Pixel aspect ratio (often abbreviated PAR) is a mathematical ratio that describes how the width of a pixel in a digital image compares to the height of that pixel.
Most digital imaging systems display an image as a grid of tiny, square pixels. However, some imaging systems, especially those that must be compatible with standard-definition television motion pictures, display an image as a grid of rectangular pixels, in which the pixel width and height are different. Pixel Aspect Ratio describes this difference.
Use of pixel aspect ratio mostly involves pictures pertaining to standard-definition television and some other exceptional cases. Most other imaging systems, including those that comply with SMPTE standards and practices, use square pixels.
Read more about Pixel Aspect Ratio: Introduction, Background, Inconsistency in Defined Pixel Aspect Ratio Values, Modern Standards and Practices, Issues of Non-square Pixels, Use of Pixel Aspect Ratio, Confusion With Display Aspect Ratio, Pixel Aspect Ratios of Common Video Formats
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