Forgive me for asking a basic question. I just purchased a Mitsubishi 73833 tv. I have a Scientific Atlantic cable box and an audio receiver with no HDMI. I also have a Philips touchscreen remote.

Of course, when I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel there are gray bars. The only tv input that I'm using is the HDMI from the cable box. Should I use a separate input (component ) for my SD channels and program my remote accordingly?

What do you hope to gain by changing the connection? I must be confused.

It would be easier to program the remote. I could simply change the input code on the SD channels.

I guess my true question is:

Is there a way to set up the t.v. so it "automatically" detects the SD signal and stretches the picture so there isn't gray bars?

I know on my sony HD-CRT in the settings there is an option for the TV to detect 480i and stretch/zoom how you see fit. Of course, this also requires that you tell the cable box to not scale 480i to 1080i and just send it as SD.

I think I see what your attempting to do. I always watch 4:3 in 4:3. I am ill equipped to answer the question.

I will zoom letterbox stuff. Generally just a one button deal there for me. I have button on both my display and my sat box for this.

I guess my true question is:

Is there a way to set up the t.v. so it "automatically" detects the SD signal and stretches the picture so there isn't gray bars?

Why in the world would you want to do that? IMO, 4:3 material stretched to 16:9 looks horrendous (it looks much better 4:3 with black bars on the sides).

I went into the cable box settings and changed the bar color from gray to black. You're absolutely right, I won't be watching anymore "stretched" tv. The black looks fine, but the gray was distracting.

Thanks for your help.