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General discussion

HD And Aspect Ratios....

Sep 3, 2005 1:51AM PDT

...Can anyone tell me if true HD programs are ever broadcast in a 4:3 aspect ratio? here in NYC with Time Warner, there "700 series" channels are all said to be HD, yet many of them (at various times) broadcast shows in stadard 4:3 aspect artios. these shows generally don't impress me as being HD but Time Warner keeps telling me that these channels are all HD. I don't buy it because sometimes these same stations broadcast in 16:9 and look really good. It seems to depend on program in question. Only Discovery (channel 706) and the PBS station (channel 713) seem to be in 16:9 HD all the time.

Can anyone tell me what's going on here?

Thanks guys!

Discussion is locked

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I think 'true' HD is always widescreen.
Sep 3, 2005 5:21AM PDT

From what I've read, true HDTV (either 720p or 1080i) is always widescreen. Shows that are 4:3 are just digital broadcasts in 480p. I could be wrong, but I just thought I would reply while you?re waiting for someone more knowledgeable to answer your question.

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Another thing that can make a difference is...
Sep 3, 2005 5:29AM PDT

Another thing that can make a difference is the cinematography of the show you are watching. Nature shows on Discovery and PBS are filmed in very bright light with close up views to show fine details. Sitcoms in HD would simply not look as good because of the stage lightning and the position of camera is not as close.