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Different HDTV signals?

When I tune into HDTV movie channels, the picture fills the entire screen on my 51" widescreen rptv. However, when I put on some of the HD major network channels, like CBS, NBC and Fox and some others, there are bars on the sides of the screen regardless of the picture setting. I'm using cable to receive the signal. Are there two (or more) different HDTV signals being broadcast?
tonyp54
darrylhifi
498 posts
 
Yes ESPN looks terrible except when they are truly broadcasting a game with High Def Camera's . From what I understand Fox , even when say showing a football game in widescreen , is not true high def, however they are upgrading , and should be full blown high def capable this year. Your right ESPN actually uses widescreen even when not broadcasting in high def , its just a stretched standard def picture. But , all minor issues , that eventually will pass. Hi Def when done properly is great !
mejames
986 posts
 
something I really don't like is for example sometimes ER is shown in letterbox high definition format this really sucks I have a 16:9 screen why am I forced to watch this in letterbox screen having to look at black bars along the top and bottom above the pictures. It should be the full 16:9 screen. Another problem like on Showtime or HBO they will show a movie or boxing in high definition but only 4:3 aspect ratio I want it 16:9 or I don't even bother watching it would rather watch the standard definition in 16:9
lej1447
117 posts
 
Eldartford,

The remote control for my plasma has a button for the aspect as well. I used such feature a lot when I was using the S-video cable for regular TV watching while the component video input was reserved for the DVD. Now that I have the Yamaha AVR as my video switcher, which does all the video up conversion, I use only the component video cable for every thing. Thus, the problem does not exist any more. With the component video input, I can never adjust the aspect of the screen. What video input on the plasma that you use?
darrylhifi
498 posts
 
If you are watching Boxing on HBO or Showtime and it is in a 4:3 Format, it is not in high definition.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Lej1447...I am using S-Video interface. My plasma is not HD, but the picture, using SVideo is sharp enough that my eyes can't distinguish pixels from normal viewing distance. The wire run from the Sony HD Direct TV receiver to the plasma is about 20 feet, so I have not spent the money to try component interface. I will probably go to DVI some day for the Direct TV receiver.
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