To zoom..or NOT to zoom....

CoolBrotha2G · 12-24-2006, 11:17 PM

Wassup to everyone. I have a question to anyone who's interested. I have a toshiba Hd-a1 player which i do enjoy along with a samsung 50 inch 1080p TV (both of which i bought due to the high praises of peeps on this forum) However, i'm starting to find my dvd's, but particularly my hd-dvd's a lil less enjoyable because of the 2:40 aspect ratio.I prefer the 1:85 or 1:78 ratio which seems to be rare,especially the hd-dvd's that's out. And yeah, i'm one of those of peeps who figure that what's ever the point of even getting a big screen if only about 60% will be used(for dvd's) I guess, imagine if you go to a theatre with that jumbo screen..and when the movie comes on, there's black bars on it. That sums up how i feel basically. I've become aware that this is how directors intend for their movies to be viewed and appreciated and i respect that, but i feel that these same directors should just maybe take into consideration(or the movie studios) that we INTEND to watch them, upon release on a big screen that a lot of money was spent on. So, my question to you, is does anyone use the zoom feature while viewing movies? I'm kinda back and forth on this..cause when you zoom, i like the bigger picture, but the sides of the picture is cut off..but i'm starting to realize that not a whole lot happens on the sides that's "cut-off" anyways. I'm starting to be able to live with it....like HBO HD....that's how i prefer it. Just would like to know you guys preference on this..is all..Thanx!

**PFC5** · 12-24-2006, 11:24 PM

Most people on these forums like the original Aspect Ratio (OAR) of movies so they get to see the WHOLE movie.

I will say when I first got my SD DVD player to play on my 4:3 Aspect Ratio SDTV, and most movies were in widescreen format, I didn't like it and thought that it was a major drawback to the format. After watching them for a while I came to enjoy them more even though
they used less of the screen.

After you get use to seeing the WHOLE movie there just is no going back. IMO

HDDVDSupport · 12-24-2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBrotha2G

... However, i'm starting to find my dvd's, but particularly my hd-dvd's a lil less enjoyable because of the 2:40 aspect ratio.I prefer the 1:85 or 1:78 ratio which seems to be rare,especially the hd-dvd's that's out. And yeah, i'm one of those of peeps who figure that what's ever the point of even getting a big screen if only about 60% will be used(for dvd's) I guess, imagine if you go to a theatre with that jumbo screen..and when the movie comes on, there's black bars on it. That sums up how i feel basically...

I will never understand you people.

Go ahead and zoom. You won't notice the PQ degradation anyway.

junehhan · 12-24-2006, 11:45 PM

It's really one of those things that you just get used to. Just go ahead and watch a few 2.35 or 2.40 AR movies and see if it grows on you. It sucks having all of that wasted space, but I also can't bear to be watching a chopped up version of a movie where i'm missing the action going on the sides of it. I hated it for a while, but it just grows on you.

**PFC5** · 12-25-2006, 12:54 AM

Merry Christmas junehhan!

junehhan · 12-25-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Merry Christmas junehhan!

Thanks and I hope you have a Merry one as well. A few of us watched Polar Express earlier today on my HD-A1, and they were impressed with it. They apparantly thought that BD was the only true "HD" movie format out right now. That actually poses a serious question as where in the world has Toshiba's marketing team been. Perhaps they need to start putting some ad dollars into more commercials.

Stew4HD · 12-25-2006, 06:09 PM

Maybe Toshiba is selling their players for less, cutting profits and not leaving much room for advertising. I can imagine the average consumer (non-techie type) wondering what this ia all about. My older brother has only gotten on the DVD bandwagon recently. He was happy enough with VHS. It was only when he couldn't find trhe latest movies on VHS, did he finally break down and buy a dvd player. He just scoffs at switching again. We just have to try and educate them!

**PFC5** · 12-25-2006, 09:31 PM

The HD-DVD group has $150 million set aside for advertising, but I have not seen much of it being spent.

HDDVDSupport · 12-25-2006, 10:58 PM

I think part of it was the A2's delay. They may be waiting for the XA2 to come out before they spend the bulk of their ad money. I guess we'll see...

Stew4HD · 12-25-2006, 11:18 PM

I have been reading up on the XA2. It looks, on paper, like a very nice piece of equipment. Any word on when it is due out?

borromini · 12-25-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBrotha2G

...does anyone use the zoom feature while viewing movies? I'm kinda back and forth on this..cause when you zoom, i like the bigger picture, but the sides of the picture is cut off..but i'm starting to realize that not a whole lot happens on the sides that's "cut-off" anyways...

I don't prefer this because zooming degrades the picture quality. Losing the bars is no substitute for optimum picture quality. Try viewing with the bars and just don't pay attention to it. You'll discover over time that you don't notice it anymore.

borromini · 12-25-2006, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

I have been reading up on the XA2. It looks, on paper, like a very nice piece of equipment. Any word on when it is due out?

I thought it was suppose to be December...maybe the current target is January.

crazyal · 12-26-2006, 09:20 AM

CoolBrotha2G this is plot by the electronics industry. First they come up with wide screen format TVs that are only half as wide as movies but offer higher definition. Then they come up with high def DVD's (so they slipped up a little with this format war). To add a little more fun into the mix they are trying to convice people they need 1080p, once they do then the real or "ultra" wide screen sets will hit the market. It's a way to shorten the planned obsolesance of the one electronic consumer device that typically last for 20+ years.

Let's face facts, both plasma and LCD aspect ratios can be almost anything that they choose. Even DLP/ RP TVs could have an aspect ratio of 2:4. The old picture tubes being the limiting factor days are long gone.

borromini · 12-26-2006, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the conspiracy theory. Now back to reality. Widescreen HDTVs will always have 16:9 screens as it adheres to ATSC broadcasting standards. This will always have no relationship with movie making decisions. End of story. Bars will always be with us and for us videophiles...it's completely inconsequential. Learn to ignore the bars and they will actually go away without the lame zooms/stretches.

crazyal · 12-26-2006, 12:32 PM

You could be right borromini, I offered that as humor more than reality but there's nothing stopping any flat panel manufactorer from making a wider set. What's to say that when watching 16:9 broadcasts you can't have black bars on the sides of your TV and when a wider aspect ratio sovie is being shown you simply have to zoom in just like you would on a SD movie or show. It has nothing to do with broadcasting standards but what new features are offered to us.

You will always have bars until one format takes over many years from now, if ever. My best advice is to get the biggest TV you can fit (notice I didn't say afford) into your house. Personally if you have a 50" Sammy CoolBrotha2G and the bars bother you try sitting closer, lol.

12-24-2006, 11:17 PM	#1
CoolBrotha2G HD for Life Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: chicago, Illinois Posts: 43	To zoom..or NOT to zoom.... Wassup to everyone. I have a question to anyone who's interested. I have a toshiba Hd-a1 player which i do enjoy along with a samsung 50 inch 1080p TV (both of which i bought due to the high praises of peeps on this forum) However, i'm starting to find my dvd's, but particularly my hd-dvd's a lil less enjoyable because of the 2:40 aspect ratio.I prefer the 1:85 or 1:78 ratio which seems to be rare,especially the hd-dvd's that's out. And yeah, i'm one of those of peeps who figure that what's ever the point of even getting a big screen if only about 60% will be used(for dvd's) I guess, imagine if you go to a theatre with that jumbo screen..and when the movie comes on, there's black bars on it. That sums up how i feel basically. I've become aware that this is how directors intend for their movies to be viewed and appreciated and i respect that, but i feel that these same directors should just maybe take into consideration(or the movie studios) that we INTEND to watch them, upon release on a big screen that a lot of money was spent on. So, my question to you, is does anyone use the zoom feature while viewing movies? I'm kinda back and forth on this..cause when you zoom, i like the bigger picture, but the sides of the picture is cut off..but i'm starting to realize that not a whole lot happens on the sides that's "cut-off" anyways. I'm starting to be able to live with it....like HBO HD....that's how i prefer it. Just would like to know you guys preference on this..is all..Thanx!

12-24-2006, 11:24 PM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	Most people on these forums like the original Aspect Ratio (OAR) of movies so they get to see the WHOLE movie. I will say when I first got my SD DVD player to play on my 4:3 Aspect Ratio SDTV, and most movies were in widescreen format, I didn't like it and thought that it was a major drawback to the format. After watching them for a while I came to enjoy them more even though they used less of the screen. After you get use to seeing the WHOLE movie there just is no going back. IMO __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-24-2006, 11:45 PM	#4
junehhan High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2006 Age: 29 Posts: 5,661	It's really one of those things that you just get used to. Just go ahead and watch a few 2.35 or 2.40 AR movies and see if it grows on you. It sucks having all of that wasted space, but I also can't bear to be watching a chopped up version of a movie where i'm missing the action going on the sides of it. I hated it for a while, but it just grows on you. __________________ X360 Gamertag junehhan Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player -Klipsch RSW10 Subwoofer -Pioneer VSX1016TXVK reciever -Klipsch Synergy Quintet III 5 channel speakers AIM: jhhan80 HD-DVD's: Loving it! BD's: When we get a reasonably priced BDP with lossless decoders Everyone wants to live at the expense of the state, they forget that the state lives at the expense of everyone - Frederich Bastiat, 1848

12-25-2006, 12:54 AM	#5
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	Merry Christmas junehhan! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-25-2006, 06:09 PM	#7
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,068	Maybe Toshiba is selling their players for less, cutting profits and not leaving much room for advertising. I can imagine the average consumer (non-techie type) wondering what this ia all about. My older brother has only gotten on the DVD bandwagon recently. He was happy enough with VHS. It was only when he couldn't find trhe latest movies on VHS, did he finally break down and buy a dvd player. He just scoffs at switching again. We just have to try and educate them! __________________ ___________________________________

12-25-2006, 09:31 PM	#8
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	The HD-DVD group has $150 million set aside for advertising, but I have not seen much of it being spent. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-25-2006, 10:58 PM	#9
HDDVDSupport Censorship Sucks Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 434	I think part of it was the A2's delay. They may be waiting for the XA2 to come out before they spend the bulk of their ad money. I guess we'll see... __________________ Censorship sucks! Equipment: 50" Pioneer 50A5 Plasma Toshiba HD-A1 - Firmware 2.0 Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD XBOX 360 Pioneer Elite VSX-81TXV Receiver Infinity Beta 50 (2) Fronts Infinity Beta C360 (1) Center Infinity Beta 50 (2) Backs Infinity Beta ES250 (2) Surround Back Infinity PS-12 (1) Sub XBL Gamertag: KickassCartman

12-25-2006, 11:18 PM	#10
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,068	I have been reading up on the XA2. It looks, on paper, like a very nice piece of equipment. Any word on when it is due out? __________________ ___________________________________

12-26-2006, 09:20 AM	#13
crazyal Smarter than the ave bear Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,312	CoolBrotha2G this is plot by the electronics industry. First they come up with wide screen format TVs that are only half as wide as movies but offer higher definition. Then they come up with high def DVD's (so they slipped up a little with this format war). To add a little more fun into the mix they are trying to convice people they need 1080p, once they do then the real or "ultra" wide screen sets will hit the market. It's a way to shorten the planned obsolesance of the one electronic consumer device that typically last for 20+ years. Let's face facts, both plasma and LCD aspect ratios can be almost anything that they choose. Even DLP/ RP TVs could have an aspect ratio of 2:4. The old picture tubes being the limiting factor days are long gone.

12-26-2006, 10:03 AM	#14
borromini HT Frontiersman Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 9,822	Thanks for the conspiracy theory. Now back to reality. Widescreen HDTVs will always have 16:9 screens as it adheres to ATSC broadcasting standards. This will always have no relationship with movie making decisions. End of story. Bars will always be with us and for us videophiles...it's completely inconsequential. Learn to ignore the bars and they will actually go away without the lame zooms/stretches. __________________ "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy"

12-26-2006, 12:32 PM	#15
crazyal Smarter than the ave bear Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,312	You could be right borromini, I offered that as humor more than reality but there's nothing stopping any flat panel manufactorer from making a wider set. What's to say that when watching 16:9 broadcasts you can't have black bars on the sides of your TV and when a wider aspect ratio sovie is being shown you simply have to zoom in just like you would on a SD movie or show. It has nothing to do with broadcasting standards but what new features are offered to us. You will always have bars until one format takes over many years from now, if ever. My best advice is to get the biggest TV you can fit (notice I didn't say afford) into your house. Personally if you have a 50" Sammy CoolBrotha2G and the bars bother you try sitting closer, lol.

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