Question about SOURCE for screen format

[gndprx]

I currently have the screen format set to Source which I would assume to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 as necessary, however when we watch shows that are letterboxed, we end up with a letterbox window inside the 4:3 constraints....looks like PIP in the middle of the screen

It's a pain to have to switch between "Source" and 16:9 manually when this happens and my component in on my TV does not allow for the TV to automatically stretch the screen (seems to be a function reserved for non HD inputs). Is this because the source is not actually sending a 16:9 broadcast but rather a 4:3 letterboxed?

This is off of both a cable feed and a feed from a pioneer (Comporium) digital cable box. No HD feed.

Thanks

[GKusnick]

Originally Posted by gndprx

Is this because the source is not actually sending a 16:9 broadcast but rather a 4:3 letterboxed?

Yes. SD programs are 4:3, even when letterboxed. Those black bars at the top and bottom of the screen are part of the signal being sent. (You may notice that they're not always black, either. Networks often display logos, credits, ads for other shows, and whatnot in those blank areas.)

[nielm]

If the same programs are always in the same AR, you could use my Auto Aspect Ratio switcher to automatically swtch the AR...