ATSC video size

[ram4x4nut]

Hi all,
Got my ATSC side working on my HVR-1600. What I notice now is that when I record something that is on one of the HD channels but it's not a HD show, it is recorded at 4:3 with the black bars. When I try to do an F7 to fill my plasma it has little affect on it. I never really get a full screen. Is there a way to change that or do I have to live with what they send?

Ram

[sub]

Often if a station only has a 4:3 version of some show then it'll add black bars to the left and right of the picture before transmission so that it'll display as the correct aspect ratio on a 16:9 tv. This is then transmitted as a 16:9 video, which is displayed 16:9 on your tv. ie, the video is filling your screen (but part of that video contains these black bars).

[ram4x4nut]

That's what I figured. Don't know if that will pass the WAF test LOL. Thanks as always sub

[sub]

You can always add a custom aspect ratio to the <AspectRatioModes> section of config.xml to stretch/position where you want. It wont use it automatically, but you would be able to F7 to it.

[fender]

welcome to the world of cursing about "Window Boxing"

[ram4x4nut]

You can always add a custom aspect ratio to the <AspectRatioModes> section of config.xml to stretch/position where you want. It wont use it automatically, but you would be able to F7 to it.

If I do that, will it screw up things that they do send in true 16:9 full screen HD?

[wtg]

ram4x4nut,

I mapped the Picture button on my Hauppauge remote to send F7 so that I can easily change aspect ratios without trying to find the keyboard. It makes it easier to switch while viewing.

As far as the WAF factor goes with pillar-boxing, that's just what you have to deal with when it comes to HD. A lot of stations switch between 4:3 and 16:9 depending on the program or time of day. A 4:3 signal stretched to 16:9 doesn't look much too good either. You have the same issue if you are using a TV's internal ATSC tuner or a cable or satellite STB.

Good luck!

[ram4x4nut]

Thanks for the info ... I pretty much figured it was a "live with it" kind of thing. Just thought maybe somebody had some tricky way of making it full screen and look good I'm just happy I have the HVR-1600 working!

[nitrogen_widget]

Thanks for the info ... I pretty much figured it was a "live with it" kind of thing. Just thought maybe somebody had some tricky way of making it full screen and look good I'm just happy I have the HVR-1600 working!

Well, some people do this (i prefer not to), but they use the TV's zoom feature to soom in on the video to make it fill the screen & maintain aspect.

Unfortunatly you loose some off the top & bottom.

I don't know if GVPVR can zoom in on the fly though.

[ram4x4nut]

Well, some people do this (i prefer not to), but they use the TV's zoom feature to soom in on the video to make it fill the screen & maintain aspect.

Unfortunatly you loose some off the top & bottom.

I don't know if GVPVR can zoom in on the fly though.

No way in hell that would pass the WAF test LOL!