Anamorphic dvd on widescreen TV - should it look like a letterbox?

[Mosaic]

Being an old dingler, I can't work tis out, but I am pretty sure that my widescreen TV should show the Lord of the Rings dvd on full screen. It doesn't. I've pressed lots of buttons and succeeded only in annoying OH. All suggestions calmly and gratefully accepted, apart from breeding another child to serve as household techno-slave.

[redcrx]

buy new telly, cheaper than a child

[Mosaic]

well you see, telly is new. One of those thin thingies with HD gizmos.

[redcrx]

ah one of them. Have you tried pressing the thingymebob? and switching the doobfrywotsit?

[Mosaic]

I personally believe the doohicky setting is tangential.

[ChuckFickens]

Most films are shoot in aspect ratios of either 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 whereas your TV has an aspect ration of 16:9 (or 1.77:1 so the films are a lot narrower and wider)

When shown on a 16:9 TV these films will show as a letterbox unless you use either the zoom function or pan and scan, these settings will more likely be on your DVD player than the TV.

[Mosaic]

Cheers Chuck - I have explored the dvd settings and not found the solution yet but will persevere. It's surprising how many buttons make OH 'give me a look'.

[ChuckFickens]

I like the way some films deal with it (such as lock stock and two smoking barrels is the first I can think of)

They supply the film on a DVD that you can put in the player either way up, one side is in the original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the other side is in 16:9 so it fits a TV properly.

[AlBags]

Except it doesn't fit properly .. as the format either has to be stretched out of shape, or cropped to fit 16:9.
If made in anything greater than 16:9 ratio, best to watch in letterbox, as no picture will be lost (although you will have bars top and bottom)

[ChuckFickens]

I actually agree with you (lock stock is cropped) I would always use the original aspect ratio version, but the option to choose is nice for those who do want to watch it in 16:9

[AlBags]

What I want is a 21:9 TV ... If one day I can afford.
Thay are around now.