[Scottlof]

When viewing digital ota (non hdtv) is it displayed in 16:9 format?

For example if I tune to the Bears game on Sunday on Fox channel 31.2 will it "fill " a 16:9 display or is it presented in 4:3 and I have to stretch it? Same question applies to "Friends" tonight on NBC 29. If it matters, I am utilizing DTC100.


Thanks for any help. I am almost certain to trade my 4:3 Hitachi for a Pioneer 533HD5 this weekend but I just can't seem to get this part figured out.

 

[Kipp Jones]

It will depend on the channel and program. Most of the new programs shown usually will fill the screen. Some older programs like Seinfeld will sometimes be a little on the "skinny" side of 16*9. You may see some small side bars. the game this weekend should fill the screen even though its not hd.


All of the local oat digital stations are broadcasting a 16*9 signal but the program may be 4*3 and have black bars on the side. Depending on your set and setup, you may or may not be able to stretch the 4*3 picture. Usually if you are running your stb into your hd input on your set, most sets will not let you stretch the 16*9 broadcast even though your set is showing a 4*3 image.

 

[wirehead_rick]

The Pioneer SD533 will allow you to control the aspect ratio for HD sources (at least 480p), but that won't mean much to you.


The only 16:9 sources that appear "stretched" come from WMAQ-DT.


It seems to me that all the Chicago DT stations give you a cropped top/bottm or black side bars for the SD upconverts being shown in 16:9 except WMAQ-DT. Also Pax 38 sends a 6 channel multicast SD 4:3 material which most STB' swill allow you to control aspect ratio with.


Rick