In digital displays, what does the term "native resolution" refer to?

The term "native resolution" specifically refers to the resolution that a digital display is designed to support optimally, as determined by the manufacturer. This resolution represents the exact number of pixels that make up the display's physical screen. For example, if a monitor has a native resolution of 1920x1080, it has a total of 2,073,600 pixels arranged in a grid of 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high. Displaying content at this native resolution ensures the sharpest image quality, as it utilizes the display's full pixel array without requiring any scaling.

When content is displayed at resolutions other than the native resolution, the display may need to scale the image to fit its pixel structure properly, which can lead to a loss of image clarity and detail. Understanding native resolution is vital for selecting compatible source devices and ensuring that the best possible visual experience is achieved.