What am I watching?

[tach18k]

I just got my HR20-100, first HD unit. some channels come in with the left and right edges blacked out, some are broadcaster grayed logo out (espn) and then I have full screen. What is what. I'm currenly using a RGB cable and will be switching to a HDMI/DVI-3 cable. I have a Hitachi 46" rear projection unit. will the new cable get me consistantcy?
thanks

 

[dfergie]

The ones with the left and right blacked out are HD stations showing SD 4:3 content...you will see the same with the HDMI cable, its normal... you can use your Hitachi's or you HR20's aspect controls to fill the screen if you must, but it will stretch the picture and look unnatural...

 

[iceturkee]

i believe on both the h20 and hr20, you can designate whether you want grey or black bars. i find the black least offensive.

 

[Bob Nielsen]

i believe on both the h20 and hr20, you can designate whether you want grey or black bars. i find the black least offensive.

Actually light or dark grey plus black are available. If a 16:9 station broadcasts a 4:3 program, it will add its own pillar bars (some are black, some grey and some are other colors.)

 

[tach18k]

I thought that was about right, just didnt know.
Is it normal for the sound to be so low on HD channels? I really have to crank up the volume to hear it off my TV set. Regular channels seem fine. I did notice some audio was breaking up last week with this unit but seem to be OK now, what happned to my stereo sound??? I used to get great sound from my TV speakers. Now it seem to me all mono.

 

[Beavis]

Yes, it's normal to have low audio on HD channels.

 

[Bob Nielsen]

It's also low on SD channels running DD5.1 (a few premiums do this).