widescreen RPTV (1 Viewer)

[Will.MA]

I've always taken for granted that a widescreen movie would completely fit the viewing area of a widescreen display. Until I saw a 16:9 television in a pic from a theater page show black bars above and below a movie image from DVD. The screen shot doesn't look like the movie was in any other aspect ratio other than 16:9. So how come the black bars? Have I been operating under a false assumption?

 

[Ramon A]

I believe that the picture you saw was of a wide screen movie in 1.85to1 which would be slightly wider and shorter than 16x9 or 1.78to1 same format.
most dvd's however are in 16x9 and so is HD but you will find some in true wide screen format which i believe is 2.35to1 but this is rare. I hope this answers your question

 

[ChrisWiggles]

Yes you have.

 

[ChrisWiggles]

See the Primer and Faq:

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

A: nope.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...321#post828321

 

[Will.MA]

Thanks for the tip to read the primer. While there I also read that I can take advantage of my PCs DVI output & 1600 x 1200 native resolution to drive a frontal projector. As it turns out, I may no longer be immediately in the market for a RPTV. Not right away, anyway

 

[Jerome Grate]

I'll chime in just because you have a widescreen t.v. does not mean you get rid of all the black bars. I believe the aspect ratio that fits is 2:35:1.

 

[ChrisWiggles]

widescreen TVs are 16:9. 2.35 is wider than this, you'll have bars with 2.35 material.

 

[Michael TLV]

Greetings

So many different aspect ratios out there

2.35
2.25
2.40
2.55
2.76
2.10
1.85
1.75
1.66
1.33

So 16:9 aka 1.78 is a compromise between all these.

Regards