HD channels are being cut off... pics attached

Hey Everyone, I'd appreciate any info on this. I'm trying to help out my Mom who just bought an HDTV and DishNetwork's HDTV programming. The HD Channels seem to be cutoff on the sides no matter which "wide" option I choose on her Sony Bravia LCD 37" HDTV (Normal, Full, Wide, Wide Zoom). DishNetwork says that it's the program's fault (how they originally filmed the show). But this happens with every HD channel I have ever seen.

Anyway, here are a couple pics of an HD Channel, the TV is set at 720p via Dish Network's setup menu, 16:9 aspect ratio:
1. Normal
2. Full
3. Zoom
4. Wide Zoom

Thanks for any tips.

Hey Everyone, I'd appreciate any info on this. I'm trying to help out my Mom who just bought an HDTV and DishNetwork's HDTV programming. The HD Channels seem to be cutoff on the sides no matter which "wide" option I choose on her Sony Bravia LCD 37" HDTV (Normal, Full, Wide, Wide Zoom). DishNetwork says that it's the program's fault (how they originally filmed the show). But this happens with every HD channel I have ever seen.

Anyway, here are a couple pics of an HD Channel, the TV is set at 720p via Dish Network's setup menu, 16:9 aspect ratio:
1. Normal
2. Full
3. Zoom
4. Wide Zoom

Thanks for any tips.

What channels are you watching? Are you sure that your not watching upconverted 4X3 programming? Just because it's an HD channel, doesn't meant that it's 16X9.

Try using the aspect button on the Dish remote rather then the TV remote. It is the button to the left of the 0, beneath the 7 labeled format. Also make sure the Dish box is set to 16x9 and either 720p or 1080i.

what type of cable is being used to connect the receiver to the television?

i have seen this two times;

first time, i was just fooling around with connections for TV2; i used RCA cables and I saw this. the SD zoom was set to full on the dish receiver. you have to be using HDMI or component video cables.

I also see this on a couple of local channels; when they broadcast 16x9 HD content, it shows up like this (zoomed to 4x3) because dish doesn't have my locals in HD. looks like you are tuned to HGTV so that is most likely not the same problem.

i'm just guessing, but it really looks like you have non-high def cables connecting the receiver and the SD zoom is full.

Have you tried pushing one of the Little Round Gray Buttons on the top right of your Dish Remote Control above the "Guide Button" ?
One of them selects different screen viewing sizes.

OK, which Dish Receiver do you have?

On the 211 you use the page up (upper right of remote) to change the HD format, On the 622/722 you use the * (format) button on the lower left of the remote to adjust screen format.

Screen format should be set to Normal on the Dish box, it looks like it is set to greybar.

Make sure the aspect ratio on the TV is set correctly as well. It should be set to normal or something like that. Check your TV manual for what you are looking for then do the Dish receiver settings.

For the receiver, press menu, 6 system setup, 8 HDTV setup. You want the aspect ratio at 16x9 and TV type to either 720P or 1080i. (Look at your TV closely as to what looks better).

Hey Everyone, I'd appreciate any info on this. I'm trying to help out my Mom who just bought an HDTV and DishNetwork's HDTV programming. The HD Channels seem to be cutoff on the sides no matter which "wide" option I choose on her Sony Bravia LCD 37" HDTV (Normal, Full, Wide, Wide Zoom). DishNetwork says that it's the program's fault (how they originally filmed the show). But this happens with every HD channel I have ever seen.

Anyway, here are a couple pics of an HD Channel, the TV is set at 720p via Dish Network's setup menu, 16:9 aspect ratio:
1. Normal
2. Full
3. Zoom
4. Wide Zoom

Thanks for any tips.


You have your something wrong with your set up. Normal mode on a Sony is only available if the TV is receiving 480i or 480p. (On most Sony models, but not all, "Wide Zoom" is also limited to 480i/p signals.) You can confirm what signal the TV is actually receivng by pressing the "Display" button on the TV's remote.

Since you say you have your Dish receiver set to 720p, you must be using the wrong type of connection between the receiver and the TV. Composite-video (yellow, red and white connectors) and S-Video connections do not support 720p or 1080i/p. These connectors will usually output 480i only regardless of the settings you select on your receiver. You need to use component-video (red, blue, green for the video portion) or HDMI to actually send a 720p signal from your receiver to your TV.

BTW, for 720p or 1080i/p signals the proper mode to use on a Sony is "Full".

i just checked the setup i was thinking you had again.

you're not using high def connections (hdmi or component) and the SD Zoom is set to "full" on the dish receiver.

press the 'page down' button on your remote and it will go to SD "normal".
you will now have a 16x9 image, but you will have pillar bars and letterbox around the picture until you change to a high def connection.

My name is Andy Lucas with Eagle AV, LLC. I am an installer as well as a DISH Network retailer.

First, Set the SAT RCVR to 16x9 aspect with resolution set to 1080i and use the * key to go to HD NORMAL.

Second, On the OEM (SONY TV) remote, look for a feature that either "AUTO ADJUSTS" or sets the ZOOM Mode on the TV screen. Set this to "NORMAL" as well.

Third, tune to ESPN HD, CH140 and you should have a full screen.

Hope this helps. Feel free to call or email. 866-733-4741 during normal business hours.

Sorry to dig this one out of the grave but I wanted to thank you guys for your help! All I had to do was hit the "page up" button like one of you suggested. It was set on HD:zoom or something like that. Now it's on HD:normal and it fits perfectly. (BTW, I was using an HDMI cable)

Thank you all for your help! I even called Dish Network but they were no help! I wish they made it more obvious how to change the HD zoom setting.

also, if your watching a HD channel, the commercials dont come in at HD or widescreen so sometimes people get confused at that one.

perfect

also, if your watching a HD channel, the commercials dont come in at HD or widescreen so sometimes people get confused at that one.

correct!

Awesome. This has been drving me crazy for some time, just never had the enrgy to look it up. 4 minutes on this forum and it's done. Why didn't I come here a year ago! Thanks a bunch