Philips DVP5100 aspect ratio problem

[ZippyUK]

I noted that the Philips DVP630/642 had an aspect ratio problem with DivX/Mpeg 4 by letterboxing all widescreen content even when the player was set to 16:9 TV mode, well the 5100 has an aspect ratio problem also, although not as bad...

16:9 switching problem with the DVP5100
The 5100 sends widescreen MPEG 4 to my TV anamorpically, which is good, but the player DOES NOT activate the widescreen mode via the SCART cable, so I have to set the wide mode on my TV manually.

I note that DVDs DO active the widescreen mode through the SCART cable correctly.

4:3 display problem with the DVP5100
I have tested some 4:3 Mpeg 4s and they are also output anamorphically, which means you cannot stretch to full screen.

Anyone else get this, and know a way to fix or report to Philips.

[Dennis T]

Hi.... I am UK based with a philips DVP630 - Recently purchased.

I too have a BIG problem with aspect ration. Playing DVD's is great. With DivX the player still applies the anamorphic compression, even though is was already applied to the file during encoding.

I contacted Philips, even sent them pics of my TV screen, and sample codings of a few DivX scenes.

They told me it was all OK and that I should try the player on another TV set Will so that very soon ....

I explained, my previous DivX player (Yamada 6600) played all my DivX files perfectly, with the correct aspect ratio. Which it did !!

Have also left emails on DivX.com asking about the problem and if they test this when giving players DivX approval.

I am very fed up with this.... have more than 100 divX files that all play with a very "squashed" picture.

Have obviously tried every setting on TV and DVD .. just the same. Only whe i encode WITHOUT anamorphic compression does the picture appear as normal. Re-coding more than 100 files is a NON-Starter .

Will PM you with the contact at philips UK.

[ZippyUK]

I will send an email to the address you sent to me, but my problem is a bit different to yours as my DivX play back correctly, bar telling the TV to switch to wide mode, which is my main issue.

I do have an issue with 4:3 that should just be sent to the TV as 4:3 allowing you to use a smart mode to stretch to a full 16:9 ratio if desired.

Also note mine is a different player, the 5100/05 which is new out.