Non-Anamorphic and 16:9 screens (1 Viewer)

[Jim Williams]

I think I have finally got this figured out and please correct me if I am wrong. Also, before I get flamed, I have read the HTF FAQ and the Ultimate Guide to Anamorphic Widescreen (For Dummies).

When viewing a non-anamorphic DVD on a 16:9 screen the image is short and fat because it is actually made to be viewed on a 4:3 screen, and to correct this I should use my "expand" format (at least that is the format on my Mits 42311). Have I finally got this right?

That being said, Blockbuster Video is woefully behind the times. I rented two DVDs this weekend that I know are currently available in anamorphic widescreen but the versions that they had were older non-anamorphic. I rarely have this problem with Netflix rentals.

 

[greg_t]

You are correct. You will have to use one of your TV's stretch or zoom modes to achieve the correct dimensions. As for block buster, I would think that the vast majority of their customers are using 4x3 sets, at which point it doesn't matter if the transer is non-anamaphoric. Why go to the costs of replacing these older dvd's when the market of 16x9 owners is still relatively small.

 

[Donnie Eldridge]

Your other option is buy a dvd player that has the ability to scale an image to fit a 16:9 screen. I think you'll find the dvd player route produces much better results.

 

[EarleD]

Donnie,

other than the RP-91 are there any other players that do a good job of scaling to 16:9?

Earle

 

[Parisis]

I have fought with Block buster about their policy. Do a Google search on Blockbuster and widescreen.there are many discussions of their stupid policy. Their policy is that if a release is available in 4/3 and widescreen, they will only stock the 4/3 version. They basically gave in to the " This movie is defective , it has black bars " crowd.

 

[Chris Will]

That's b/c the majority of people that go to blockbuster are the J6P that think movies like Drummline and Fire Down Below are the best ever made. I rarely rent from blockbuster except for video games. I tend to buy every movie I want to watch anyway. Every time I go to BB I try to speak as loudly as I can about how they suck b/c they don't carry widescreen and that I'll never rent a movie if it is in fullscreen only. This is fun to do when you are close to an employee. Sorry for the post, I know that it is off topic. Sorry.