Got HD, but 16:9 is still stretched

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

I just got the i/o set up as well (to test it ou against direc tv.
I've been told that the 4:3 vs the 16:9 is based upon how the network
is broadcasting the show. I watched american idol (fox hd) this past
week and it was being brodcast in 16:9. It looked great. I believe
that the super bowl is going to be broadcast in 16:9 as well.

I'm no expect, but i'm learning.

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

Bradley Burton wrote:
> Comcast recently came and installed my cable box w/ HD. I noticed that when
> I compare the regular TV signal (from my VCR) (in 16:9 mode), and then
> switch it to HD on my cable box, the picture when using the cable box (w/
> HD) looks just as stretched as the picture when using my regular TV. I'm
> using a projector and I have both the regular and cable box HD in 16:9
> format. The HD actually looks better proportioned in 4:3 mode. What's
> wrong with it? I'm asking to see if anyone knows if there's something I can
> do about this before the Super Bowl. Otherwise I guess I'll put in another
> service call with Comcast .
>
> Thanks,
> Brad

Were you watching an true HD show? Not all, if not most material, on
the broadcast network HD channel is upconverted SD (outside of the prime
time scripted shows) and some local channels may stretch the picture
rather than pillarbox it which is what they should do. Yes, it gets
complicated. If it is a true HD show, you will be able to tell the
difference. If you have it on your cable system, try Discovery HD or one
of the inHD channels as they broadcast HD shows almost all the time.

Just to be sure, how are you connecting the HD set top box to the HD
TV? You have to use component cable, DVI, or HDMI to get the HD (1080i
or 720p) signal to the TV. S-Video is only capable of 480i. I have not
seen it, but there must be a good website somewhere that explains all
the ins and outs of HD including SD, upconverted SD, HD signals, OAR,
ATSC, and so on in a clear and readable manner.

Alan F