Resolution

Table of contents

1 Technology uses:

1.1 Telecommunications
1.2 Video monitors
1.3 Logic

2 Other uses:

2.4 Non-binding votes
2.5 Determination to act
2.6 Solution or conclusion

3 See also:

Technology uses:

Telecommunications

In telecommunication, the term resolution has the following meanings:

1. The minimum difference between two discrete values that can be distinguished by a measuring device.

Note: High resolution does not necessarily imply high accuracy.

2. The degree of precision to which a quantity can be measured or determined.

3. A measurement of the smallest detail that can be distinguished by a sensor system under specific conditions.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188 and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

In terms of television sets and computer displays, resolution means the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. Common resolutions are 640×480 (VGA), 800×600 (SVGA), and 1024×768 (XGA or XVGA). Some computer users, especially computer and video game players, run their computers at 1600×1200 resolution (UXGA) or higher if they have the necessary computer equipment. 640×480 was the standard resolution from 1990 to 1997. 800×600 was the standard resolution from 1998 to 2002. 1024×768 is the standard resolution today. With digital television and HDTV, resolutions of 720 or 1080 scan lines are typical.

A resolution may also be a non-binding measure passed by a legislative or executive body, such as a congress or parliament, state legislature or a city council. It is often used to express the body's approval or disapproval of something which they cannot otherwise vote on, due to the matter being handled by another jurisdiction, or being protected by a constitution.

An example would be a resolution of support for a nation's troops in battle, which carries no legal weight, but is enacted for moral support.

Determination to act

A resolution may also be an individual (or group) determination to take an action, such as with a New Year's resolution. A person may resolve to stop smoking or lose weight (reduce), for example.

Solution or conclusion

A resolution may be the solution or conclusion to a dispute or other problem. A war for example may come to a temporary resolution in the form of a cease-fire agreement, or a more permanent one with a surrender or truce. A treaty may also be a resolution to an international problem.