wrote: Hello,
I am a new subscriber, first time with Spectrum. I have two Spectrum-210 DVR STBs. Both seem to do the same thing, so I am wondering if I am doing something wrong. When I tune to a SD channel, I get black bars above and below, left and right. I understand why this happens and realize it is normal (although my previous providers' services didn't do this). However, there is an option in the menu for:
Preferences -> Video
SD box on HDTV Aspect Ratio
Which sounds like it should solve this problem by effectively zooming in the picture on the SD channels. There are two options
Pillar Bar (I assume this is non-zoomed)
Stretch (I assume this would zoom the picture)
However, when I change this option, it has no effect on the picture. Do I understand this option correctly and is there a way to eliminate the black bars from the STB? I have already tried to zoom using the TV. It works, but also cuts off large portions of the screen for the HD signals as well, so not really a good solution.
Thank you,
Robert
Hi Robert,
You have the New Spectrum Guide. I have a different guide, (Navigator) but I can help with the Stretch and Zoom.
Stretch-Removes the black bars From SD Channels Only. This will only work on an SD channel with Spectrum. If it's an HD channel, and it is broadcasting an SD program, (like a repeat of some old sitcome that has not been converted to HD,) those settings have no effect. (In this case, you can't get rid of the black bars on an HD broadcast station.)
In most markets, Spectrum has converted all of its stations to HD. It is now getting to the point where if Spectrum is not carrying a channel in HD, the station itself does not have an HD transmission in the first place. Only on SD stations would the above box settings work, where you can Stretch and Zoom to get rid of the black bars.
Stretch is not the same as Zoom:
Stretch- slightly distorts an SD image of a 16x9 HD TV set so that it can fill the screen and get rid of the black bars. (Has no effect on HD broadcasts.)
Zoom-- Zooms in on the image, without stretching the picture. There is no distortion or black bars, BUT the top and bottom of the picture will be slightly cropped, which means that you won't see the extreme bottom or top background in the picture. (Has no effect on HD broadcasts.)
Don't double stretch and double zoom- by using your TV and cable box remote. You will distort the image too much. Only your cable box remote should be used in this regard.
You can set the box HD settings to stretch, but again remember:
1.) That only applies to SD channels.
2.) Stations in HD will have no effect on that setting
3.) HD sets and HD signals are the norm these days, so this is something that you should expect.
Satch