Three Steps to Quickly Understand Resolution Terminology

When choosing or evaluating displays, understanding key terms like pixels, PPI, and resolution is essential. These concepts form the foundation of how images and text appear on LCD screens. Whether you're selecting a display for marine equipment, bathroom interfaces, or other industrial applications, having a clear grasp of these fundamentals will help you make informed decisions. Let's break it down step by step.

1. Pixels: The Building Blocks of Images

Before diving into the concept of resolution, it's essential to understand "pixels." A pixel is the smallest unit of an image, usually made up of sub-pixels in different colors (such as RGB: Red, Green, Blue). Devices like LCD screens display images by combining thousands or millions of these pixels.

The term "pixel" comes from the combination of "Picture" and "Element." The size of each pixel is determined by the physical size and resolution of the display. In LCD screens ranging from 2 inches to 15 inches, the pixel density directly affects the image quality. The more pixels there are, the more detailed the image will be. This is particularly important for industries requiring high-resolution and precise displays, such as the marine and bathroom sectors, where clear and accurate displays are critical.

2. PPI: Pixels Per Inch

Once we understand pixels, the next crucial concept is PPI (Pixels Per Inch). PPI measures the number of pixels in a given inch of the display. The higher the PPI value, the more pixels are packed into each inch, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.

PPI is especially important for industrial applications such as marine instrumentation, bathroom control panels, and other professional environments where clarity and readability are critical. Even if two displays have the same resolution, their PPI can differ depending on the screen size. Smaller industrial screens with higher pixel densities offer sharper and more precise visuals, which are essential for detailed data representation or control interfaces. At CDTECH, we specialize in providing LCD screens with optimized PPI for various industrial needs, ensuring our displays meet the unique demands of sectors like marine navigation and smart home systems.

PPI Formula:

The formula for calculating PPI is as follows:

Where:

· W is the width of the display in pixels.

· H is the height of the display in pixels.

· D is the diagonal size of the display, in inches.

For example, if a display has a resolution of 1920×1080 and a diagonal size of 10 inches, the PPI calculation would be:

In this case, the PPI is 220.29, meaning there are about 220 pixels per inch. Understanding PPI is vital for selecting high-quality LCD screens, especially for industries requiring precision, like the marine and bathroom sectors.

3. Resolution: The Key to Display Clarity

With an understanding of pixels and PPI, we can now explore resolution. Resolution refers to the total number of pixels a display can show, usually denoted by "width × height," such as 1920×1080. Resolution directly impacts the sharpness and clarity of the image displayed.

Resolution is closely tied to PPI. Even if two displays have the same resolution, the physical size of the screen can affect the PPI. Smaller screens with the same resolution will have a higher PPI, resulting in a sharper image, while larger screens with the same resolution may have a lower PPI, potentially leading to less sharpness. For applications where precision and clarity are essential—such as in industrial equipment or displays for marine and bathroom applications—choosing the right resolution is crucial.

Below is a reference table outlining various small-screen LCD resolutions, their common abbreviations, pixel dimensions, aspect ratios, and typical applications. This comprehensive overview can guide you in selecting the ideal resolution for your specific needs:

At CDTECH, we provide a wide range of "2.4''-15.6'' Small screen LCD resolutions" tailored to various industrial applications. Whether it's for marine displays, bathroom electronics, or portable diagnostic devices, our screens ensure optimal clarity and performance.