Choosing the right format for your meeting room can make all the difference – both for the effectiveness of your presentations and for the overall experience of your participants. Two formats are particularly in focus: 21:9 and 16:10. But which is the better choice?
In this article, we compare the two aspect ratios in terms of their technical characteristics, practical advantages and typical applications. Whether for smaller teams, large conference rooms or software-based meetings with Microsoft Teams – find out which format best meets your requirements.
Introduction: why the right format matters
The demands on modern meeting rooms are constantly growing. Whether presentations, video conferences or hybrid meetings – the right technology is crucial. At the centre of this is the 21:9 format, which offers optimum flexibility and use of space.
But what does this mean in practice? The next section shows the advantages the format offers specifically for video conferencing and tools such as Microsoft Teams.
In practice: advantages of the 21:9 format with Microsoft Teams and co.
The 21:9 format is ideal for video conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, as it offers a wider display area. Multiple pieces of content such as presentations, chat windows and participant videos can be displayed side by side. This saves you time and increases efficiency.
- More participants visible in the video feed
- Presentations and chats displayed at the same time
- More efficient multitasking thanks to the wider area
For hybrid meetings in particular, the format offers a clear, well-organised display – ideal for collaboration in the modern working world.
Top displays in 21:9 format for modern meeting rooms
Displays in 21:9 format are ideal for presentations, interactive meetings and hybrid conferences. They offer crystal-clear images, high reliability and a permanent installation – the perfect solution for professional environments. Projectors can also handle the 21:9 format: you will find the ultra short throw alternative further down.
- 105” ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP105UW: This interactive 5K display in 21:9 format offers touchscreen operation and collaboration features for wireless teamwork. Ideal for large conference rooms and workshops. Go to the ViewSonic IFP105UW
- 105” iiyama TE10518UWI-B1AG: A versatile touch display that shows presentations and interactive content clearly. Thanks to the wide format, all content remains visible at the same time. Go to the iiyama TE10518UWI-B1AG
- 105” i3 Technologies i3TOUCH Ultra: Perfect for meeting rooms that require reliability and easy installation. With touch operation and a wall mount and cabling included, it is an all-round solution for any environment. Go to the i3TOUCH Ultra
- 104” NEC LED-FE009i2-104 LED Wall: The NEC LED wall impresses with brilliant colours and high brightness. It sets new standards for presentations, especially in large conference rooms. Go to the NEC LED-FE009i2-104
Ultra short throw projectors: flexibility and large images
Ultra short throw projectors offer a flexible and often cost-effective alternative to displays. They project impressive image sizes from the shortest of distances and open up new possibilities for creative and multifunctional meeting rooms.
Why ultra short throw projectors?
- Flexible installation: They can either be mounted on the ceiling or placed on a piece of furniture. Ceiling mounting ensures a tidy look, while placement on furniture allows mobility and adaptability.
- Large images: With image sizes of over 100 inches, projectors offer an impressive display that is ideal for large rooms or events.
- Cost savings: Combined with a screen, ultra short throw projectors are often cheaper than large-format displays and use less power.
Our recommendations
- Epson EB-810E: A high-quality ultra short throw projector offering brilliant colours and high resolution. Perfect for presentations in 21:9 format in flexible room concepts. Go to the Epson EB-810E
- 105” celexon UST high-contrast floor-standing scissor screen – HomeCinema Plus: This 105-inch screen in 21:9 format is the ideal complement to ultra short throw projectors. Its high-contrast surface ensures crystal-clear images – even in bright rooms. Go to the celexon UST high-contrast floor-standing scissor screen
When is 16:10 the better choice?
The 16:10 format is often used in offices and educational institutions because it offers a traditional screen layout. It is particularly suitable for smaller meeting rooms or workstations where text-based content, spreadsheets or simple presentations are the focus. However, the format quickly reaches its limits when it comes to modern requirements such as video conferencing, interactive presentations or hybrid meetings.
The limited width of the 16:10 format can make it difficult to display several windows or pieces of content at the same time. It also lacks the flexibility needed for multitasking or hybrid meetings. In larger meeting rooms in particular, the format often looks dated and is not ideally suited to the needs of the modern working world.
If you want to make a professional and future-proof impression, you should therefore opt for the 21:9 format. It not only offers a wider display area for multitasking and video conferencing, but also impresses with its flexibility and modern aesthetics – ideal for companies that value efficiency and innovation.
The formats explained and how they differ
The 21:9 and 16:10 formats differ above all in their aspect ratio, which directly affects how content is displayed on screen.
- 21:9: offers exceptional width, ideal for modern presentations, video conferencing and multitasking. It allows several pieces of content to be displayed side by side without the screen looking cluttered.
- 16:10: scores with greater height, which is particularly suitable for documents, spreadsheets and classic presentations. It is a proven format used in many offices and educational institutions.
While 16:10 is considered traditional and functional, 21:9 brings a modern and immersive experience to the meeting room. Both formats have their merits – the choice depends on your individual requirements.
To illustrate the extended image width, a 16:9 display has been chosen as the comparison area. A 16:10 display would be slightly taller still
Practical advantages of the 21:9 format
The 21:9 format not only impresses with its technical properties, but also offers clear advantages for practical use in modern meeting rooms.
Perfect for larger meeting rooms: In large meeting rooms, it is often difficult for all participants to have an optimal view of the screen. The wide format of the 21:9 display ensures better visibility for viewers sitting to the side or further away. Content such as charts, presentations or video conferences is clearly recognisable – even from the back rows.
Efficient use of space: The 21:9 format makes optimum use of the available space. Instead of two conventional 16:10 displays, a single wide display is often enough, making the room clearer and less cluttered. In wide conference rooms in particular, this creates a uniform and professional display.
Cost advantages through less technology
With a single 21:9 display, the costs of additional technology can be reduced. Fewer devices mean lower purchase costs, less energy consumption and less maintenance. Companies benefit from the cost-effectiveness of this solution in the long term.
Immersive presentations that make a lasting impression
A 21:9 display offers a modern and immersive experience. The impressive width of the screen draws attention and so supports professional presentations, product launches or workshops that stick in the memory.
Versatile applications
The 21:9 format is the perfect choice for hybrid meetings, training sessions and digital collaboration. Whether it is Microsoft Teams, Zoom or classic presentations – this aspect ratio meets all requirements and can be flexibly adapted to different scenarios.
With its many advantages, the 21:9 format is a future-proof choice for any conference room. It combines technical innovation with practical efficiency and is also convincing in economic terms.
Solutions for meeting rooms: displays and ultra short throw projectors in 21:9 format
Modern meeting rooms often rely on displays to support presentations and video conferences with clear image quality and easy operation. The 21:9 format in particular has established itself as the standard for innovative room concepts. It enables a wider display that is perfectly tailored to the requirements of modern companies. But alongside the widespread displays, there is an underrated alternative: with their flexibility and impressive projection sizes, ultra short throw projectors offer a versatile solution for any meeting room.
Conclusion: displays and projectors as perfect solutions in 21:9 format
Displays and ultra short throw projectors offer different advantages depending on your requirements. Displays impress with permanent installation, easy handling and brilliant image quality. Ultra short throw projectors score with their flexibility and large projection areas while making efficient use of your budget.
Your individual requirements decide what is right for your meeting room: are you looking for a permanently installed solution or a flexible option? Our experts will be happy to advise you to find the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us for free advice or an individual quote!
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Further guides:
- Projector buying guide using the BEAM method – overview of all guides
