942 question

[skierrob]

So, I'm thinking of getting a 942. Here's a good question:

I have a 4x3 HDTV.

Is there a "pass-through" mode where 480 (sd) channels display in full-screen 4x3 vs. it having 4 boxes around the side, and then it auto switches to 1080i for hd content? Or is it like the 921 where you have 1080i all the time even if you are watching a sd channel?

It's important for me to know because I don't want SD channels being put into a 16x9 window automatically by my tv. I'd much prefer to have the box auto switch so I can use the full 4x3 screen on my tv when watching SD channels.

Of course, I do understand that if I watch a SD *program* on a channel broadcasting in 1080i or 720p that it will still be letterboxed. I'm only talking about watching channels like Travel Channel, etc.

A good example of a box that does have a pass-through mode like I am describing is the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD. It has worked awesome for me with Charter Communications, but I really want to move back to Dish.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[Pepper]

I hope (haven't seen it yet) that there's a setup option somewhere and you tell it what type of TV you have, so that when you view SD on a 4:3 TV it would show it to you in full screen.

Maybe someone who actually has one can tell us if it works this way.

 

[JohnDoe#2]

TV1 will upconvert SD content to either 720p or 1080i depending upon how you set it (probably 1080i for your set). That means you will see SD content both letterboxed and windowboxed.

To watch SD content full screen on a 4:3 TV connect TV2 to another input jackpack on the set with one of the TV2 A/V output sets or S-Video/Audio. Of course, if you are feeding TV2 to another room or rooms with the RF output you will share the tuner with those locations. If not, you can put it in Single Mode.

 

[Pepper]

There is NO S-video port on the 942.

 

[JohnDoe#2]

There is NO S-video port on the 942.

Oops. You're right. That seemed so lame to me when I first noticed it I must have processed it out my memory!