[exv]

I know this is probably a dumb question, however, I was wondering if the analog (S-Video or Composite) video outputs on a DirecTV HD receiver would show the widescreen or HD picture from HD channels offered by DirecTV?


I understand the picture would not be true HD, but I would not mind seeing widescreen versions of network programming on a non-HD televsion set, if possible.



Thanks,


-e.

 

[bfdtv]

exv,


Most DirecTV boxes downconvert HD to SD (480i) for output through s-video and composite. Some boxes maintain the widescreen format ("squeezed") while others "letterbox" the picture with black bars on the top and bottom.

 

[exv]

So, it sounds like it may work. Which HD receivers do you recommend for maintaining the original widescreen format that would apppear on HDTVs? I would not want the "squeezed" picture.



Thanks,


-e.

 

[arxaw]

I know one that will not work correctly on 4:3 SDTVs:

The (discontinued) Samsung SIR-TS160. When setup for a 4:3 SDTV, it will only letterbox 720p broadcasts (abc, fox & espn). It will not letterbox 1080i broadcasts. Samsung knows about this bug but never offered a fix for it.


Your best bet is to buy a receiver locally from a store like Circuit City or Best Buy that will let you return it if it doesn't play well with your older TV. If you call DirecTV, they may even give you a couple hundred $ discount on your bill to help offset the cost of a new locally purchased box.

 

[mjones73]

The Hughes HTL-HD will letter box HD for you on the non HD outputs...

 

[El Pollo]

I have an SD TiVo2 and a VCR hooked up to my Samsung 360. When I try recording an HD signal, it all downconverts as expected, but displays a thin squeezed picture... if that's any help.

 

[arxaw]

Quote:

Originally posted by El Pollo I have an SD TiVo2 and a VCR hooked up to my Samsung 360. When I try recording an HD signal, it all downconverts as expected, but displays a thin squeezed picture... if that's any help.

El Pollo,

When recording, you need to set the 360's screen aspect ratio to 4:3 and choose Letterbox format.