Why Video Resolution Matters

In the era of e-learning, teaching online means maintaining clear and uninterrupted communication with students, which is one of the major challenges for educators. Due to the COVID epidemic, social media, and the lower cost of the internet, students have become more attentive to high-definition content and have developed a very low attention span.

Video resolution is one of the most important aspects of the online learning industry because the higher the video quality, the easier it is for students to understand. Maintaining high video quality is a general goal every educator has, but understanding the types of video qualities available, which video resolution is required for teaching online, and how to incorporate the perfect video resolution for teaching is crucial.

So, let’s understand what video resolution means, the types of resolutions available, and how you can implement it in your digital classroom.

What is video resolution?

In simple words, video resolution is the total number of pixels present in a video. The more pixels there are, the clearer the video and its resolution. The combination of pixels in a display creates the overall resolution.

What is Pixel

A pixel (short for "picture element") is the smallest unit of a digital image or display. It is a small square colour that, combined with millions of others, forms a complete image. An image that contains more pixels has a higher resolution and a clearer view. A 1920×1080 (Full HD) screen has 2,073,600 pixels (1920 pixels wide × 1080 pixels high).

What is resolution

Resolution is the total number of pixels present in a video, represented by width × height (e.g., 1920×1080).
It means the clarity or sharpness of an image or video, usually expressed in pixels by the width multiplied by height. The greater the resolution, the more details it holds, and the sharper the image is. For instance, a popular resolution is 1920×1080, commonly known as Full HD, whereas 3840×2160 is 4K UHD. The higher the resolution, the better is the output, but higher resolutions consume much processing power and also need much space in storage for videos.

What is an aspect ratio?

The shape of the video player display shows the aspect ratio, which combines the width and height of the display. Common examples include:

• 16:9 (widescreen)
• 4:3 (standard)
• 1:1 (square)
  

Understanding Video Resolutions: SD, HD, and Beyond

1. SD (Standard Definition)
typically includes 480p (720x480 pixels)
Suitable for old TVs

2. HD (High Definition)
720p (1280x720 pixels)
Clear and sharp images and videos are widely used format

3. 4K (Ultra High Definition)
Contains (3840x2160 pixels)
Extreme sharp and detailed format, Ideal for Large Screens

How resolution makes a change

• SD (480p)

Standard Definition (SD) is the most widely used video format and has become the basic video resolution for modern technology and internet speeds. It is suitable for learners with low-bandwidth connections.

• HD & FHD (720p and 1080p):

Most online courses are in HD & FHD format to provide a clear picture of the class and its explanation content. This format is ideal for most online courses, balancing quality and file size.

Click to understand in-depth information about 1080p.

• 4K: 

4K resolution can be challenging to produce and distribute on the internet. It is best for specialized content like art or design but requires high-speed internet.

To understand more about video resolution, you can check out our HD vs. SD comparative analysis.

Choosing the Right Resolution for Your Content

Choosing the right video resolution for your content or course is crucial. Having the best video quality in your course is essential for your overall development. Consider the following tips before choosing the video resolution for your content delivery:

Tips to consider before choosing your video resolution for your platform:

• The video must provide a smoother viewing experience for students.

• Technical difficulties should be minimal to deliver the content effectively.

• The quality should be convincing enough to engage your students.

Video Compression Methods and Formats: H.264 vs HEVC

What Are Video Codecs?

Video codecs are algorithms that compress and decompress video files without losing quality. The most common codecs are:

AVC video player (H.264):

AVC is the industry-standard video compressor, which balances quality and file size. It is commonly used for Blu-ray discs and most online videos. It reduces redundancy by analyzing and compressing similar parts of a video frame.

HEVC video player (H.265): 

HEVC is the most advanced codec, offering 50% better compression than the older AVC codec. It is ideal for high-resolution videos. HEVC compresses video by analyzing frames, predicting and encoding only changes between them, and using advanced techniques like block partitioning and motion compensation to reduce redundancy. This results in smaller file sizes with high quality.

Click here to learn more about how HEVC.

How to Optimize Video Quality for Online Courses

Video recording Tips

• Use a good-quality camera or smartphone capable of recording in at least 720p.

• Ensure proper lighting and framing to improve clarity.

Video editing tips

• Edit videos to remove unnecessary content and reduce file size.

• Use tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Camtasia to export videos in optimal formats like MP4.

Video Compression

• Use software like HandBrake or online tools to compress videos without losing quality.

• Opt for codecs like H.264 for smaller file sizes.

FAQs 

1. What is the best resolution for online courses?

720p or 1080p is ideal for most courses, offering a balance between quality and accessibility.

2. How can I reduce video file size?

Compress videos using tools like HandBrake and export in H.264 or HEVC formats.

3. What’s the difference between H.264 and H.265?

H.265 offers better compression and is more suited for high-resolution videos.

4. Is MP4 the best format for online courses?

Yes, MP4 is widely supported and provides excellent quality at manageable file sizes.

5. How to change the aspect ratio of a video?

If you’re using video editing software (like Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, or HandBrake), you can adjust the aspect ratio in the export settings or use a cropping tool.

6. What is the full form of HEVC?

The full form of HEVC is High Efficiency Video Coding.

7. What is SD Full Form?

The full form of SD is the Standard Definition in terms of Video Resolution.

8. What is a pixel size?

Pixel size refers to the physical dimensions or the smallest unit of a digital image, typically measured in micrometres (µm). It represents the size of one pixel on a digital display or image sensor. Here's a breakdown: