[DM-MUG] HDTV shopping in DSM

[David Thrasher]

You should definitely never get used to the stretched 4:3 aspect ratio picture on a 16x9 set. All it means is that the TV is set up incorrectly for the video you are watching. 

Most of these 16x9 televisions should have presets for the aspect ratios you are likely to view. The correct one for video that isn't 16x9 (the standard 4:3 ratio, that is) is one that will put a non-stretched version of the image in the middle of the screen with black to the left and right of it. That will allow you to see all of it without people looking fat. 

If you don't mind losing picture information, there may also be one that essentially cuts off the top and bottom of the standard sized picture and uses the middle of it to fill the 16x9 screen. This is similar to most of the widescreen you see at the theatres. Use this with caution though because not everything shot for 4:3 was shot with this in mind and you may cut off heads or some other vital area of the picture.

-----Original Message-----

I think the only sensible way to go for a new TV is 16x9 ratio.  You 
get used to "stretching" non-HD shows -- people look fat.  However. 96% 
of what you watch right now is in "full screen" shape, and I have a 
friend who bought a 40-inch Sony tube (4x3 screen ratio) because a) 
what he watches is mostly 4x3 ratio, b) he has little interest in 
network broadcasts, which are about the only source of 16x9 programs 
(assuming you have a roof antenna and a converter box), and c) he 
didn't like the glare on my projection TV (nor does he like watching TV 
in the dark).

John

On Dec 18, 2004, at 12:38 AM, Victoria L. Herring wrote:

> Just thought I'd report....spent this afternoon shopping and looking 
> and researching - very helpful folks at Stogdills, Traviss, Sears and 
> BEstBuy.  Pricing at BB same as at Stogdills and Traviss more or less, 
> depending on model.  Not sure what we will do but all of the advice 
> here has been helpful.
>
> I am having one problem that probably has a simple answer.  My 
> preference from looking at things is for a 16:9 'rectangular' rear 
> projection DLP model - they give sizes such as 42, 50, 55 or whatever 
> -- is that still the diagonal size that we're used to on older CRTs?? 
> Frankly they look pretty huge and I wondered about the effect of te 
> 16:9 ratio....if anyone has a simple answer....The other Q is how 
> big....not too big because the room isn't that large and we're only 
> about 9-10 feet from the TV, but other than the Pogue article, does 
> anyone have a suggestion???
>
> Thanks for the help...
> --
> Victoria L. Herring, Des Moines, Iowa - Owner, 
> http://www.JourneyZing.com - and Attorney at Law, 
> http://www.herringlaw.com.  iChat AV: victoriaherring [@mac.com].
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David Thrasher
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