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jsattv
Last reply · posted in Canadian Satellite Services

Black Bars on non HD Channels on HDTV Sets?

Hope this is the right Forum for this HDTV Reception Question:
My 17 year old Sony Tube set is just about done and I lose the picture at times every day. So I have been looking at purchasing an HDTV Set for my Bell Express Vu service. I currently subscribe to Satellite 91 and have been told its about $10 - 12 more per month to get the HDTV Channels on Satellite 82. I have the 9200 PVR Receiver with capability of 25 Hours of HD Recording. There are 2 cables coming down from the roof into my Bell 9200 Receiver.

Today I went to the Electronics Store and everything was showing full screen on their canned HDTV, I asked the salesguy if he could show me the local CBC Channel 226 - without HDTV ON IT, (it was a 50 inch Panasonic HDTV) and to my great dissappointment there were 2 Wide Black Bars on the left and right hand side of the Picture? The salesguy showed me and demonstrated that the picture could be stretched to fill out those Black Bars but then the Picture is distorted!! Is this normal for NON HD Channels on ALL HDTV Sets?? My concern is that I have the 6 Basic Packages and East and West Feeds and I would think that certainly all of the channels would NOT be HDTV. So does this mean that say to watch CBC news or CTV news every evening I have to expect those annoying wide Black Bars on all the non HD Channels on a new HDTV Set??
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A
Alex99
jsattv said:
... there were 2 Wide Black Bars on the left and right hand side of the Picture?
Click to expand...

The issue isn't HD/non HD. On a 16x9 set, ANY content in 4:3 format will have the bars on either side, unless you stretch (and distort) to fill the screen. If you pop a fullscreen format DVD into your player, you'll see the bars.
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delta_charlie
delta_charlie
Hi Jsattv and the group. Have you looked into getting your locals OTA? Not sure of the schedule for the switch to digital TV for Canada but down south in the states most of the cities have already started digital TV broadcast. The picture for HD digital OTA is stunning!

If you have any interest in this check out the HD OTA forum.

Also look into a all HD package instead of SD with HD. Dish Network offers some great pricing on HD only packages, perhaps Bell Express Vu does too.

Hope this helps, DC
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Pepper
Pepper
It is a problem in the way many people think.

You just have to decide which is more important to you. A picture which fills the entire screen and is distorted sometimes (a.k.a. Stretch-O-Vision), or a picture which looks decent, and has bars on the sides sometimes. Since some pictures are 4x3 and some are 16x9, you can't have it both ways.
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J
jsattv
delta_charlie said:
Hi Jsattv and the group. Have you looked into getting your locals OTA? Not sure of the schedule for the switch to digital TV for Canada but down south in the states most of the cities have already started digital TV broadcast. The picture for HD digital OTA is stunning!

If you have any interest in this check out the HD OTA forum.

Also look into a all HD package instead of SD with HD. Dish Network offers some great pricing on HD only packages, perhaps Bell Express Vu does too.

Hope this helps, DC
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the great replies guys. Delta_charlie I don't believe we have any HD on OTA up here in Winnipeg, Canada, (unless I can pick it up from the USA - we are only about 85 miles North of the US border, & Grand Forks is about 150 miles from here), but in the bigger Canadian cities like Toronto or Montreal OTA HD may be available. As far as Dish network - don't think its available in Canada, our only Subscription choices are: Bell Express Vu, and Starchoice.

On my big 31 inch Sony tube set I have seen BlackBars above and below the picture during many commercials, but I've never seen those wide Big Black Bars on the left and right hand side of the picture before as I saw in the Video Store - that was downright annoying!! I guess that is why they only run these new HD Tv's in HD in the store, since they might lose sales if they showed the TV on normal digital TV?? I'll check with Bell (& get ready for a long 30 minute wait, ie press this, & press that, & your call is important to us!!), since I think they may have as many as 50 HD Channels now.
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U
uplinkguy69
jsattv said:
Hope this is the right Forum for this HDTV Reception Question:
My 17 year old Sony Tube set is just about done and I lose the picture at times every day. So I have been looking at purchasing an HDTV Set for my Bell Express Vu service. I currently subscribe to Satellite 91 and have been told its about $10 - 12 more per month to get the HDTV Channels on Satellite 82. I have the 9200 PVR Receiver with capability of 25 Hours of HD Recording. There are 2 cables coming down from the roof into my Bell 9200 Receiver.

Today I went to the Electronics Store and everything was showing full screen on their canned HDTV, I asked the salesguy if he could show me the local CBC Channel 226 - without HDTV ON IT, (it was a 50 inch Panasonic HDTV) and to my great dissappointment there were 2 Wide Black Bars on the left and right hand side of the Picture? The salesguy showed me and demonstrated that the picture could be stretched to fill out those Black Bars but then the Picture is distorted!! Is this normal for NON HD Channels on ALL HDTV Sets?? My concern is that I have the 6 Basic Packages and East and West Feeds and I would think that certainly all of the channels would NOT be HDTV. So does this mean that say to watch CBC news or CTV news every evening I have to expect those annoying wide Black Bars on all the non HD Channels on a new HDTV Set??
Click to expand...

My solution on SD channels with black bars on both sides of the screen, is to use the "Zoom" feature of my system, if I don't want to see the black bars. It chops off the top and bottom portions of the show, but at least it doesn't stretch and distort the picture. The only down side though is if there are graphics on the bottom of the screen that you want to read, they may be chopped off.
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T
Therm
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?
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dishstaller
dishstaller
I really dislike change for the sake of change
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dishdude
dishdude
I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.
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Therm
dishdude said:
I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.
Click to expand...
Yes a lot cleaner, glossier, and less functional. Someone trying to justify why they are making a big salary. "See look shiny"
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navychop
navychop
"Big salary." Charlie. "?Big?"
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Tampa8
Tampa8
Seems in some ways better. Nicer layout, as others said maybe cleaner. Moving ahead in the guide is better.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

New Apple TV 4K released, plus other Apple Home devices.

Apple has finally released their Apple TV 4K with built-in Siri and a microphone so it can respond to your queries even if you don't have the remote. It also increases in price, to $299. I had been planning on updating my current Apple TV 4K streamers, but that's $600 for the two of them, and that's a pass at this point.

At $299, it had better come with 256 GB of Storage, Gigabit (or better) Ethernet, the latest HDMI tech and standards, and one year of free Apple One. But it probably won't…
www.apple.com

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K. New Siri AI and hands-free control. Stunning picture and immersive HomePod surround sound. Works with your Apple and smart home devices.
www.apple.com
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Ronnie-
Ronnie-
Meh. The 4Ks I have will do everything that these do that I need them to do.


Which that's most tech these days for anything released the last four to five years.


It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.
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navychop
navychop
Ronnie- said:
It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.
Click to expand...

Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.
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navychop
navychop
Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?
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KAB
KAB
navychop said:
Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?
Click to expand...
Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!
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S
slow_poke_pete
navychop said:
Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.
Click to expand...
they all do that anyways.. ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade.. :what. apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
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ncted
ncted
KAB said:
Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!
Click to expand...
Yeah, they boot up a bit slower than Roku, but the OS does a lot more, so it makes sense. How often are you booting them up that is a differentiator? Aside from OS updates, mine are on all the time. I will say the ATV4K is generally quicker than the Roku Ultras I have, when it comes to launching apps and responsiveness, not that the Roku is sluggish.
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navychop
navychop
slow_poke_pete said:
apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
Click to expand...

What software? For iPhones? I tried to buy some image s/w IN THE APPLE STORE! They had none, and could not offer ANY s/w for iPhones
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ncted
ncted
slow_poke_pete said:
apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
Click to expand...
I assume you mean services, like iCloud and Apple Music, and not actual software sales. Services have been growing quickly for Apple, but hardware still brings home the bacon. As for where Apple's revenue comes from, the iPhone is still king with 49.58% of revenue as of June 2026. Services comes in second with 28%. iPad, Mac, and Wearables/Home makes up the rest. So, that is 72% coming from hardware. Their profit margin is around 25%, FWIW.

I am skeptical the AppleTV 4k makes them much money on the hardware though, which I suspect is what you were getting at.
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ncted
ncted
navychop said:
What software? For iPhones? I tried to buy some image s/w IN THE APPLE STORE! They had none, and could not offer ANY s/w for iPhones
Click to expand...
You should have looked in the APP STORE instead. ;)
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navychop
navychop
Will do!
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cpdretired
cpdretired
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Offers

Several Dish offers showed up today in my account. Once you choose one the rest are removed. Offers were Showtime, Starz, AMC and others.
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B
bnewt
Just checked my account and it shows mgm+ at 8.00 per month, but that has red line drawn thru it and shows 0.00 per month. But it doesn't say how long this lasts,...... 1 month, 3 months, forever. I called customer service to get an answer, and they said nothing like that exists. Should I add the offer or not? Already paying them too much, but want to take advantage of something free.
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S
slow_poke_pete
bnewt said:
Just checked my account and it shows mgm+ at 8.00 per month, but that has red line drawn thru it and shows 0.00 per month. But it doesn't say how long this lasts,...... 1 month, 3 months, forever. I called customer service to get an answer, and they said nothing like that exists. Should I add the offer or not? Already paying them too much, but want to take advantage of something free.
Click to expand...
look again mine says free for 1 month
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Almighty1
Almighty1
slow_poke_pete said:
look again mine says free for 1 month
Click to expand...
Not for me, mines has no mention of how long aka the offer period and the Terms and conditions the $0.00 is good for. All I see is one can lose $5.00 if you decide to remove it before day 31 after you add it to the account.

1792131071109.webp
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slow_poke_pete
Almighty1 said:
Not for me, mines has no mention of how long aka the offer period and the Terms and conditions the $0.00 is good for. All I see is one can lose $5.00 if you decide to remove it before day 31 after you add it to the account.

View attachment 194817
Click to expand...
wonder why it says that
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Almighty1
Almighty1
slow_poke_pete said:
look again mine says free for 1 month
Click to expand...
You have a different offer that is free for a shorter timeframe which is different than the one that I and bnewt saw without defining the promotion period as I sent the question to DISH Care via Facebook Messenger and this is the response I got back 20 minutes ago.

1792177553912.webp
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Almighty1
Almighty1
slow_poke_pete said:
wonder why it says that
Click to expand...
Answer 2 minutes ago from DISH Care via Facebook Messenger:
1792178974514.webp
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

This Week in Space 232

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Edq2eavsQ


Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Space 232
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oRVxjGm0qtE


Direct YouTube Link - Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV

Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyF_RH1m0mc


Direct YouTube Link - Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

The Apple HomeView

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0k5iT-OlpdE


Direct YouTube Link - The Apple HomeView
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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0 Replies · 7 views
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osu1991
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

Frisco King - Paramount Plus


View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy


December 18, 2026 Paramount plus
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
osu1991 said:

View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy


December 18, 2026 Paramount plus
Click to expand...

Another Tulsa King spin off.🙄
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Howard Simmons said:
Another Tulsa King spin off.🙄
Click to expand...
But.....if you like Tulsa King....looks like you would probably like this as well. I don't mind spin-offs as long as they don't involve a sassy niece who moves from the big city :rolleyes:
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TheRatPatrol
TheRatPatrol
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

NCIS

Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Jimbo
Jimbo said:

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share
Click to expand...

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
Jimbo said:
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?
Click to expand...
Tony as the director.🙄
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Howard Simmons said:
Tony as the director.🙄
Click to expand...
Would you rather have LaRoche ???
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dfergie
dfergie
I liked this episode and a toned down Tony...
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
Jimbo said:
Would you rather have LaRoche ???
Click to expand...
No. Bring in someone new.🤔 Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Howard Simmons said:
No. Bring in someone new.🤔 Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
Click to expand...
I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk

Trailer for new Jim Caviezel movie Ghost Soldier

Might be worth a watch when it comes out. Looks like typical big corp against the little guy movie BUT....there is a reason this plot type is so oft repeated, it draws audiences.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-f9OGsKHd4
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dishstaller
dishstaller
BTW, I noticed right after I posted this that someone else had already mentioned it....sorry for the duplicate thread. Still looking forward to seeing the movie.
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