Panasonic DMR-EH55-Recording HD channels in full screen (16 x9)

[Marshfish]

Happy holidays!

I have a Panasonic DMR-EH55 DVD recorder, hooked up to a Sony Bravia LCD TV. Is there a way to record the HD channels where the picture is full screen? I also have a Motorola cable box.

I can record the non HD channels and get the picture full screen. With the HD channels, the full screen (in 16 x 9 widescreen)ends up being recorded as a letter boxed picture.

I know the DMR-EH55 can't record a total HD picture. But, I was wondering if I can record more than a letter box picture with these HD channels.

Thanks for the info,
Marshall

[edDV]

HD is 16x9 by definition. When TV stations play 4x3 material upscaled to HD you get side bars.

Your Panasonic SD DVD recorder may or may not allow 16x9 recording. I have an LG DVD recorder that does record wide or 4x3.

If your Panasonic is locked to 4x3, HD material will be recorded letterbox and 4x3 SD material upscaled to HD will have black on all four sides.

[jjeff]

Did you forget I already answered your question here?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1210038
Your Motorola STB does not output wide screen over SD outputs. It's the STBs fault, not your EH-55. The EH-55 only records what it's sent.

[Marshfish]

Thank you both for your answers. It's disappointing that the Motorola STB doesn't
output wide screen over SD outputs. I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy a
Component to S-Video converter.

It's still strange that the non-HD channels are recorded 16 X 9 full screen, while
the HD channels end up being recorded as letterboxed. Aaarrgh!

[lacywest]

I just click the Picture resize button on my Panasonic HDTV remote control to fill the screen.

I also use it when watching movies on the SYFI channel ... that are letter box ... it fills the screen nicely.

[jjeff]

It's still strange that the non-HD channels are recorded 16 X 9 full screen, while
the HD channels end up being recorded as letterboxed. Aaarrgh!

I believe it's because most STB mfgs. assume anyone using the composite or S-video (SD outputs) have a 4:3 TV. If they were to send out WS not letterboxed a 4:3 TV would crop the sides. It's really a shame they don't all have a simple setting to allow WS over SD outputs

[edDV]

They knew exactly what they were doing. They wanted you to upgrade to HD over analog component or HDMI.