Black line between image and side bars

Sky2

Hi,

I own a Sharp LC-37db5u, and when I watch a high definition channel where the program is not designed for widescreen (such as watching the local news on NBC HD channel), I see a black line between the image and the sidebar (on both sides).

I found that the only way to eliminate that line is to turn on "Black Expansion." However I'm not a big fan of that setting. Is there another way I may conseal that line a little better than presently?

I currently have an HDMI connection if that helps any. When I switch to the regular NBC channel (no the HD one), I do not see the black line at all. Instead, the sidebars are actually grey.

Thanks all!

borromini

Well considering that the non-widescreen programs on your HD channels are not truly HD anyway, I'd recommend that you just switch to the non-HD version of that network. You can also try your HD component connection to see if the lines are still there.

__________________
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Emsurfer

Sounds like your DVR has 4:3 override switched off. You could confirm this by trying to change your "view mode" to Smart Stretch ("S Stretch") while watching the regular NBC channel and see if you could do this. If you cannot change the "view mode" setting then the DVR 4:3 override is "off" and if you can then the override is "on". I like it "on" because I like to view my 4:3 programs in "S Stretch" mode without the black or gray bars on the sides.

Also are you still getting the buzzing from your TV? Borromini could be correct that it's a problem with the TV's power unit or it might be your outlet. Do you have your TV plugged into a quality (> $30) surge protector? Or is your TV connected to the outlet directly. Do you live in an old building where the voltage might not be consistent ( < or > 120V), this could lead to buzzing. Did you try another outlet? Another surge protector? Since the buzzing was reduced by turning down the backlight setting, this could mean a problem with the TV power unit or your outlet voltage consistently surges > 120V.

Sky2

Hi,

Here is what I've gathered. I have three input selections available:

1. TV (air) - I assume this works with an antenna only
2. TV (cable)
3. Input 4 (HDMI)

The following happens when I have the regular NBC channel selected (channel 6 here); not the NBC HD channel.

When I select input "TV (cable)", I am able to choose among different view modes (using the TV remote), including smart stretch.

Now, if I choose Input 4 (HDMI) mode, I am NOT able to choose any type of view mode (with the TV remote). The only one available and therefore selected is "stretch." I have grey sidebars on either side.

If I go into the DVR menu settings (using DVR remote), I can choose among different picture format, inclusing a stretch mode. The DVR menu does not have have a "smart stretch" mode. So basically it seems to just stretch the 4:3 picture, which looks well quite stretched. I do have an HD zoom button on the DVR remote. I don't know when to use that though.

As far as the buzzing noise, here is what I noticed so far. Yesterday evening, the noise was definitely apparent right before turning off the TV. I turned it off, and it was still buzzing.

This morning, I approached the TV and the buzzing noise was not existent at all. I turned it on, and after about 30 minutes, I could discern a slight buzzing noise. It is not as loud as the night before.
So, I don't know if the noise gets louder after an extended period of use, or if it depends on the lighting maybe.

I do use a Belkin surge protector. Yesterday evening, I tried plugging it in directly into the outlet, but the noise was still there.

I'll probably call Sharp today and get their opinion. If you have any other suggestions, I'm open! I'm hesitant about buying a line conditioner just to see if the noise tapers.

Thank you!