Black strips on side of HD TV?

Question

My mother is...technologically challenged, and she keeps pushing buttons.  So far this morning alone, I've had to fix her cell phone and the computer, all because she touched things.

I can't, however, figure out what she did to the TV.  She has an HDTV--I don't know anything about it beyond that--and there is now a black strip down each side.  The program airing isn't cut off, just smaller.  It's the same for every channel, and though I called the cable company, they claim it isn't them.  My mother said she pushed the "zoom" button on the remote, even though there isn't one, and I can't find anything even similar on any of the setting functions.  Help?  She's panicking and now saying she'll have to take the TV back but still won't leave me alone until I fix it.  Any suggestions so I don't have to smother her with her own pillow?

PoohBearPenguin · Accepted Answer

Your mom did indeed hit the zoom button.  Probably the one on the TV remote, not the cable remote.  It doesn't hurt the TV.

Here's the explanation.
Prior to HDTV, TV screens had an aspect ratio of 4:3 (every 4 inches horizontal meant 3 inches vertical.)  TV shows were shot in this same aspect ratio.

However, HDTV screens use an aspect ratio of16:9 which is closer to the ratio they use in movie theaters.  Newer shows are also shot in this same aspect ratio but what happens if you watch an old TV show on a HDTV?

By default, the HDTV maintains the aspect ratio, so you get a properly proportioned picture, but black bars on the sides of the screen.  Some consumers don't like this, so the TV makers invented the ZOOM button.

ZOOM has 4 settings:
* Off

* Horizontal stretch - the vertical resolution remains the same, but the sides are stretched to fill the horizontal resolution.  The result is a bit like stretching a picture on a piece of silly putty.  Everyone remains the same height, but instantly gains 15 pounds.

* Horizontal and Vertical stretch - the picture is resized so that the horizontal resolution fills the screen, but the vertical resolution is now too tall.  Everyone is the proper height and width, but their feet and the tops of their head aren't visible.

* Pan & Scan - This is similar to the previous mode, but then the TV tries to figure out what's the most "interesting" part of the picture to show you.  The TV does its best to keep people's heads in the picture, but may end up cutting off stuff to the left or right.

If you remember how older DVDs had a "Full Screen" version, that's essentially what the TV is doing.

Jason · Answer

It is the screen ratio that has been changed this could be through a zoom button or up down arrows on the remote( not channel or volume) but menu buttons this can also be changed in settings and set there as a default.

Anonymous · Answer

The source is in SD 4:3, which is normal.  Unless you pay for HD cable or HD satellite you won't get any HD 16:9 broadcasts.
Of course you could get a roof antenna and get free channels in full 16:9 1080i

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Black strips on side of HD TV?

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