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Why Your TV Isn't Getting the Whole Picture

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 31, 2009 11:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – The proliferation of wide-screen televisions and the rising tide of high-definition programming have created viewing troubles on both sides of TV’s technological divide, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. On older models, with a 4:3 screen aspect ratio, new HD shows often have a huge chunk of picture missing; old shows stretched to fit new TVs’ 16:9 ratio can make characters look like they’ve gained a few pounds.

“If you want to see the picture, you’ve got to get a widescreen TV,” groused one 62-year-old. There’s simply no easy way to reconcile the old aspect ratio with the new. Which means for the foreseeable future, networks will have to choose whether or not to stretch images, and just how much of The Office you need to see.

The 16:9 aspect ratio of wide-screen TVs can leave programs made for older models' 4:3 ratio looking odd.
The 16:9 aspect ratio of wide-screen TVs can leave programs made for older models' 4:3 ratio looking odd.   (Business Wire)
The vagaries of aspect ratios can cause pictures to be stretched or cut off in unpleasant fashion.
The vagaries of aspect ratios can cause pictures to be stretched or cut off in unpleasant fashion.   (Shutterstock)
Old 4:3 TVs will often find their picture being cut off these days.
Old 4:3 TVs will often find their picture being cut off these days.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Derni
Mar 31, 2009 5:44 AM CDT
Actually, take a few shots of "your choice" and everything looks better.
Rob
Mar 31, 2009 4:42 AM CDT
Encode ratio information in the signal.

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