.[5]: 714
In modern cinema, another common 2K resolution is 2048 × 1080. This is the resolution of the 2K container format standardized by DCI in their Digital Cinema System Specification in 2005.[2][3] The resolution of the encapsulated video content follows the SMPTE 428-1 standard,[6]: §3.2.1 which establishes the following resolutions for a 2K distribution:[7]: 6
2048 × 1080
(full frame, 256∶135 or ≈1.90∶1 aspect ratio)1998 × 1080
(flat crop, 1.85∶1 aspect ratio)2048 × 858
(CinemaScope crop, ≈2.39∶1 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.[8][9][10] The resolution 1920 × 1080 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).[11][12] In consumer products, 2560 × 1440 (1440p) is sometimes referred to as 2K,[13] but it and similar formats are more traditionally categorized as 2.5K resolutions.[14][15]: 102
See also
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References
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Too busy to read? Here’s a summary:
In the realm of commercial security cameras, resolution is a critical factor that determines the clarity of the images and videos captured. The most common resolutions in the market today are 1080p, 2K, and 4K.
But what do these terms mean, and how do they impact the effectiveness of a security camera?
This blog post will explore these topics and provide a comprehensive comparison of 1080p, 2K, and 4K security cameras.
In simple terms, resolution refers to the number of pixels a display or camera can handle. It's usually represented by the width and height of the image in pixels. The higher the resolution, the more details the camera can capture, resulting in clearer and sharper images.
1080p, also known as Full HD, has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.
This means that the camera can capture images with a total of approximately 2.07 million pixels.
1080p security cameras offer clear images that are sufficient for most residential and small business security needs. They’re a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers because they’re more affordable than their higher-resolution counterparts.
2K resolution, also known as Quad HD or QHD, has a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, totaling approximately 3.68 million pixels.
This is almost double the resolution of 1080p cameras and allows for better identification of faces and license plates.
2K cameras are ideal for medium-sized businesses or residential properties that require clear details in their surveillance footage.
4K, also known as Ultra HD or UHD, boasts a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, totaling approximately 8.29 million pixels—four times the resolution of 1080p and twice that of 2K.
4K security cameras are perfect for large businesses, public spaces, and properties that require top-notch surveillance.
As the resolution increases from 1080p to 2K to 4K, the image quality improves significantly. This means that 4K cameras capture the most detailed and clear images, followed by 2K, and then 1080p.
With higher resolution comes a higher price tag. 1080p cameras are the most affordable, while 4K cameras are the most expensive.
2K cameras offer a middle ground in terms of cost and performance.
Higher-resolution cameras require more storage space for recorded footage and more bandwidth for streaming. If you opt for a 2K or 4K camera, you should be prepared for the additional storage and bandwidth requirements.
High-resolution cameras can cover larger areas without losing image quality.
This means you may need fewer 4K cameras to cover the same area as 1080p cameras, which can offset the higher cost.
Remember that resolution is just one aspect of a security camera. Aside from resolution, factors like lens quality, sensor size, and software also play a crucial role in the overall performance of the camera.
If you’re ready for an effective security system, reach out to the friendly experts at Mammoth Security. We cover all of Connecticut’s security installation and maintenance needs.
From cameras to alarms to access control to structured cabling, we’ve got your back. Just fill out the form at the bottom of this page, and we’ll reach out to schedule your free, zero-obligation site survey and security consultation.