HDTV Question

[Ajay]

I have a HDTV and I finally picked up an HDTV receiver to use with my Starchoice subscription.

I have a question though. I have the settings set to 16x9 in the receiver options since it is a widescreen. My problem is whenever I put it on some HDTV channels (i.e. Sportsnet) the picture shows up as more of a letterbox 4x3 display and on others it shows up the full screen. On some of the channels that display a full screen in HDTV, when a commercial comes on it switches back to 4x3 and when the show comes back on again SOMETIMES it switches back to 16x9 full screen.

There's a couple settings on the receiver. There's 480, 480I, 720, 1080, and 0000. The 0000 is "native mode" which I'm guessing is what the receiver decides to pick for you depending on if the channel is HD or not. My TV is a two year old Toshiba Cinema Series 57" and supports 540/1080. What setting should I have it on and can someone explain why it's 4x3 on some channels and 16x9 on others?! Is this explained because the program may not actually be HD?

Thanks for the help.

BTW the receiver model I picked up is the 505 Motorola Starchoice receiver if that helps.

[benyl]

Isn't HD based on the number of lines of resolution rather than if it is 4x3 or 16x9?

[Impreza]

Whether the display is 16:9 or 4:3 depends on the content. If you're watching a program in 16:9, it will be 16:9. But as you have noticed, for most commmercials, the channel will show it in 4:3. So it is all dependent on the content.

[Ajay]

Originally posted by Impreza
Whether the display is 16:9 or 4:3 depends on the content. If you're watching a program in 16:9, it will be 16:9. But as you have noticed, for most commmercials, the channel will show it in 4:3. So it is all dependent on the content.

Thanks that's what I thought but just wanted to make sure.

Thanks again

[googe]

actually thats not quite accurate. HDTV by definition is 16:9, and all broadcasts in HD will be. the reason its in 4x3 sometimes is because those arent HD broadcasts. even though you are watching the HD channels, they often run standard definition programming. on starchoice, an "HDTV" icon will appear in the box for that program on the program guide if its actually being broadcast in HD. otherwise, its regular program on the HD channels.

and its best to leave it on 0000 (native) with those receivers if you have a 1080i TV.