Hitachi Stretch modes, good or bad?

[Brigadeer]

Sorry, I am a HD newb, and I am sure it shows big time. That said, since I bought my HDTV (Hitachi 51F500), I have been searching all throughout this forum a lot, as well as a few other quality sites out there (like this one the best though).

Anyhow, let me backtrack a little. It took an act of god to get my wife to agree to us buying a bigscreen TV, especially one that is HD. It did help though that we both think we got a good deal in the purchase of the set.

Okay, going back forward, I only have a regular DirectTV satellite right now, with the "intentions" of purchasing a HD satellite system around the first part of next year, maybe a little later. So, we will be watching all TV in 4:3 ratio for the better part of a year. This is the one thing that I did NOT research or even think about. I am gonna be toast if we get the TV, and all channels look like crap when stretched from 4:3 to the 16:9 HD ratio.

Does anyone know anything in particular about the Hitachi model, specifically the new 51F500 model in regards to their stretch modes? If so, what is the best stretch mode to watch regular 4:3 broadcasts on.

Please guys, let me know of this as soon as you can so I can prepare ahead of time for this. Thanks as always!

Brigadeer

[57U]

See the FAQ on "Widescreen TV Stretch Modes". Most people use 4:3 expanded for 4:3 programming.

[DoubleDAZ]

4:3 Expanded, hands down!

[57U]

Although I always use 4:3 Expanded, some people say the non-linear stretch is not their favourite for sports.

Some people use 16:9 standard for sports (hockey, soccer, etc) to get rid of the "swinging door" or "fishbowl" effect.

[DoubleDAZ]

Yeah, they must love those fat, squatty ballplayers. Then too, those passes look really impressively long in that mode. :)

PS. How is Rogers Cable coming with the 3250HD?

[57U]

Originally posted by DoubleDAZ How is Rogers Cable coming with the 3250HD? No news yet, unfortunately. :(

[zeroG]

After getting the explorer 3100HD from Time Warner, I can't use any of the 4:3 modes any more. Even the 4:3 programming comes in at 16:9 with black bars on the side (from the cable box, not the tv). So my only option is 16:9 zoom. Not as nice as 4:3 expanded, for sure.

[57U]

Hook up an S-video or composite video cable. You'll then be able to stretch the SD channels. See the FAQ on "Cables & Connections" for more details - even a link on how to hook up your SA3100HD.

[packattack]

also adjust your cable box to accept 480i and you will be able to use yur stretch modes picture might not be as good though, not bad though.

[57U]

The SA3100HD doesn't have any such adjustments. (The Motorola does)

[zeroG]

Thanks for the tip 57U, I will try it with the S-Video. I suppose that means that I will have to use a separate input for watching analog programming.

Here's a question for ya- is it true that I have to hook up the HD tuner to input 1? I have a Hitachi 57G500, and I currently have the HD connected via component to input 2, with my DVD connected to input 1. Someone said you had to have the HD connected to input 1 to get true HD quality. Not sure that this makes sense since I do not have an integrated HD tuner. Any info?

[57U]

Some TVs only have one component input for HD, while the other is for 480i/P for the DVD player. Most new TVs have HD capability on both.

If you look at page 10 of the operating manual item 7 talks about the DVI on input 1. People get confused because they think therefore that only input 1 is HD. I think they both are, but given the choice I'd put HD to input 1 and DVD to input 2. The video amp for input 1 may be "better".

[nobull]

I really dislike non-linear stretch. Objects, particularly human faces, become asymetical. I prefer linear stretch. Although object become slightly fatter, but much less objectionable by my eyes.

[kevinw]

If you are looking for the topic that was added to this thread, I split it to its own. DrewB has some questions and valid and some not so valid points to be stated IMO- BUT I think they need to be voiced all the same.
NEW THREAD (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6222)