newbie hdtv questions

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

mikemass@hotmail.com wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I'm an HDTV newbie looking to buy my first high-definition TV. I have
> some basic questions I'm hoping someone can help me with. My apologies
> if this isn't the appropriate group, but it seemed like the best place
> to ask and I couldn't find straightforward answers via searching.
>
> 1. If I purchase a 16:9 TV, will non-high-definition broadcasts (or
> broadcasts not in that aspect ratio) be 'stretched' to fill the larger
> width?

They can be. Most sets have settings that distort and/or crop the image
so that it can be forced to fill the screen. HD broadcasts are by
definition 16:9, but movies filmed in wider aspect ratios will be
letterboxed within the 16:9 frame.

> Or will they simply appear in the standard aspect ratio with
> black bars on the left and right?

Black or grey depending on the display.

> If the 'stretched' applies, does the
> 'stretched' content look distorted?

Yes. Some people claim that it doesn't bother them. It would drive me
bonkers. YMMV.

> I'm trying to figure out if non HD
> broadcasts will look worse or just similar to what I see now on my
> standard 27" set.

If you want the correct aspect ratio and a non-cropped image, any HDTV
should be able to do this right.

> 2. Does anyone know of a site that lists all shows currently being
> broadcast in HD and/or which ones are planned to be shown in HD for the
> upcoming TV season?

<http://www.titantv.com> would be a good place to start.

> Any info you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks!

You are welcome.

--
Matthew

I'm a contractor. If you want an opinion, I'll sell you one.
Which one do you want?

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

Matthew L. Martin (nothere@notnow.never) wrote in alt.tv.tech.hdtv:
> > I'm trying to figure out if non HD
> > broadcasts will look worse or just similar to what I see now on my
> > standard 27" set.
>
> If you want the correct aspect ratio and a non-cropped image, any HDTV
> should be able to do this right.

One thing to remember is that many people go from 27" 4:3 to 40" 4:3 when
they get that 50" 16:9 set. In general, SD is going to look worse when
blown up bigger, even with a very good set.

But, if the OP buys a 34" 16:9 set, SD should look substantially better than
on his current 27" set, unless it is of very high quality.

--
Jeff Rife |
| http://www.nabs.net/Cartoons/OverT [...] iqueOS.gif