Since I have replaced Sky+ with Sky HD I have generally been delighted but there is one niggle that I'm wondering whether I can fix.

I used to be able to set the TV picture to automatically switch between 4:3 and 16:9 depending on the programme format. This is no longer the case.

Is this anything to do with the HDMI connection replacing RGB Scart? Or is there anything else that I need to consider.

I was under the impression that HDMI auto selected 4:3/16:9...

Is there a screen setting that has been changed?
Does SKy HD actually transmit 4:3 format??

quote:

Originally posted by AV@naim:
I was under the impression that HDMI auto selected 4:3/16:9...

Is there a screen setting that has been changed?
Does SKy HD actually transmit 4:3 format??

Hi,

The Panasonic Plasma is set to "auto" picture format.

For the Sky HD box - the settings are the same as with the Sky+, except there is a new setting for HD.

At the moment this is set to 1080i. But there is an "auto" option which I may try. But as it was default and Sky broadcasts 1080i it seems unlikely.

You third question about HD and 4:3 is tricky to test because AFAIK all HD broadcasts (admittedly not many of them yet) are 16:9.

The only other physical difference is the change of connection cable and that's why I'm wondering if it was a feature of SCART control - that is not there with HDMI.

One thing is certain there is plenty of Std def content in 4:3 and I'm currently having to change the aspect for 4:3 output, and then change it back when it reverts to a widescreen programme.

I would presume (as I dont have a SKy HD box) that setting to auto wuold be the most sensible course of action.

Scart has a physical 4:3/16:9 pin (Pin8).
HDMI formatting is done at source/display ends as the data up the cable is usually encrypted TDMS

quote:

Originally posted by AV@naim:
I would presume (as I dont have a SKy HD box) that setting to auto wuold be the most sensible course of action.

Scart has a physical 4:3/16:9 pin (Pin8).
HDMI formatting is done at source/display ends as the data up the cable is usually encrypted TDMS

Having re-read my post I may have given the impression that "auto" was the default for the HD setting - it was 1080i. But I shall try the auto - in fact all it may do is activate the internal scaler but I'll report back.

Thanks.

Steve

OK, changing the HD setting to "auto" does enable the "auto aspect" to be restored, so no problem with the HDMI connection.

But, as I suspected, the Sky HD box then activates it's scaler and this is not as good as the TV's own. No difference on HD but the std channels are slightly worse than with it set to 1080i.

Steve

Even the ITV 6pm news can't transmit in 16:9

Shocking

Have you had a look through the Digital Spy Sky HD forums ?

Digital Spy HD Forum

Thanks Roy.

I've decided to leave the Sky HD output setting at 1080i. While changing it to "auto" does fix my problem with the lack of auto-aspect (re-sizing the screen on 4:3 broadcasts and back again), the price is that the std def picture worsens slightly.

This is even more noticable on std widescreen programmmes and is not worth it. A reflection of the box's scaler being worse than a straight 1080i output to the TV.

Regards,

Steve

Steve,

If its useful, another valuable source of all things AV is the AVForums site. If you want to make tweeks to your setup, there are TV model threads to guide you in the Video Components-Plasma Flat Panel Televisions section. Having read this for the last 3 months, convinced I was going to get an LCD I have just ordered a Panasonic Plasma!.

Another excellent site for NEW TV Models testing is the independent hdtvtest site.

BTW, I have purchased a Panasonic TH42PX700PED and an Oppo-981 (Upscaling) DVD Player. I will wait in the hope that Sky-HD drops in price before taking the plunge.

Denis

Steve i have used that site for about a year,there is some good info on there.
Regards munch

Thanks guys, I've got things sussed now and although the auto-aspect issue is a minor drag, the Panasonic is excellent, blinding on HD so I'm very happy with it.

Compared to my smaller Sony Bravia LCD, it is better on fast motion. It also has a slightly more natural colour saturation and is more tolerant of the standard definition signals.

Regards,

Steve