02-09-2009, 11:43 PM
deckeda wrote:
[quote=kj]
All we have is over-the-air, and the only program I can think of that we've seen that is 4:3 is one local news. So HD and 16:9 is basically synonymous? We were thinking about getting a super basic cable deal since we'll be losing the non-digital ota channels, but if all the channels are 4:3, no way. kj.
OTA digital should already be giving you a selection of HD content, although OTA digital doesn't have to actually be happening yet until the transition happens. Your best bet to see HD content is with the major stations.
Whether or not it appears as HD/16:9 depends on if you have an HDTV and are using its built-in ATSC tuner or if you're using a converter box (for some odd reason.) Cheap converter boxes do not output HD, even on HD channels. Also, HDTVs might be setup to only display a 4:3 image, even with HD content, but that would be more rare unless you just haven't visited your set's menu settings in a while.
We have both ota digital stations (can only get 3 right now, due to being close to the foothills) and ota analog. It seems to me 16:9 has more to do with the particular program than the station. Also, shows like Conan are 16:9 even on the analog station. I have the tv set to display the native format. Our local Fox news station is 4:3 on a digital ota station. That's a bummer to hear that cheap cable might be all 4:3? I might have mixed up my distinction between HD and digital, but I realize there's a difference. What a mess T.V. is right now. I thought it'd be fixed by now. kj.