DVD and TV format definitions

[noels]

I could use some help with format definitions - is there a guide where I can find out the differences between, say, anamorphic, letterbox, 16:9 (or is it 15:9), 4:3, and the relationships between these and the DVD and/or TV set, etc? Hopefully with visual or graphic aids? I know a "normal" TV presentation is 4:3 (ie, 4 wide and 3 high) and think that 16:9 is widescreen, but I get confused with the way some folks talk about these definitions. I could use a primer... Thank you.

[noels]

Note to all from noels... For anyone who is interested, I was pointed to a good discussion of this subject at: http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/anamorphic/aspectratios/widescreenorama2.html
FWIW :rolleyes:

[jel]

nice link noels!

here is another which provides a lot of detailed information on the subject:
SeeMoreDigital's "Info about... Aspect Ratios and Frame Sizes" (http://www.seemoredigital.net/03_Video_Info.html)

cheers
j

[noels]

Hi j, thanks for your link also - it really gets into some nitty-gritty on format, pixels, etc. I've got some reading (and absorbing) to do!
noel