What should I be seeing? (1 Viewer)

[James Buhler]

If I watch a 2:35:1 "enhanced for widescreen" DVD on a widescreen tv, should I see the black bars at the top and bottom without using a "stretch mode" on my tv?

Tosh 65hx83 with pioneer dv-563a-s. DVD set to progressive. TV set to "film" with 540p or 1080i, whichever looks better for the dvd.

Sorry if this is an old question but i have looked at the archives and have not found a direct answer.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

James

 

[Garrett Lundy]

Yes. Any source with an aspect ratio wider than 1.78:1 (16 by 9) will have "black bars" of unused screen above, and below the picture.

 

[James Buhler]

Thanks for the response.

Then, what does "enhanced for widescreen" mean?

James

 

[Cees Alons]

James,

Enhanced for widescreen means that they used all 480 horizontal lines (i.s.o. only 360) to digitize a 16x9 picture, resulting in a better vertical resolution.
The DVD solves the problem of presenting the proper picture to a 16x9 TV or a 4x9 TV (you have to set the intended TV type).

Please read our primer if you want to find out the meaning of all sorts of "new" DVD terminology!

Cees

 

[Michael Reuben]

Try this chapter of the HTF Primer and FAQ:

Anamorphic DVD

The other chapter that directly responds to one of your questions is:

If I buy a 16x9 wide screen TV, will I get rid of the black bars forever?

M.