16X10
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Xbox 360 Fall '08 Dashboard update adds 16x10 widescreen, expanded resolutions
Those eagerly awaiting extra resolution and widescreen support from their Xbox 360 are getting a treat in the packed fall update. Not mentioned during the conference, but noted in a letter to Xbox Live Members from Marc Whitten, is word about upcoming 16x10 widescreen support, as well as 1440x900 or 1680x1050 output resolutions. This should make things a bit easier for people who like to hook their console up to LCD monitors and avoid extra scaling and bars when hooked up via VGA or HDMI. Now if only we can get some HD Netflix streams...
Widescreen LCDs going widescreen by 2010
The term "widescreen" is one of the most notoriously confusing monikers (this side of Full HD) used to describe a display's specifications. Widescreen generally translates to a 16:10 aspect ratio when discussing computer LCDs (monitors or laptop displays) or 16:9 if you're talking about the living room TV. Of course, it can also refer to the 2.35:1 ratio often used for films or something entirely different if you're Apple touting the wonders of your new widescreen iPhone. Fortunately, we're trending towards at least some convergence around the 16:9 aspect. DisplaySearch predicts that by 2010, 16:9 panels will make up 90% of new laptop displays and 67% of new monitors. Acer has been at the forefront of this transition with products like its Gemstone Blue laptops and the Acer P224W monitor pictured above. The move is being driven by panel manufacturers' desire to maximize production efficiency -- something they should have realized before the glass sizes diverged in the first place. Regardless, the end result should be more pennies saved by you, Joe Consumer, and that's a good thing.
