What is the deal with the blurry screen edges these days?

The issue of blurry screen edges, also known as lens flares or halo effects, is a common phenomenon in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and news videos. This effect is primarily caused by the way lenses, particularly wide-angle lenses, capture and project light. Here are the main reasons for this issue:

1. **Lens Characteristics**: Wide-angle lenses are designed to capture a broad field of view, which can sometimes result in lens flares and halo effects around bright lights or reflective surfaces. This is because these lenses have a larger focal length, which can lead to a greater sensitivity to light and a higher likelihood of capturing unwanted reflections.
2. **Post-Production Techniques**: In the realm of filmmaking and video production, post-production editors often use various visual effects to enhance scenes. One such effect is the use of lens flares or halo effects to create a specific mood or to draw attention to certain elements within a frame. However, when overused or applied poorly, these effects can result in a loss of visual clarity and a sense of unease or distraction for the viewer.
3. **Cinematographic Choices**: Cinematographers may intentionally use shallow depth of field to create a specific aesthetic or to highlight certain subjects within a scene. While this technique can be effective in creating visual interest, excessive use of a shallow depth of field can lead to distracting blurrier edges, as the background and foreground elements become less in focus.
4. **Technical Issues**: In some cases, blurry screen edges can be a technical issue resulting from the setup of cameras, lenses, or lighting. For instance, improper lens focusing, camera shake, or inadequate lighting can all contribute to a less than optimal image quality, including blurred edges.

To address this issue, it is important to consider the specific context and intent behind the use of lens flares or halo effects. In some cases, they can enhance the visual experience, but in others, they can be a sign of technical inadequacies or overzealous post-production editing. Balancing artistic vision with technical proficiency is key to producing high-quality visual content.