On a TV, the screen format "Full" typically means the television displays a picture in its native aspect ratio of 16:9, ensuring the image fills the screen without stretching, zooming, or cropping.
Understanding TV Screen Formats
TVs offer various screen format or "aspect ratio" settings to accommodate different types of content, which may be broadcast or recorded in varying shapes (ratios of width to height). The standard format for modern widescreen TVs is 16:9. Older content, like classic television shows, was often produced in a 4:3 aspect ratio.
According to the provided reference, the [Full] setting specifically:
Displays a 16:9 picture in its original size.
This means if the content you are watching is already in a 16:9 aspect ratio, the "Full" setting will display it as intended, filling your widescreen TV screen edge-to-edge without distortion.
What "Original Size" Means for 16:9
When a TV is set to "Full" format for 16:9 content, it utilizes the entire screen width and height for the 16:9 image. This is the standard way to view modern high-definition broadcasts, streaming services, and Blu-rays, which are almost universally presented in 16:9 or wider cinematic ratios (often displayed with small black bars top/bottom on a 16:9 screen).
Comparing "Full" to Other Formats
The reference also mentions other formats like "Normal":
| Screen Format | Description (Based on Reference) | Typical Use | Result on a Widescreen TV (16:9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | Displays a 16:9 picture in its original size. | Viewing 16:9 content (HD broadcasts, movies). | Fills the screen with the 16:9 image, no distortion for 16:9 input. |
| Normal | Displays a 4:3 picture that has been horizontally stretched... | Viewing old 4:3 content (classic TV shows). | Stretches a 4:3 image horizontally to fill the 16:9 screen. |
| Normal | Enlarges the picture, preserving the original picture... | Also used for other scaling needs depending on TV. | Can vary; might zoom in on 4:3 or other content while trying to maintain aspect ratio. |
Note: The exact behavior of "Normal" and other formats can vary slightly between TV manufacturers.
When to Use the "Full" Setting
You should typically use the "Full" screen format when:
- Watching high-definition (HD) or 4K content.
- Watching movies and shows from streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+).
- Playing modern video games.
- Watching standard widescreen broadcasts.
In these cases, the source material is usually 16:9, and the "Full" setting ensures you see the picture correctly, utilizing your entire screen without unwanted modifications.
Using "Full" format on older 4:3 content would typically result in black bars on the left and right sides of the screen, as the 4:3 image is displayed in its original aspect ratio without stretching to fill the wider 16:9 screen. Some TVs might handle this differently, but the definition provided specifically refers to displaying a 16:9 picture in its original size.
