I'm running a Samsung HDTV set top box, which will output 480-1080i over component.

I'm running the output through a component to VGA converter cable. The projector (Sharp 10x) displays 1080i component as the input signal, but it resizes it significantly smaller on the screen.

The DTV info on the channel says it's broadcasting in 1080i.

I notice depending on the show, it'll sometimes display full 16x9. For example, Kid Nation was shrunk, but Criminal Minds was full 16x9.

Does this just mean that although the channel is full HD at 1080i, if the show isn't, I actually get resized to 720P?

I can force zoom the output, but it cuts the image at the top or bottom.

Can someone help me understand this?

Criminal minds is an HD show, shot and formatted for 16x9. Kid Nation is an SD show shot in 4x3 and upconverted to 1080i with the aspect ratio preserved. Black pillar bars are inserted at the network to fill out the 16x9 frame.

Thanks for the clarification, good to know. It'll be nice when all shows are shot in 16x9 I guess and broadcast that way.