Why are widescreen 16:9 covers 130x225 pixels in size (should be 120x2

HALOdri · Apr 25, 2009

Hi guys,
I'm really amazed at how fast things are going with the USB Loader and the many improved GUIs that are being worked on.

One thing I can't wrap my head around is this:
Why is the currently used size of widescreen covers 130x225 while it should be 120x225?

OK, lets begin:

The "normal" (4:3) cover size is this: 160x225 (or 160x224 for loaders like the GUIloader that need the dimensions to be dividable by 4)

A widescreen TV set has a 16:9 aspect ratio.
normal TV set: 4:3 -> 12:9 (extended by 3)
the resolution for both is the same - 640x480 - so the widescreen image has to be stretched in order to be displayed correctly.

the denominator is the same (9) -> the 225 pixels stay as is.

so it's 12 opposed to 16.
that's a 3 to 4 ratio.

Despite you can see at one glance what the solution has to be (16 -> 160 pixels // 12 -> 120 pixels) here's the math:

X = 3/4 * 160 pixel = 120 pixels

So can anyone explain why 130x225 is used?

I tried to explain it to me with the different pixel sizes in PAL and NTSC TV sets. (PAL: 720x576 NTSC 720x480).
However this applies only to the 4:3 format !!! There are no different widescreen resolutions for different regions!

Thanks to HD TV there aren't different resolution sizes no more.
1080p (1920x1080) is the same in NTSC and PAL
720p (1280x720) is the same in NTSC and PAL
480p (640x480) is the same in NTSC and PAL

The only difference is the frame rate, being 25 fps for PAL, 24 fps or 30 fps for NTSC

So there is no reason for the cover size being off.

One last thing: I tried to use 120x225 sized covers in the "Ultimate 7.4 USB Loader" but this size isn't recognized - only 130x225.
Does anyone have a clue how to solve this so that I can use the 120x255 ones?

olliepop2000 · Apr 25, 2009

A more correct size for 16:9 aspect ratio is either 213x120 or 225x127. Your calculations are incorrect.
Lets be pedantic here

16/9= 1.77 recurring
1.77 recurring x 120 pixels gives a width of 213.33
1.77 x 130 gives 231 so it is in between.

Aspect ratio calculator

Edit: I stand corrected, of course the boxes aren't 4:3 are they!

HALOdri · Apr 25, 2009

olliepop,
with your calculations you are assuming the cover itself has the aspect ratio of 4/3.
But that's not true.

The covers have indeed a ratio of approx. 16/22,5 -> measure it for yourself

the DVD case itself is a bit larger, but for there is a border, the cover is a little smaller.

so if you take 160x225 as basis you have to come to the conclusion that the correct size for the widescreen should be 120x225.