I purchased a Samsung LED DLP 61", model HLT6187S. The first one that came had problems so the new one came this morning. I watched the first one in 16:9, and had a full screen. Now on the new one, 16:9 has black pillars on each side. The only way to get rid of the pillars is to view on wide fit and I don't like it that way. Does anyone know how I can watch it in 16:9 and have the pillars gone? Also, I bought a new HDMI cable at ABC Warehouse for $50.00 and the lettering is really foggy with halos. Do I need to upgrade to a better HDMI cable? Thanks so much, I know very little about this stuff but am trying to learn. Michelle. :)

If you're watching a DVD, make sure your DVD player is set to 16:9.

If you're watching TV, make sure the show is 16:9 (e.g., an HDTV channel). Otherwise, you are likely watching a standard broadcast, and it will have black sidebars.

Go through your various "zoom" modes. Usually "full" (that's what my Sony calls it) gives the 16:9 view with 16:9 material, and the "pillars" view with 4:3 material.

I don't know what viewing modes the Samsung has - probably a normal, zoom 1 and 2, full, and stretch of some sort. "Full" may be called "wide" on the Samsung.

Reading the manual should clear all this up for you.

Also understrand that any show on an HD channel that is "filmed" with an SD camera(which most day time shows are) will have black/grey pillers added to the actual 4:3 video prior to upgrading the video to 16:9 resolution by the network. You will get a full width HD video with shows "filmed" with HD cameras such as major sporting events and night time programs.

Thank You!!!