View Full Version : Sa3250hd
sdoit
06-01-2004, 09:35 PM
I was just wondering if there is a way for the composite or s-video output on the 3250 to not be letterbox when using an HD channel. I use this out put to record to my DVD-Recorder. I know it is not HD quality, but it would be nice for it to be at least 16x9. Since I am using a component output from the DVD-Recorder, my TV will not zoom the letterbox image. Thanks for any help.
Jim
Sorry, no way. It would be nice if you could "anamorphic squeeze" the image and then zoom/stretch it when watching, but we haven't found a way to do this yet...
Use an s-video ouput from the DVD Recorder, and you'll be able to stretch. Perhaps there's a way to set the DVD Recorder via a user menu item to output 480i via the component video and then you might be able to stretch.
My TV does stretch 480i/p via the component video cable, but some TVs do not.
sdoit
06-01-2004, 10:37 PM
yeah, I have work arounds to stretch the video, but I was wondering this more for my dad. If the box would just output the 16x9 image instead of letter box it would be a lot easier because he will never remember to switch all the stuff to get it to work. Just thought it would be nice if he could tape the WS shows cause he tapes almost everything he watches so doesn't get to enjoy the HD too much.
Jim
Are the SA8000HD DVRs available in his area, or are you just giving him DVDs to watch?
Eyedox
06-02-2004, 01:21 AM
TWC in KC just added the SA Explorer 3250HD box ... was wondering if the On Screen Programming Guide/Menus worked in HD mode ... I know the older HD boxes (3100HD?) did not do any on screen stuff on the HD channels (1080i/720p), but only when watching 480 SD stuff. Same question on the new 8000HD DVR?
sdoit
06-02-2004, 01:21 AM
the dvr is available, but nothing we need since we have the hdd on the dvd-recoder.
jim
TWC in KC just added the SA Explorer 3250HD box ... was wondering if the On Screen Programming Guide/Menus worked in HD mode ... I know the older HD boxes (3100HD?) did not do any on screen stuff on the HD channels (1080i/720p), but only when watching 480 SD stuff. Same question on the new 8000HD DVR?On Rogers, it works on the SA3250HD (tested on component video, composite video and S-video) and on the SA8000HD (only tested component video so far.)
On the SA3100HD, you could get the IPG, etc, but the HD image didn't appear in the top right corner. This was a limitation of the STB. The SA3100HD upconverted all 480P/720P to 1080i.
The firmware in the US may be different, so I can't guarantee anything, I can only tell you what works for me.
runner
06-03-2004, 12:16 PM
Question ...If I have a 16 x 9 TV + SA3250HD cable box. Can I use the TV's stretch modes OR MUST I use the cable box stretch modes. ( SD viewing )
Is the answer different for DVI connection vs Component connection ?
If you properly set up the SA3250HD, you should be able to use the TV stretch modes for SD channels. See the FAQ on "tips for SA STBs" (near the bottom).
I believe DVI will pass the SD signals, so your TV should be able to stretch, but don't quote me on this. I believe some TVs/3250s are still having difficulty with the DVI connection as well - it's still a bit in the "beta" phase.
TimeWarnerAustinUser
06-06-2004, 07:03 AM
You are able to see the on screen stuff on the HD channels on the 3250, at least through component outs. I dont have any problems getting the guide or info to pop up when watching a HD channel on my 3250, through TW.
My issues with the 3250 are in regards to the firewire and DVI outs. Ill check the tips for SA STBs down there as well, 57U.
mfabien
06-06-2004, 07:26 AM
On Rogers, it works on the SA3250HD (tested on component video, composite video and S-video) and on the SA8000HD (only tested component video so far.)
The on screen programming is accessible only with component and DVI (I expect). And, as you know by now, you can convert your 1080i format to 480i or 480p for SD and get the IPG on screen but it appears zoomed in. Other outputs from the SA8000HD (composite or S-Video) will not carry IPG or any command to the STB except a channel change which first goes to the component output anf one must SWAP the PIP to get it on the S-Video TV Input (except you can change by increment of one using the + or - button on the PIP line of the remote).
sdoit = Your HDD recorder cannot record HD programming. Makes a whole lot of difference, trust me.
sdoit
06-06-2004, 12:45 PM
sdoit = Your HDD recorder cannot record HD programming. Makes a whole lot of difference, trust me.
I know it can't record true HD, but it can record those channels and it gives you the widesceen picture, so it is better than recording the SD channel that is 4:3. Plus there are some channels that only come in HD. My main question was to get it to record not letterboxed, but anamorphic I guess you would call it. This way it would fill the screen with out me having to do some work arounds.
jim
