Is it possible to disable the scaler inside HDTVs? For instance, I have a Sony XBR4 LCD. I would like it so that I see all source content at 1:1. Is this possible?

I've never heard of one that can be disabled. Some TVs will allow you to feed them a 1:1 signal, which accomplishes the same thing.

The problem is that you now need to have all your sources send the precise 1:1 signal. This is generally only possible with either an HTPC or an external video processor.

Wonder if it is possible via Service Menus or actually opening up the back of the display and manually turning it off *gasp!*

I'm just suprised that this is not a common feature.

The internal scaler is a fundamental part of the TV. Just think of what you are going to be receiving via cable TV.

It's a mix of 480i, 1280x720p HD, and 1920x1080i HD. How would the TV handle that without a scaler?

Greetings

You are a very small minority of people that want such a feature. Like TVs without speakers.

Yes a few sets offer this feature, but adding overscan to images is a necessity / necessary evil. The lack of overscan costs manufacturers money. And losing money is not something they like to do.

Regards

Okay...well maybe I am just confused then.

Has anyone here used a nVIDIA graphics card feature called "Do not scale" in the "Change Flat Panel Scaling" section of the nVIDIA Control Panel? When the setting works (meaning when the driver is not bugged LOL!), then the resulting image has a black frame around it when it is not that native resolution of the computer monitor.

For instance, if my computer monitor is 1920x1200 and the source image is 640x480, then the image is centered on the screen with black bars on the sides and the top/bottom.

This is what I am looking for with all non 1920x1080p sources on my Sony XBR4.

How does the lack of overscan cost the manufacturer money? I too am frustrated that my TV chops off a little of each side when watching 1.85:1 movies and I want the black bars (however small) that should be there. Just curious.

greetings

How does lack of overscan end up costing a manufacturer more money?

Picture this ... a service call to a home by a tech costs the manufacturer money even if it turns out that the issue is not with the TV but with something in the signal chain.

If we send out all sets with no overscan from the factory ... people will immediately notice that not all channels via satellite or cable are properly centered. Images are shifted to the left and right ... black bars can appear on the sides.

Now you might know this has nothing to do with the TV ... but will the rest of 99% of the public know this? They might think there is a problem with the TV and call for servicing. And here is where all the extra charges show up for the TV.

And this is just for flat panels too ... now consider RPTVs and the effects of shipping if they wanted no overscan. You likely guarantee a service call to 100% of the TVs you sell.

Regards