Widescreen Switching... via pin or picture?

[Andy C]

Can anyone please tell me whether ntl: send the WSS signal via a pin on the SCART plug or whether it is embedded into the picture?

I ask because I am considering buying a progressing scan converter to enhance the picture from my STB to a plasma screen. The picture would be delivered using component inputs. Does this mean the screen will no longer auto-switch between display modes, WIDE, 14:9, 4:3, etc.?

Many thanks.

Andy.

[Richard M]

AFAIK, it's embedded but it's probably best to wait until an expert like Proppingupthebar comes along

[spiderplant]

The STB both controls widescreen switching via the WSS code in video line 23 and the voltage on SCART pin 8. (TVs should use the WSS code in preference - the WSS code can signal around 6 different formats, whereas pin 8 either just says "16:9" or "4:3").

I'm less sure about the answer to the second part. I would have expected the converter to take in the composite video as well as the components, so it can get the sync, in which case you'll probably get the WSS passed through. But I suggest you contact the manufacturer of the unit.

Originally Posted by Richard M

AFAIK, it's embedded but it's probably best to wait until an expert like Proppingupthebar comes along

Or Spiderplant!
I'm 90% sure I know who it is now!

[Andy C]

Originally Posted by spiderplant

I'm less sure about the answer to the second part. I would have expected the converter to take in the composite video as well as the components, so it can get the sync, in which case you'll probably get the WSS passed through. But I suggest you contact the manufacturer of the unit.

Thanks for the replies folks.

I would actually need to use two boxes, first an RGB (via SCART) to Component converter and from there to something like the Brite View video processor.

I'm thinking the WSS would not survive all the processing, but as you say I would be best contacting the manufacturers.


Andy.

Originally Posted by Andy C

Thanks for the replies folks.

I would actually need to use two boxes, first an RGB (via SCART) to Component converter and from there to something like the Brite View video processor.

I'm thinking the WSS would not survive all the processing, but as you say I would be best contacting the manufacturers.


Andy.

I'm not sure if the WSS signals would be encoded in the RGB signalling. I'll dig out an RGB box and have a look on a scope. If they are there on the first half of line 23 then you would have to confirm with the manufacturer that they pass the first half as it is not part of the active picture.

[Andy C]

Originally Posted by Proppinupthebar

I'm not sure if the WSS signals would be encoded in the RGB signalling. I'll dig out an RGB box and have a look on a scope. If they are there on the first half of line 23 then you would have to confirm with the manufacturer that they pass the first half as it is not part of the active picture.

Hi Proppin,

Excellent, many thanks and I'll look forward to your findings.

I would imagine it is passed in the RGB as WSS still works on recordings made with TiVo, unless it's using another switching method.


Andy.

Originally Posted by Andy C

Hi Proppin,

Excellent, many thanks and I'll look forward to your findings.

I would imagine it is passed in the RGB as WSS still works on recordings made with TiVo, unless it's using another switching method.


Andy.

Sorry, I've not managed to get an RGB box yet.
Hopefully tommorow will be a little quieter and I can get a look.

I've got two Tivo's, and have wondered how they store the widescreen and AFD info. In MPEG its not done by encoding all of line 23, the info is sent as data within the video information. However I think Tivo will just record line 23, thats what VCR's do, and its easier for them to implement.

[Tristan]

But doesn't Tivo re-encode to MPEG2? Wouldn't this screw up line 23?

Could it possibly store the AFD info along with the programme title and things when you start recording?

What a lot of questions!

Originally Posted by Tristan

But doesn't Tivo re-encode to MPEG2? Wouldn't this screw up line 23?

Could it possibly store the AFD info along with the programme title and things when you start recording?

What a lot of questions!

It uses a variation on MPEG2. It doesn't just look at the settings at the start of a recording as it switches aspect correctly during ad breaks for example.

I think they will just do line 23 (the second half of the line is part of the active picture anyway), as it is simple for them to do.

Ozsat may know more?