HC1600 resolution programs

[TedT-CA]

Hi,
I just pruchased a HC1600 projector and am having some resolution problems.

I have a Philips DVP3960 upscaling DVD (720p) player and a basic 480p DVD player by Sony.

The issue is with 2.85:1 movies, but only some movies. For example, "Independence Day" will have the correct image size on the both DVD players, usign the HDMI on the Philips and component on the Sony. But "Armagedon" will be vertically compressed on both. The "Image" button on the projector will not offer any changes when using the HDMI. When using the Sony, the "Image" button does offer a "zoom1" setting that appears to fix the vertical size, but I cnanot get the picture to look correct using the HDMI DVD player. THe lack of image control is explained in the manual as being normal for the HDMI since it is a digital signal and is proejected inthe orm that comes from the source.

So I am at a loss why this is movie specific. I would like to use the HDMI upscaler player because when it does work, the picture is great.

Anyone have any thought. Mitsubishi tech support was no help.
Thanks
TedT
California

 

[sremick]

Which version of Armageddon? The Criterion release isn't anamorphic widescreen, so it's a widescreen image letterboxed in a 4:3 signal.

 

[TedT-CA]

Hi,

This seems like a dumb question, but how do i thell which release I have. I have looked at the openign screens and credits, as well as the DVD label, nothing seems to say. The case UPC is 7-17951-0008-4-2, is just says Buena Vista Entertainment and that it is preesneted in "Original Aspect ratio"

Also, even if this was the case, why would the screen not show it with horizonatl bands then but be the correct height?

Thanks
Ted

 

[sremick]

how do i thell which release I have. I have looked at the openign screens and credits, as well as the DVD label, nothing seems to say. The case UPC is 7-17951-0008-4-2, is just says Buena Vista Entertainment and that it is preesneted in "Original Aspect ratio"

The DVDSpot website allows you to look up title info by UPC. According to them, it doesn't look like that one is anamorphic either, since it's not mentioned.

Also, even if this was the case, why would the screen not show it with horizonatl bands then but be the correct height?

Sounds like your system is assuming everything is anamorphic, so all images are being stretched horizontally. For an anamorphic disc, this would correct the vertical stretching and give you a proper widescreen image. For a letterboxed image that is already in a proper aspect-ratio on a 4:3 field, when that is stretched to 16:9 then it makes everything too fat.

I see no "Image" button on the HC1600 remote. There is an "Aspect" button for cycling through various aspect-ratio and zoom modes. Make sure you're using that... you should be able to get to a 4:3 mode which should allow it to work fine. One of the zoom modes might also work even better. "16:9" or "Auto" will probably not give you the desired results.

I have an HC1500 which is very similar, and I have it connected via HDMI too. I use the projector remote to cycle aspect ratios and this solves it for me.

If all else fails, set it on the DVD player end by choosing "4:3 letterbox" instead of "16:9 widescreen" when configuring your TV type. You'll have to do it just for those problem titles though and change it back when you're done.

 

[TedT-CA]

Hi,

The aspect button on the remote has almost no options in HDMI mode. I spoke to Mitisibushi tech support about this and they said that it was normal. In HDMI mode, the procector just displays the digtal signal directly - you get what it is. Maybe this is different for the HC1500.

I did try another DVD player with component outputs, it displayed the same squeezed picture, but the aspect button now allowed the zoom1, zoom2 and stretch options and zoom1 seems to look correct. I just don't feel like I shoudl need to use 2 DVD players or the component video outputs for it to work.

Thanks for the comments though.
TedT

 

[sremick]

The aspect button on the remote has almost no options in HDMI mode. I spoke to Mitisibushi tech support about this and they said that it was normal. In HDMI mode, the procector just displays the digtal signal directly - you get what it is. Maybe this is different for the HC1500.

Must be. Very strange. I can assure you, I switch aspect ratios using the [Aspect] button all the time, as my satellite feed is 4:3 and some of my DVDs are 4:3, but my Wii is widescreen and most of my movies are.

And the only video signal I have going into my HC1500 is HDMI.

I just don't feel like I shoudl need to use 2 DVD players or the component video outputs for it to work.

Did you try changing the TV type on the DVD player just for that movie, as I suggested?

 

[TedT-CA]

Interesting that your HC1500 allows the aspect adjustment.

I did try changing the TV type but will try again tonight when I have some time.

Thanks for your help.
TedT