View Full Version : Aspect Ratio / Format
jacksnack
08-31-2008, 02:13 PM
Hi, first post here.
TV: Panasonic TH-42PX80U
Cable Box: Scientific Atlanta 8240 HDC
Provider: Time Warner, Columbus Ohio
Here is the situation:
I recently noticed I was not able to use the TV FORMAT button to change the picture on NON-HD channels. When I switch to JUST, the picture actually shrinks a bit! None of the other format ratios seem to do what they are supposed to. They move the picture only slightly, making more narrow.
I was able to fix this by entering the cable box's aspect ratio button from 16:9 to 4:3. Now, all works as supposed to. However, everytime I turn off the TV and turn it back on, the Aspect Ration resets to 16:9, which created the above problems above. :headb:
Thoughts?
It's probably because the STB is not set up properly and is sending only 1080i for example. You can usually confirm this on the front of the STB, or by pressing info/display, or similar button on the TV to see the incoming format.
See the following post for proper setup of the STB:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=8721
It should then send 480i for the SD channels, for which you can use "just" and 1080i/720P for the HD channels, which usually go to Full automatically. I suggest you don't stretch HD channels that have 4:3 material on them, otherwise you may forget when you go to watch true HD and miss 33% of the material.
It's also possible that there is a setting in the TV's user setup menu that needs proper adjustment, but try the above and let us know.
See also:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1440
jacksnack
08-31-2008, 08:31 PM
Thanks for the info.
I have the PASSPORT software, so the suggestions did not work.
All the resolution (480, 720, 1080) show properly on the box. When I switch to a non-HD station, it goes to 480, for example.
Any more thoughts, please?
:headb:
These TVs often have a "reset" option when you turn the TV off. Perhaps you have this enabled in the user setup. Turn that "feature" off. It's designed for use in stores so that the TV resets to factory standards, but it's not something you want at home.
jacksnack
08-31-2008, 10:17 PM
Thanks, I don't believe it is a TV problem. The changes are made on the STB.
The aspect ratio should be chosen by the TV, not the STB. The TV's Just mode is usually used for watching SD programmes on plasmas to fill the screen to avoid burn in. The STB should really not be involved at all.
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1044
If the STB and TV are set up properly, the TV will stretch SD signals how you want - say using Just and will leave the HD channels alone, say on Full. In this way no action is required on your part at any time when properly set up. SD fills the screen and true HD fills the screen.
The stretch modes on the STB should NOT be used - they are horrible. Be sure that you've got the STB set to 16:9, not 4:3 since you've got a 16:9 TV and that there are no stretch modes invoked on the STB (repeatedly pressing the # key (beside the zero)) should take you back to "normal" on the STB. This option may also be available in the quick settings - press settings once and go up to picture size and choose normal. Passport may be slightly different.
jacksnack
09-01-2008, 01:25 AM
Perhaps my original post was unclear...let me clarify.
The FORMAT (JUST, FULL, etc.) only work correctly when the Aspect Ration on the STB are set to 4:3.
When I turn off the TV and turn it on again, it sets the aspect ratio to 16:9 (on the STB).
According to your post this is the correct setting????
At 16:9 on the STB the FORMAT (on the HDTV) features do not work correctly (see original post).
So you believe the problem lies with the HDTV?????
Thanks
PS-I do not know of any aspect ration settings on the HDTV.
PSS--I do not have ZOOM or STRETCH set on the STB. It is set to NORMAL.
When I turn off the TV and turn it on again, it sets the aspect ratio to 16:9 (on the STB). I have no idea why turning off the TV would change the settings on the STB. Do you mean when you turn off the STB? 16:9 is not really an aspect ratio on the STB - it's a setting on the STB that the STB should be set to when feeding a signal to the (16:9) TV. Perhaps the STB and TV are "communicating with each other - are you using an HDMI cable?
How are you connected from the STB to the TV? If you're using HDMI, perhaps you could try component video as a test. HDMI has a lot of issues - see:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=33977
PS-I do not know of any aspect ratio settings on the HDTV. I have no idea what you mean by this. "Just" is one of the stretch modes on the TV. (perhaps you and I are "confusing" aspect and stretch mode)
When you change the STB to 16:9, do you still have 480i going to the TV for SD channels? I'm thinking perhaps the 16:9 setting is only 1080i or something? (he says grasping at straws).
I doubt there is a problem with either the STB or the TV, they are probably simply not set up properly. Try rebooting the STB by unplugging it for a few seconds and plugging it back in, wait a couple of minutes for the reboot. And try component video cables if you're currently using HDMI.
There are several links in the STB FAQ which may be useful for those with Passport firmware. If they are not, I suggest you get the appropriate Passport setup wizard guide from your service provider. These can usually be downloaded from the service provider or from SA.
jacksnack
09-01-2008, 02:10 AM
480 does show on SD channels, no problems there.
Yes, the Aspect Ration on the STB is changed when the TV is turned off and on.
Yes, I am using HDMI. I suspect a handshake problem may be occurring with the HDMI cable.
I am probably not using correct terminology here. The STB has Aspect Ratios (4:3 or 16:9). The TV has no such setting.
I will tinker a bit more.
jacksnack
09-01-2008, 03:06 AM
OK,
I switched to component cables, the "Aspect Ratio" on the STB "sticks" when the TV and it are powered off and on.
Now, after turning on the TV and box, the FULL setting on the TV in fact does as it is supposed to, as does the JUST and other settings.
The strange thing is, the HDMI cable did work recently. After vacation I had the units turned off. Upon returning home the units were powered up...then I noticed the oddities.
I plan on getting another STB this week. I have had a few other weird issues that can only be explained by this unit.
I suppose it's possible that the STB has some new firmware that downloaded while you were away that doesn't work properly with HDMI and your (and perhaps other) TVs. In trying to have the STB communicate with the TV via HDMI, the STB may err when making that communication. The component video cables do not allow for that, hence fewer problems.
I once set up a TV and HTiB system and the HTiB changed its settings each time it powered on - hated that.
Let us know if a new STB solves the issue.
jacksnack
09-12-2008, 07:31 PM
Well, I swapped out the STB, but the same problem exists.
I currently use the component cables, but my wife wants the HDMI (she can tell the difference).
But, of course, using 2 inputs for video is not easy. Whenever I connect the HDMI cable, it negates the component video input, therefore putting me back to square one.
There's no reason for HDMI to look different from CV if properly calibrated. See the second link in post 2.
