Lo-Def, short for low definition, describes visual or audio outputs characterized by a relatively poor or reduced level of detail, resolution, or fidelity compared to higher quality alternatives. This can manifest as pixelation in images, static or limited sound reproduction, and a general lack of clarity. The term is often applied to older technologies or formats, those designed for smaller screens or that simply lack processing power to handle more detailed outputs. It can also describe purposefully degraded imagery, or older technologies still in use for different scenarios. The opposite of lo-def is Hi-Def or High Definition.
Lo-def meaning with examples
- The old VHS tape produced a noticeably lo-def picture on the modern television screen. The colours were washed out, and the details were fuzzy compared to what we are accustomed to today. Despite the loss of clarity, it evoked a sense of nostalgia for the past. It was a far cry from the quality you'd get with a Blu-ray.
- Streaming the movie on a slow internet connection resulted in a lo-def video that buffered frequently. The resolution dropped considerably and everything was blurry. Sadly, the viewing experience was ruined. This was a trade-off of watching the movie vs waiting to download it. It was better on the larger screen.
- Some game developers chose to use a lo-def graphical style to evoke a retro aesthetic. The intentionally blocky characters and simplified environments, a stylistic choice, created a certain charm that resonated with gamers. It was a direct homage to older games and it was certainly intentional.
- Despite the advent of high-resolution cameras, security camera footage may still default to lo-def to save storage space and bandwidth. While it sacrifices image clarity, it allows for long recording times. However, identifying faces or specific details in such footage can be difficult, and sometimes impossible.