V+ switching between HD aand widescreen

[Jameseh]

Originally Posted by NigelRowe

It's either a stretched 16:9 picture, or a square 4:3 picture

What else could it be?

[NigelRowe]

It's so hard to explain!

A 4:3 picture in Panoramic setting only has the end 3 or 4 inches stretched. A little is chopped off the top and bottom of the picture. This results in a more natural looking picture. Most televisions have these options.

Thanks anyway, all, for all your replies. Much appreciated.

[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by NigelRowe

Yes, there's no problems with HD channels showing HD programmes. It's channels such as ITV4 which is showing an old film and not in HD. I still can't alter the ratio by my tv remote. It's either a stretched 16:9 picture, or a square 4:3 picture (depending on my V+ box setting). I guess I'll just have to get used to it!

Because it's showing ITV4 through HDMI!

When TV manufactures make a TV they expect an HDMI connection to always recieve a Widescreen picture, because thats what the HD specification says it should be

So why include 'Panoramic' on a connection that will never receive a 4:3 picture?

The V+HD always sends an HD widescreen format picture to your TV through HDMI, and processes SD channels into the widescreen format by either inserting black bars down the left and right if you have set it to 720 or 1080, or by stretching the picture to fill the whole frame if you select the 'Wide' options.

[Stephen]

I've always had my V+ set to 1080 wide and I don't notice any stretching on the older programmes, I have probably just got used to it now. I don't think its actually that bad.

I'd rather have it a wee bit stretched than sitting with big pillars at either side.

[Ben B]

Weird, my TV lets me choose 4:3, 14:9, Subtitle, Panorama, 16:9, Auto 16:9 when using the V+ via HDMI

[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by Ben B

Weird, my TV lets me choose 4:3, 14:9, Subtitle, Panorama, 16:9, Auto 16:9 when using the V+ via HDMI

Hmm seriously wouldn't think it would do that. Would be interesting to see what, if anything Panorama does on a 4:3 programme being shown over HDMI when the V+HD isn't set to 'Wide'

[Ben B]

Originally Posted by BenMcr

Hmm seriously wouldn't think it would do that. Would be interesting to see what, if anything Panorama does on a 4:3 programme being shown over HDMI when the V+HD isn't set to 'Wide'

Just checked and Panorama does absolutely feck all to the picture whether the V+ is on wide or not though there is a LetterBox option which does stretch the top and bottom of the picture

[savvychels]

I would prefer to watch 4:3 in 4:3 with bars than have the people look like they're in a funhouse mirror. What frustrates me is the channels that still aren't broadcasting widescreen properly so watching a widescreen programme with bars all the way round - then the HDMI setting stops me from changing it on my one TV.

My Panasonic Viera is awesome in that even though I have the HDMI setting set on the V+ it still recognizes the 'shape' being transmitted and where a programme might be 16:9 with bars on my other TV my Panasonic fixes it.

[NigelRowe]

Originally Posted by savvychels

I would prefer to watch 4:3 in 4:3 with bars than have the people look like they're in a funhouse mirror. What frustrates me is the channels that still aren't broadcasting widescreen properly so watching a widescreen programme with bars all the way round - then the HDMI setting stops me from changing it on my one TV.

Yes, that is the exact point I have been trying to make! I can understand HD programmes being in Wide, but not non-HD programmes that are in 4:3. I have my box set to 4:3, I find it preferable than everyone looking short, fat and wide!

Progress, eh?

[Pauls9]

Originally Posted by savvychels

I would prefer to watch 4:3 in 4:3 with bars than have the people look like they're in a funhouse mirror.

I find it incredibly frustrating to see TVs set like that, with fat people and oval circles. Thanks for the vivid description!

[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by NigelRowe

Yes, that is the exact point I have been trying to make! I can understand HD programmes being in Wide, but not non-HD programmes that are in 4:3. I have my box set to 4:3, I find it preferable than everyone looking short, fat and wide!

Progress, eh?

But even 'Panoramic' is stretching the picture in places! The correct way to watch a 4:3 programme is in 4:3!

[beermeupscottie]

I'm V+ SA box connected to a Sony LCD by HDMI. I have V+ set to 1080 as I want people to be their proper shape on 4:3 transmissions, not squished down and stretched out.

It is annoying when some of the crappier channels transmit so you have black bars not only left and right but top and bottom as well . But the Sony TV gives me aspect ratio options of Wide, Zoom and Smart, so at least I can zoom in on those if I want.

[Auld Reekie]

Originally Posted by Stephen

I've always had my V+ set to 1080 wide and I don't notice any stretching on the older programmes, I have probably just got used to it now. I don't think its actually that bad.

I'd rather have it a wee bit stretched than sitting with big pillars at either side.

Mines is exactly the same.

[beermeupscottie]

Originally Posted by Auld Reekie

Mines is exactly the same.

Yes but it doesn't have to be, you can set it so people are the correct size and shape...