How does the Voom STB output 4:3 sources?

[Wiltron]

My Mitsubishi 65809 disables format changes when receiving a 1080i signal. If I have the DSR 550 output 1080i resolution, I assume it upconverts everything. My question is: At what ratio does the Voom STB output 4:3 material? (i.e. SD channels).

 

[chspringer]

STB Output

Depending on how you set up the box you can have the SD channels at 480i or 1080i. I prefer to leave my box set to 1080i and have the SD channels upconverted. The output shows as a 4:3 picture with black sidebars. If you use the 480i output the Mitsh will produce grey sidebars which I find annoying.

 

[Wiltron]

I see. So I could probably just do the same as I'm doing with Adelphia SD now: use a 480i output from the STB so I can stretch it on the screen (to avoid burn in). I think the grey bars are supposed to delay burn in as compared to the black ones. If you watch too much stuff in 4:3 the sides will wear slower. thanks for the reply.

 

[Ilya]

No need to use a different output. You have several options with 550:

1. You can let the box upconvert SD channels to 1080i and show black bars ("Pillar Box")
2. You can let the box upconvert to 1080i and stretch everything to fill the frame.
3. You can switch to Native mode, where SD channels are not upconverted and let your TV set do stretching/zooming.

 

[Wiltron]

Thanks Ilya. However, after further research the horrendous CSR, installation, and STB bug stories have steered me clear of Voom for now. I'll stick with Adelphia for now (for $12.95 I get InHD1, InHD2, CBS, FOX, ESPNHD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, and HDnet Movies). If the movie programming for Vooms Cinema channels was better I might be convinced, but until then, I'll wait and see.

 

[riffjim4069]

Thanks Ilya. However, after further research the horrendous CSR, installation, and STB bug stories have steered me clear of Voom for now. I'll stick with Adelphia for now (for $12.95 I get InHD1, InHD2, CBS, FOX, ESPNHD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, and HDnet Movies). If the movie programming for Vooms Cinema channels was better I might be convinced, but until then, I'll wait and see.

I have a Mits and the VOOM STB works flawlessly outputting 1080i using component...just wish the STB and upcoming DVR had firewire. The VOOM STB also works flawlessly with my Sony (component...waiting to purchase DVI-HDMI cable/native mode) and Samsung (DVI/720p).

I certainly understand your concerns with horrible installation experiences and poorly trained CSR, but if you're thinking Adelphia is going to be any improvement you should probably read the following postings (I deleted my installation but I will gladly send you my notes upon request). Anyway, VOOM's install nightmares have greatly diminished and a proactive approach will generally yield positive results. I do miss the INHDs, but I rarely watched the HDNETs. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see the INHDs being carried by VOOM in March - check out the post on main VOOM Forum page. Good luck in whatever you decide...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4360117#post4360117
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4365735#post4365735
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4385608#post4385608
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4387355#post4387355
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4387601#post4387601
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4388259#post4388259
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4536554#post4536554
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4537080#post4537080
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4537125#post4537125
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4558898#post4558898
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4717529#post4717529

 

[Ilya]

Thanks Ilya. However, after further research the horrendous CSR, installation, and STB bug stories have steered me clear of Voom for now. I'll stick with Adelphia for now (for $12.95 I get InHD1, InHD2, CBS, FOX, ESPNHD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, and HDnet Movies). If the movie programming for Vooms Cinema channels was better I might be convinced, but until then, I'll wait and see.

I had Adelphia for many years. A year ago I left them for VOOM. The best decision I've ever made! Perhaps your case is different... Good luck!