SMPTE RP 218-2009

This practice describes a method for locating the safe action and safe title areas for television systems. This document is intended for application in program production where the image aspect ratio of the acquired essence is the same as that of the display.

The safe areas defined in Annex B of this Recommended Practice are a legacy of past practice. They are based on the limitations of CRT-based displays. Users are advised to consult SMPTE ST 2046-1 for the current safe areas, which are based on fixed pixel matrix displays and are significantly larger. Moreover, the safe areas defined herein do not offer guidance in situations where material generated in one aspect ratio may need to be displayed in a different aspect ratio. Users are advised to consult SMPTE RP 2046-2 for this information.

Safe action and safe title areas are located within the television system image production aperture lattice. Safe action area specifies an image area within which all significant action must take place. Safe title area specifies an image area within which important title information must be confined. These areas ensure visibility of action and title information on the majority of home television receivers.