Side cropping with local HD & HBO 509

[ddm]

I finally figured out how to get my local Detroit, Mich HD channels. After setting my Hughes E86 up properly, now my locals have black side panels cropping to 4:3.

Even HBO 509 does that too. But then last night when Jay Leno came on my local, they went away. Is that because they're boradcasting that way? And if so, I thought that was the purpose of the 16:9 screen was beause of HD?

Also, I don't see why HBO 509 would be that way too?
By the way, I don't have my eliptical dish installed yet. I'm still usting my round dish (but it gets 509)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Soultwist]

They show up that way because the are not HighDef programming, if you look through the list here (http://www.hdtvgalaxy.com/broad.html) you will find out what is actually HD and everything else will be seen with the bars to keep it's correct aspect ratio.

[ddm]

So you're saying that even though it's listed on the guide under the HD channel (like 7-1), that doesn't mean that it's actually in HD?

[Soultwist]

Well, it actually has to be shot with HD cameras. 509 and your local HD channels are going to show all of the programming that is on SD channel, but your local channel probably doesn't have a HD camera to film the news.

[kevinw]

DDM,
What is confusing you is that you are assuming that a digital channel(one received using your digital tuner) is a high definition signal and is broadcasting in HD. If the program is broad cast in HD it will fill the screen completely.

For example- Alias,The Practice, Judging Amy, ER and others are in HD and will fill the screen, 60 minutes, WestWing and Letterman for example are in the original aspect-4:3. You can still receive them using your digital tuner but they are not in HD.

[ddm]

kevinw: Thank you. Now I understand. There is actually less HD than I thought. But when it is in HD, it is fantasitic!!

Thanks again! Denny