What is an aspect ratio and how is it relevant to SongShow Plus

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to all versions of SongShow Plus

In addition to the information noted in other articles, we offer the following information regarding aspect ratios and SongShow Plus:

Below you will find information regarding aspect ratios and their use in SongShow Plus. Before you begin there are a few things that you should know about aspect ratios:

• Aspect Ratio is related to, but different than Resolution.  There are many Resolutions with the same Aspect Ratio.
• Aspect Ratio defines the proportional relationship between the physical width and the height of the display. It is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (x:y), where x corresponds to the width and y to the height.
• Regarding media, the most common aspect rations are 4:3 and 16:9. In some cases, this can be referred to with a single decimal number such as 1.333 or 1.777 respectively. 
• If you want to do a deeper dive into aspect ratios and resolutions, there are several online articles on Wikipedia and other sources.

Aspect Ratios related to SongShow Plus

Aspect Ratios can affect SongShow Plus in two main ways, however, both result in the content not appearing as expected on all SSP display outputs.

• Different Aspect Ratios During Content Creation -- In this scenario, the user is creating content (Programs/Slide Shows) on a machine with a different aspect ratio than the target presentation setup.  This can be addressed in most cases by adjusting the target aspect ratio as noted below and in other articles.
• Different Aspect Ratios During Content Projection -- In this scenario, the user is projecting content (Programs/Slide Shows) on a machine with two or more displays (i.e. Main Projection and Stage) with different aspect ratios. Ideally, this would be addressed by updating displays to the same native aspect ratio. This can be addressed in other ways, however, none are ideal. These solutions are addressed in other articles.

Aspect Ratios are used in both the Slide Builder and in SongShow Plus, predominantly in Display Settings and Slide Properties. 

• Slide Builder
  • The edit canvas can be adjusted to ensure content created in the Slide Builder looks the same regardless of the machine it is used on.
  • The Themes property group settings can adjust margins to ensure content appears as expected, related to other objects in a slide.
• SongShow Plus
  • The Display Settings have aspect ratio settings regarding Embedded displays.
  • The Slide Properties property group settings can adjust margins to ensure content appears as expected, related to other objects.

Users can search the knowledge base articles for a variety of settings and scenarios regarding the use and adjustment of aspect ratios.

If this article does not resolve your question, contact the Support Team.

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