[merged] Aspect Ratio Problems

[Darwock]

OK, it sounds as though you are all having the same problem I have, but going into the settings doesn't do anything to fix mine.

Widescreen programs show correctly in 16:9 mode, 4:3 programs are stretched to fill the screen. This spontaneously decided to correct itself about a week ago, at which point I stopped putting the NTL box into standby and enjoyed proper aspect ratios right up until last night when I accidentally flicked the wrong power switch.

Now it's gone back to stretching the $:3 pictures. I'm confused in this topic by all the talk of different boxes/software versions... is this a common fault and is there a known fix?

The problem being referred to is a 16:9 picture spontaneously deciding to squash itsef up into a 4:3. There is no fix and my CR3 boxes still do it once or twice a week.

[Bob]

I am finding that the Hits is broadcasting in 14:9 and that the problem described by Paul M is happening to me on ITV1 when they go from normal programming in 16:9 to ITN News which fails to switch the STB to 4:3

[Darwock]

Originally Posted by Paul M

The problem being referred to is a 16:9 picture spontaneously deciding to squash itsef up into a 4:3. There is no fix and my CR3 boxes still do it once or twice a week.

OK, well that is exactly the opposite problem to what I am having. Weird. I don't suppose I should even ask what a CR3 box is?

[Jonathan David]

Ok, this is a problem with people who are on the Langley platform (there BBC1 is on 101).
On occasions the box, when set to output a 16:9 signal, will only output a 4:3 signal in a 16:9 frame.So what you get on a widescreen tv is a picture with black bars on top and to the side.
This is easily fixable by going to the guide and then back to tv again.
NTL, through the sadly missed Proppinupthebar, is aware of the problem and more importantly has recreated the problem at the DMC.
So hopefully a solution should be at hand.

[Darwock]

I hate to say it again but that's not my problem. Should I start a new thread?