I just recently got the Direct TV H20 HD receiver. I've noticed when I watch a HD program I have to set the format to either Native Strech or 720p Strech, or 1080I Stretch. I was under the impression that in order to get the proper geometry on HD I would need to leave the settings in the Letterbox mode on my H20, but when I do that it makes everything look short and wide.

I know my Sony has an aspect ratio setting for 16:9, it has two options, on or Auto, no option to turn it off.. Is this a case where my Sony, once it receives the HD signal is activating this auto 16:9 setting and further condensing the picture.

Is there anyway to access this in the Sony service menu and turn it off?
I've been through the service menu several times, but I have no idea what the abbreviation for this code would be. Or do I even need to bother with it?

I believe that there is a auto aspect control in your SM but not sure how to change it. I have my remote on native stretch also. It is a flaw in the Sony 36" sets. I have a 36xs955 and it does the exact same thing. Chad is coming in two weeks and I am going to have him disable that feature. The sets improperly format 16:9 material and squashes the picture. The picture looks distorted. I set my DVD player to 16:9 also.

I believe that there is a auto aspect control in your SM but not sure how to change it. I have my remote on native stretch also. It is a flaw in the Sony 36" sets. I have a 36xs955 and it does the exact same thing. Chad is coming in two weeks and I am going to have him disable that feature. The sets improperly format 16:9 material and squashes the picture. The picture looks distorted. I set my DVD player to 16:9 also.


If you can, ask Chad what setting under the Service menu to go to. I've scrolled throught the entire menu, but have no clue which one it is. If you can would you post this info for me? Thanks.

Also set up a hidden camera and post it up on here so we can see a calibrator in action and learn some secrets! j/p :D I been searching far and wide tho for some vids of calibrators! just to see the process in action cause it interests me. They more elusive then the yeti tho!

Do the newer TV's with their usb ports have the capablitiy of being calibrated through the USB port, if you had some type of calibration software?

If you can, ask Chad what setting under the Service menu to go to. I've scrolled throught the entire menu, but have no clue which one it is. If you can would you post this info for me? Thanks.

Chad is coming the 29th of this month. I will ask him and get back to you guys.

Just changed over to Comcast and HD material is formatted correctly on this set. It was the Directv H20 receiver that was the culprit. By the way, Comcast HD is much better then Directv and with more channels. Guys in my area are also telling me that Cavaliers' HD is even better then Comcast HD. Scored a triple play for 99 dollars for two years.