Page 1 of Viewing on a non widescreen TV with a Dansai 852

I have just bought my first DVD player, a Dansai 852. I also have a non widescreen TV that has Scart sockets.

My question is how to view DVD`s without tramlines on 4:3. I bought 2 DVD`s to get started each are Widescreen. I followed the instruction manual in the Player to select non widescreen but it doesn`t help. The only way around is to Zoom the picture to X2.

What should I look for on a DVD bearing in mind that one day I may upgrade my TV.

Thanks

It`s working as designed. The best thing you can do if you want "full" screen is to select a P&S (Pan & Scan) option (if there is one on the 852). It still won`t completely fill the screen unless the film`s 1.78:1 or less (e.g. 1.33:1). Most films seem to be 2.35:1 these days. Use zoom if you`re happy with it, but most of us on these forums would probably argue that you should be watching the film as the director intended. So, for a 2:35:1 film and a 4:3 TV, it`s 2/3 black bars and 1/3 movie!

OK but as a suplemental question, should I buy DVD`s that are `Anamorphic` or plain widescreen when viewing on my 4:3 TV?
Are there any advantages?
any advise?

Buy anamorphic (sometimes shown as "enhanced for 16:9") dvds. They will give you the best quality picture - and you`ll be well placed when that brand, spanking new projector turns up!

The only film I have that is 4:3 is "Soldier"

Its also in widescreen on the other side.

I have a Dansai with a 25" TV

To follow up on the pan and scan comment - some widescreen films have extra encoding so that if you are set as pan and scan they will view at full screen, with the sides clipped, but the main action will be followed by the clipping - ie your window into the film will move with the main focus. However, very few films have this feature, so you`re doomed to letterbox or zoom.
As mentioned above, though, some DVDs have both 4:3 and widescreen on the same disc - R1 Shrek is actually 2 discs - one has 4:3, one has widescreen.

This item was edited on Friday, 15th February 2002, 09:43

MicoMan
You mention that you have a 25"TV and a Dansai.

What settings do you use on the Dansai to maximise the screen when viewing widescreen DVD`s. Or do you just suffer? I zoom on X2 but can you Zoom X1.5?

Thanks

HI set the dvd to 16/9 or widescreen for more image, Best mark.