HDTV Forum

I have heard conflicting reviews on the best way to watch this ratio. Black side bars or grey side bars. I have been told that one burns more than the other. Either black burns eaiser than grey, or grey burns eaiser than black.

What are your opinions on this??

thanks

Depends on the display technology first... for some it does not matter, others require only a few points to consider and then there are others that should avoid any long term black bars.

As far as your vision is concerned black bars are preferred for correct color perception of the viewing area.

30" Samsung HDTV(model No. TX-S3082WH)

That is a CRT direct view and falls under...

others require only a few points to consider

Those points are while this technology holds up well image burn is possible. That means if your viewing is say 90% SD 4:3 with black side bars eventually they will show up but when is another matter as it could take years for a direct view yet only months for a CRT RPTV and worse yet 30-60 days for a plasma. With your technology you can greatly reduce your susceptibility by turning down the contrast. A movie or cinema mode in your user menu will get this control and other settings ball parked for you and is a great starting point for further adjustments.

I find for many of my customers the TV is background noise most of the time compared to how often they actually sit down and view a program. In those cases I suggest changing the aspect so it fills out the screen and change it back to normal when you are actually watching.

It's a nice change of pace to have someone worry about presenting 4:3 properly rather than how to crop or geometrically butcher 4:3 so it fills out a 16:9 screen!

More info...

OAR, Original Aspect Ratio - Black Bars and Burn-in
viewtopic.php?t=3182

...on the other side of the spectrum....now that I have HD, the non HD shows look fairly grainy when stretched(blurry picture, odd color blocks here and there.) When I just had regular Digital I could stretch the picture with very little issue.(as far as I could tell, the picture looked fine)

I have a component connection through a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD. Any ideas on this one?

Hi -
Is it possible to get a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD unit from your company? It uses a "HDMI" output which for us has been absolutely great for non-HD reception, both live & recorded playback. In our area, it was an added $9.99/mo & worth every penny ( over the tv issues with component cables). Good luck!
eli whitney - 27 Feb

Since that is an HD/DVR box, no they dont have any right now. There has been a back order on any HD/DVR boxes since around Christmas time. Im on a waiting list to get one.

just got a Sony KDS-XBR2. Most of the shows we watch are 4:3 and we prefer the black sidebars. do we have to worry about screen burn with a projection ?

Thanks

..on the other side of the spectrum....now that I have HD, the non HD shows look fairly grainy when stretched(blurry picture, odd color blocks here and there.)

Regardless of all else that is common and a good reson to not stretch it if you don't have to.

When I just had regular Digital I could stretch the picture with very little issue.(as far as I could tell, the picture looked fine)

I have a component connection through a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD. Any ideas on this one?

you are seeing the errors because it is HD and there is no more filtering. Some use an S-vdeo or composite video connection just for that reason which works great provided the STB will output both at the same time. The only catch there is you have to switch your video input for SD and HD.

Another thing to try is have the SD come out at the HD scan rate.

just got a Sony KDS-XBR2. Most of the shows we watch are 4:3 and we prefer the black sidebars. do we have to worry about screen burn with a projection ?

SXRD is reflective LCD technology and while far better than CRT or plasma it is not impervious. Basically the same recommendations given to sponger246