Proper 16:9 viewing on new LCD widescreen television

[jamesyoung25]

I recently purchased a Westinghouse 32" LCD HD ready widescreen television (LTV-32w1) and have been quite happy so far. However, I do not believe I have discovered the proper settings for proper 16:9 dvd viewing (no black bands) and hope the more learned members of this board will have the answer.

I have a progressive scan dvd player and have it set for 16:9 and progressive scan. However, when I play the DVD there are still are still black bands at the top and bottom of the television (even though its a widescreen tv). There are three aspect ratios for the tv settings (standard, fill and zoom). Standard makes blacks bands on each side, fill (which is the one I think I'm supposed to use) gives bands at top and bottom, and zoom doesnt give bands but stretches people a bit out of shape. Supposedly the tv is supposed to match up to widescreen movies for proper vieiwing. Sorry for such a long post and I hope someone else with this tv or more knowledge can give any tips for what I'm doing wrong. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[MDS]

16:9 is an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Many widescreen movies are 1.85:1 or greater. You will always have black bands at the top and bottom if the aspect ratio of the movie is greater than the aspect ratio of the screen.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm just going to add to my post count here by agreeing.



Really - look at the back of the DVD and it will typically give the aspect ratio of the 'widescreen' DVD. Widescreen is a generic term that refers to EVERYTHING wider than your old 4:3 television. But, a widescreen DVD is designed to make the most out of your 16:9 television's resolution.

It does NOT mean that the actual film is being presented to you in 16:9 format.

As said, most movies are actually 1.85:1 or 2.35:1

Both of which leave you black bars above and below the image.

THIS IS NORMAL!

You are about the 10,000 person to ask that question though, so don't feel like you are the only one who has wondered.

 

[Buckle-meister]

And I'll just say from us all; welcome to the forum JamesYoung25

Regards