Widescreen Issue - Black Bars?

[tequilaed]

Hi there,

I have a Samsung 50 inch Plasma, widescreen 16:9. I purchase widescreen versions of DVDs. Why do I still get the black bars on top/bottom? The menus are full/wide screen, etc.

Same thing with my x-box 360 games (Halo 3). The menus are in full/wide screen, however, gameplay has black bars on left and right...

thanks for any help...

- confused a/v newbie

 

[MDS]

16:9 is an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 (16/9) but most movies are shot at 1.85:1 or even wider at 2.35:1. You will always have thin black bars at the top and bottom for those type of movies unless you use a stretch type mode of the TV.

 

[Tom Andry]

Halo 3 shouldn't have black bars unless it's a cut scene. I'd turn it on to confirm but I've got too many people in the house. I'd check your aspect ratio settings. Could be you have it set to justify or something similar.

 

[annunaki]

MDS is correct. There are many forms of widescreen and this is the cause of the issue. Unfortunately it is not a perfect world.

I really prefer the 2.35:1 movies on a projector and screen capable of it. It is quite impressive.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

Hi there,

I have a Samsung 50 inch Plasma, widescreen 16:9. I purchase widescreen versions of DVDs. Why do I still get the black bars on top/bottom? The menus are full/wide screen, etc.

Same thing with my x-box 360 games (Halo 3). The menus are in full/wide screen, however, gameplay has black bars on left and right...

thanks for any help...

- confused a/v newbie

This will clear things up for you. Anamorphic Guide read it all.

 

[mtrycrafts]

MDS is correct. There are many forms of widescreen and this is the cause of the issue. Unfortunately it is not a perfect world.

I really prefer the 2.35:1 movies on a projector and screen capable of it. It is quite impressive.

Isn't that a game? Do games also come in different aspect ratios? I am not a gamer