HD200 and Aspect Ratio

Gary, doing the vertical squeeze on the 12xx end would distort everything else, but it's still the right way to view the 1080i signal.


The Samsung TS160 is better in this regard, because you can choose a default 4x3 screen size, which automatically letterboxes 1080i HD content, while retaining a normal 4x3 full screen aspect for SD content.


So the work-a-round is there in the HD200 for you to watch letterboxed 1080i and normal 4x3 SD, but looks like switching between HD 16x9 and SD 4x3 channels will force you to either watch everything in 480p to make aspect ratio control automatic, or switch aspects manually in 1080i as you surf through channels.


That's a shame, really. I have an HD200 on order, and presently use the TS160. I don't think I'll have your problem only because my tv is a 16x9 widescreen, but I have to read the manual some more to verify. I won't be happy if WAF can't just switch channels and have it automatically view in the proper aspect, at the highest available resolution of the broadcast signal.


Tom

Tom'Tnx for the reply.....

Unfortunately, this gets somewhat confusing. As I see it, if the HD200 recieves an HD signal, and I want to watch it in an 1080i mode, I lose any form of AR control, either automatic or manual. This therefore, forces me to use a vertical squeeze on the projector itself. Now, since the 1080I image is "tall and thin" with bars on either side (4;3 screen), if choose to perform a vertical squeeze on this image, I will now have a small, geometrically correct image inside my 4:3 screen with black surrounding the image on all 4 sides.

This sounds like a pretty s****y situation to me. Makes me wonder if I don't have something screwed up.

I also mentioned the Soprano's specifically, because that particular program may be broadcast in a different format than other HD material.

Any clarification appreciated.

Tnx for any help.

Gary

Quote:
No, I didn't realize you had bars on all 4 sides. That's a flawed approach then. My point was getting the native 1080i (Sopranos ch 509) signal from the HD200 to the TV, so that the TV's own aspect control would let you letterbox it. I'd double check your tv aspect control. It's hard to imagine a 4x3 HDTV not being able to display a native 1080i 16x9 broadcast properly letterboxed, with top and bottom bars, but no sidebars.


Is this a Sony 3 beam front projection CRT like VPH1250, 1270 etc.? If so, could explain why they sell so many scalers, line doublers and the like for those. That may be your only way out.


The TS160 Samsung WILL scale a 1080i image when screen format is set to 4x3 mode in the preference menu. You can choose to watch 1080i 16x9 in letterbox, full (squeezed on the sides), or zoom (cropped on sides).


Having said that, it sounds like the problem is with the scaler in the VPH.


Tom

OK Tom, once again, Tnx for the reply. Let's see if we can grind this into the ground a liitle bit further.....

I am using a 1251 3-tube projector. As set up, using the input that I have assigned to the HD200, the projector displays in a 4:3 aspect ratio. For some reason, D* 509 when watching the Soprano's, reverted to that screwy aspect ratio (i.e. tall and thin with bars on the left& right). I would expect the HD200 , when outputting an HD 1080i signal, to do so in a 16:9 format. I am concerned that the HD200 may be outputting a format unique to 1080i and 720P modes that expects further manipulation at the display device, i.e. an anamorphic squeeze. I don'e know if SONY expects the HD200 to only be used with consumer sets that automatically change AR when receiving a 1080i or 720P signal. If so, I would think that anyone integrating this receiver, with a projection system would experience the same problem I am having. I am surprised SONY designed the HD200 this way. This seems like such a fatal flaw, that I want to make sure I am not doing something inappropriate.

Surely someone on the board is using the HD200 with a projection system!

Once again, I appreciate any and all feedback.

Gary

Quote:
What I'm wondering, is if this is one of those 1080i native broadcasts of a 4x3 image, where the broadcaster adds sidebars to fill a 16x9 screen?


When I have watched Sopranos on ch 509, it is always full 16x9 aspect. What I'm wondering about are older episodes on ch 509, perhaps in 4x3? Or is it possible you were watching it on ch 501, not 509?


Am I to assume, that other 1080i natives (like HDNet) display properly on your 4x3 screen, with top and bottom bars, no sidebars, and the correct geometrical aspect ratio?


Tom

Because I think I understand what you are talking about. A native 1080i image would ordinarily be displayed squeezed on the sides of your 4x3 screen. Using the 1251 aspect control, it should get letterboxed with top and bottom bars, but no side bars.


But before you put the vertical squeeze on with the 1251, you have a picture tall and skinny, with side bars. That implies a 1080i 4x3 aspect with broadcaster added sidebars to fill a 16x9 screen......squeezed on the sides by your 4x3 tv set. Whew! In which case, you putting the vertical squeeze gives you a 16x9 aspect inside the 4x3 screen, with both vertical and horizontal bars, and that would be correct for 1080i display.


But since 4x3 1080i upconverts are usually just 480p anyway, better to just change the HD200 resolution to 480p, and view the 4x3 image full screen.


Is this what is happening? If not, I'm out of explanations...except an external scaler, HTPC etc.


Tom