Resolution

Resolution in post-production refers to the pixel dimensions of an image or video signal, typically expressed as horizontal × vertical pixel count. The historical resolution hierarchy includes: SD (720×480 NTSC, 720×576 PAL), HD (1280×720 for 720p, 1920×1080 for 1080p/1080i), 2K (2048×1080, DCI standard), UHD (3840×2160, consumer 4K), DCI 4K (4096×2160, theatrical), 6K (typically 6144×3160 or 5760×3240 for cameras like RED Helium 8K capturing in 6K mode), and 8K (7680×4320 UHD or 8192×4320 DCI). Resolution is one factor in image quality but not the only one — a 4K image with poor sensor noise, low dynamic range, or aggressive compression looks worse than a 2K image from a well-exposed RAW capture. In practice, most consumer streaming runs at 4K UHD maximum; broadcast remains HD-dominant; theatrical mostly delivers in 2K or 4K DCP; archival masters target 4K or higher for future-proofing. Higher resolutions create proportional storage and processing costs: a 90-minute 8K master at uncompressed 16-bit RGB requires roughly 30 TB. Modern workflows typically capture at higher resolution than delivered, allowing for stabilization, reframing in post, and noise reduction by downsampling. Mastering at 4K with 2K and HD deliverables derived is a common professional approach. Reference: SMPTE ST 2065 resolution specifications.