Widescreen TFT TVs

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I see that even TFT TVs now are widescreen only. Doesn't that mean that the
picture will be deformed, since analogue tv signal is 4:3?
 
|I see that even TFT TVs now are widescreen only. Doesn't that mean that the
| picture will be deformed, since analogue tv signal is 4:3?

No... It means that you will have black bars at the sides of the picture.
 
Calab said:
|I see that even TFT TVs now are widescreen only. Doesn't that mean
|that the
| picture will be deformed, since analogue tv signal is 4:3?

No... It means that you will have black bars at the sides of the
picture.
Click to expand...

So the full screen will be used only when playing back DVDs?
 
kony said:
True but what about everything (content) already existing in
4:3 format or anything new produced with it? That may be
digitally transmitted OTA but still the widescreen TV area
can't be put to full use.
Click to expand...

It's just NOT possible to make everyone happy.

You've been missing out on part of the image when you watch most
theatrical films on broadcast TV and videotape for decades. This is
sometimes called "pan and scan" because SOMETIMES someone takes the time
to shift the cropping when important images are at ONE side of the frame
BUT occasionally important images are at both sides and something has to
be distorted or sacrificed. With DVDs you often get to buy the "Full
Screen" version with the partial image (still missing parts of it like
watching the broadcast) or the letterboxed (black bars at the top and
bottom) "Wide Screen" version.

For the last several years many prime time network TV shows are recorded
in wide aspect ratios and the sides are cropped off for the standard
definition feed affiliates use for their analog simulcast. A few
programs (like CBS/Paramont's "Enterprise") and a pretty fair number of
commercials are letterboxed (there's that underutilized screen real
estate again!).

I've even read complaints that a significant portion of programming on
SOME "HD" cable/satelite channels is cropped to standard definition 4:3
aspect ratio when converted from film to video then stretched to the
16:9 widescreen ratio, distorting everything out of proportion.
 
CBFalconer said:
Haven't you heard? Analog TV is to be exterminated.
Click to expand...

Much of what is broadcast digitally is 4:3. Digital doesn't mean 16:9.

It's either stretch, zoom, or have black bars with 4:3 programming on
a 16:9 screen. I prefer the latter.
 
I am on the search for a TFT TV to substitute an old tuby one and double as
an occasional screen for a laptop, and I noticed that there are a few
models of 20" 4:3, but the 26" 16:9 have superior analysis and contrast
ratios. After reading the answers, I will go for a 26" 16:9, most likely an
LG one.
 
UCLAN said:
Much of what is broadcast digitally is 4:3. Digital doesn't mean 16:9.

It's either stretch, zoom, or have black bars with 4:3 programming on
a 16:9 screen. I prefer the latter.
Click to expand...

And you get the same choice if you buy an overpriced widescreen TV. As
mentioned here, normal broadcasting is 4:3, so you are better buying a large
4:3 aspect TV and getting the full picture and when watching a widescreen
film or broadcast, opt for the black top and bottom - you still get a larger
picture for the money than if you buy a widescreen set!
 
GT said:
And you get the same choice if you buy an overpriced widescreen TV. As
mentioned here, normal broadcasting is 4:3, so you are better buying a large
4:3 aspect TV and getting the full picture and when watching a widescreen
film or broadcast, opt for the black top and bottom - you still get a larger
picture for the money than if you buy a widescreen set!
Click to expand...

New, digital ready TVs are available with 4:3 screens? Maybe an old model
on closeout somewhere.

I have the black level on my Sony Bravia adjusted so the vertical bars of
4:3 programming blend in with the deep black chassis. I don't even notice
them. HD signals fill the 16:9 screen nicely. I can't imagine having a
4:3 screen again.

"Normal broadcasting" is rapidly changing from 4:3 to 16:9. Even one of
my local newscasts is 16:9 HD. Don't limit yourself with a (very difficult
to find these days) 4:3 screen TV.
 
Harry Avant said:
Do you have any concern about burn-in or similar problems due to using
4:3 on a 16:9 screen? I bought a 16:9 a few days ago and while I don't
object to the back bars I worry that it may not be good for the lcd.
Click to expand...

LCD should be fine... DLP should be OK as well.

Plasma or CRT could be an issue. Probably will be an issue with the upcoming
OLED sets as well.
 
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