Aspect ratios (1 Viewer)

[Doug Smith]

Just bought a new HDTV and was wondering where I could find out about aspect ratios (explanation) and which cinema format to use for watching various DVD's? The T.V. is a 57 inch Toshiba.

 

[Bill_D]

Look at this post in the Beginners' Primer and FAQ:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...908#post511908

 

[Michael Reuben]

The T.V. is a 57 inch Toshiba.

Assuming Toshiba is still using the same designations they've used for the last few years:
Use Full to watch any DVD that's enhanced for 16:9 TVs (a/k/a "anamorphic"). The box may, but may not, tell you whether the DVD fits this description.
Use Theaterwide 2 for letterboxed DVDs that have not been enhanced for 16:9. TW2 simply zooms the image to fill the width of the TV, without changing the geometry.
Use Normal for watching 4:3 material. This will give you gray bars at the sides, but preserves the OAR. Some people don't seem to mind stretching 4:3 material with Theaterwide 1 or 3, but I don't like the distortion those modes introduce.
M.