Screen Aspect Ratio (1 Viewer)

[Darren James]

I'd like some advice regarding determining a screen aspect ratio. I've searched for and read many posts but cannot quite find the answer to my confusion.

I am using an HTPC (MSI Mega PC) with an All-in-Wonder 7500 outputting to an NEC LT240K projector. I use PowerDVD to watch DVDs and ATI Eazylook for TV. I intend to use Meedio in the future for both. Currently I project onto a wall.

I am now in the market for a screen and am considering one of the electric Elite 100" models from Tigerdirect.ca. There is a 4:3 version and a 16:9 version...and this is my dilemma.

I have read posts that suggest it's a personal decision based on how much widescreen material you view versus TV (4:3) material. However, based on the equipment I have, I wonder if technically I should go with one aspect ratio over the other?

I believe my PJ is a native 4:3 model. My PC outputs 4:3 to the PJ. PowerDVD/Meedio add the black bars to the top and bottom of the screen when viewing a widescreen DVD.

The PJ has four aspect ratio options - 4:3, Letterbox, Widescreen and Cropped. When viewing a widescreen DVD, 4:3 and Letterbox view the same, Widescreen shows the same picture but appears to be vertically squashed and Cropped seems to cut the picture (so I think cropped is out).

Whichever aspect ratio I choose, the PJ seems to be projecting a 4:3 rectangle of light. I am assuming that this is the case because the input is coming from my PC. I have tried to play with the output resolution on the video card but with little success. So does this mean that my PC can only output a 4:3 image?

If the PC can only output a 4:3 image, and the PJ can only ever project a 4:3 image based on my input, I assume I will always have the black bands projected onto my screen?

If this is the case, then based on what I've read my dilemma comes down to a question of personal preference, masking the screen and the distance of the PJ from the screen?

TIA for any answers, sorry for the long post...just wanted to demonstrate that I had tried thinking about this before posting.

Edit...I've tried Powerstrip, Rage3DTweak and changing the resolution settings in PowerDVD...with no success...must be doing something wrong?

Darren

 

[Darren James]

I found the answer on the AVS Forum....apparently LT240Ks always project the full 4:3 pixel panel regardless of the aspect ratio selected.

My choice is now a 4:3 screen with top/bottom bars (or masks) when watching widescreen, or a 16:9 screen with left/right pillars (or masks) when watching TV.

DJ

 

[Allan Jayne]

When the projector always delivers a 4:3 shaped rectangle, it is easiest to use a 4:3 screen. This is referred to as a constant width arrangement with unused (black) top and bottom strips for wide screen movies.

Many folks prefer a constant height or near-constant height arrangement. If you can get an anamorphic lens that fits on the projector, you will always get a 16:9 rectangle on your screen while the projector is using all of its pixels. You will have the black side areas for 4:3 viewing (and also some black top and bottom area for movies in the 2.00:1 to 2.66:1 range. Before buying the lens make sure the projector, perhaps with help from the computer, will stretch the wide screen picture to nearly fill the projected rectangle and also stretch 4:3 pictures to look exactly square (subject matter will look tall and thin for the moment). After this is done the lens makes everything look right.

Video hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm

 

[Darren James]

Thanks Allan.

Good timing as I was just about to order the 4:3 screen.

The link looks like there is plenty of great info...have to wait until I get home from work to read though.

Cheers

Darren
(someone else with two first names!)