HDTV cablebox question (1 Viewer)

[Doug Smith]

Just picked up a new (expensive!) Motorola 5100 digital HDTV cablebox for my Toshiba HDX 57" TV. In the cableboxes menu a number of questions are asked, but most I didn't have to worry about because they had automatic settings. However the first three questions were specific. Question #1 asked about screen size - no problem her as the TV is widescreen so I chose 16x9. The second question asked about the scan 1080i, 740p, 480p, or 4801. I chose 1080i. The third question (and the one I am having trouble with) asked for 4:3 override. The choices are 480i, 480p, and OFF. I initially chose off, but this threw my Toshiba stretch modes out of whack. eg. the theatrewide #1 mode, which is supposed to be for 4:3 TV stretch abnormally. This was solved when I selected either 480i or 480p for 4:3 override. My question is what setting should I leave it at 480i or 480p? I think most regular TV is 480i, but if I choose 480p will the box upconvert, and is this good? Also if I am receiving another HD signal (eg. 740p) do I have to go into the box menu and change it manually from the 1080i setting?

 

[Brian_Tho]

480p= Progressive Scan or Line Doubler
Turn this setting on.
No it will auto detect the signal. You cannot get 1080i out of 720p. Whatever they are streaming you will receive.

 

[Doug Smith]

Thanks. If say Fox is broadcasting something other than 1080i, my cablebox will pick it up and display it at its proper level, or drop it down to 480i? Also how can a cablebox change 480i to 480p?