DVD player with non-linear stretch mode ?

[InSumNiaK]

Hi,

I'm looking for an upconverting dvd player. I would like to know if there's one with a non-linear stretch mode (aka panoram or smooth wide) to display 4:3 content.

I ask this because my HDTV lock the aspect ratio control when the image is in 480p or 1080i. I'm really used to that panorama mode and I can't stand full (fat) wide for 4:3 material.

thanks for your help.

[57U]

I don't know of such a beast.

Send your TV a 480i signal and let it do the stretch. Depending on the TV, you may not even notice the difference in PQ since DVDs are encoded as 480i. Some people even get a "better" picture when they send 480i, especially to a CRT-based HDTV... (You didn't state the make/model of your TV)

[InSumNiaK]

thanks for the answer.

I have a Samsung TXN3098WHF (CRT) with a DVI input. I was hoping to get a better picture using an upconverting dvd player but if it's not worth the money I'll stick to normal dvd player.

I was considering the pananonic DVD-S77S, sony DVP-NS70H (but I heard that it dislayed a black bar on top on the screen for some people) and the Samsung DVD-HD850. What you guys think ?

[57U]

I believe that on a 30" HDTV, the difference between these players is very small. If you had a 50 - 60" or larger TV with 4 times the area, then there may be more of a chance to see a noticeable difference...

You may be best to save your money until HD-DVDs are available a year from now.