Pillarbox vs. Letterbox — What's the Difference?

The pillarbox effect occurs in widescreen video displays when black bars (mattes or masking) are placed on the sides of the image. It becomes necessary when film or video that was not originally designed for widescreen is shown on a widescreen display, or a narrower widescreen image is displayed within a wider aspect ratio, such as a 16:9 image in a 2.39:1 frame (common in cinemas).

See mailbox.

A format for presenting movies on television that maintains the rectangular theater image on a television screen by reducing the overall image until the full width can be seen, resulting in blank space above and below the image.

To produce or present (film) in a letterbox format.

A box into which mail is put.

A collection point for mail intended for onward delivery, a secure box or receptacle for this purpose.

A delivery point for mail, a box, compartment or slot for this purpose.

A hidden container that holds a logbook and rubber stamp, found by following clues as a form of recreation.

(mountaineering) A rectangular hole or slot.

(film) Transferred to home video formats while preserving the original aspect ratio, having black bars above and below the picture area.

(film) To transfer a widescreen motion picture to home video formats while preserving the original aspect ratio, with the placing of black bars above and below the picture area.

To hunt for letterboxes (containers with logbook and rubber stamp) by following clues.