I'm comparing ESPN HD vs. ESPN SD, same exact program (basketball game) shown live on 2 different channels. I set my TV to 16:9 display mode. As seen in the SD photo, the picture fills the entire 16:9 screen of my TV. However, in ESPN HD, there are 2 gray bars on the left and right of the picture, with the letters HD visible in each bar. Taking into account these 2 vertical bars, the picture displayed looks like a 4:3 shape to me. Of course the clarity is much better with HD but I thought all HD programming is supposed to be in 16:9 format.

Thanks,


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/HD.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/SD.jpg

Its because they are showing non HD programming. Anytime the programming is not shot in HD you will see those grey sidebars.

Most sporting events on ESPNHD are shot in HD these days, but a few games here and there are still not in HD. Thats what you are looking at there. Hope this helps you understand :)

As seen in the SD photo, the picture fills the entire 16:9 screen of my TV.That game was not in high-definition. You have your TV or STB set to stretch 4:3 content.

You will always get the aspect ratio on ESPN-HD. If the game is in 4:3 on ESPN-HD, then it isn't in high-definition.