4.3 to full screen using virgin tv360

[sheepskin148]

• Hi, can anyone tell me when watching gold and the program is in 4.3 I can't alter it to full screen  I've gone in settings and altered the setting to full mode or zoom mode but none of them alter the screen. Has anybody encountered this problem and no the solution?, am I doing something wrong or is just that the screen size can't be altered when you have virgin tv360 , can you help please

[newapollo · Accepted solution]

Hi @sheepskin148 

It's the way the program is broadcast in it's original format by the channel, in this instance Gold HD. You will find it's the same on Sky.

Gold HD seems to broadcast 16:9 full time, although 4:3 material is put into a 4:3 frame so the correct (original) ratio is broadcast.

Try using UK Gold+1 (194) the programs on there often, but not always,  play in full screen on that channel.

All HD channels are widescreen by default as they are true 16:9, hence the broadcaster has to add side panels to any 4:3 material. Conversely, SD channels are actually 4:3 ratio as standard, & widescreen material is broadcast in “letterbox” format.

You may be able to override the settings on your TV, however the picture will look distorted.

[ozsat]

As said above - it is Gold broadcasting that way.

It is NOT a problem - they are broadcasting it how it should be and not distorting it.

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@sheepskin148 wrote:

• Hi, can anyone tell me when watching gold and the program is in 4.3 I can't alter it to full screen  I've gone in settings and altered the setting to full mode or zoom mode but none of them alter the screen. Has anybody encountered this problem and no the solution?, am I doing something wrong or is just that the screen size can't be altered when you have virgin tv360 , can you help please

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[Roger_Gooner]

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@newapollo wrote:

Hi @sheepskin148 

It's the way the program is broadcast in it's original format by the channel, in this instance Gold HD. You will find it's the same on Sky.

Gold HD seems to broadcast 16:9 full time, although 4:3 material is put into a 4:3 frame so the correct (original) ratio is broadcast.

Try using UK Gold+1 (194) the programs on there often, but not always,  play in full screen on that channel.

All HD channels are widescreen by default as they are true 16:9, hence the broadcaster has to add side panels to any 4:3 material. Conversely, SD channels are actually 4:3 ratio as standard, & widescreen material is broadcast in “letterbox” format.

You may be able to override the settings on your TV, however the picture will look distorted.

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Are you saying that 4:3 programmes are broadcast with burnt-in pillarboxes? This sounds horrible, why not broadcast in 4:3 with the relevant AFB and just let the STB take care of it.

[newapollo]

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@Roger_Gooner wrote:

why not broadcast in 4:3 with the relevant AFB and just let the STB take care of it.

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Hi @Roger_Gooner 

What is an AFB please? I've googled and can't find anything related to TV display aspects with that acronym

The search brings up Air Force Base, American Federation for the Blind, AFB smear tests etc.

Regarding the 4:3 aspect, it's the same with some of the programs on Yesterday  such as Auf Wiedersehen Pet, which where originally broadcast in 4:3, they are still broadcast on the TV in 4:3, and also shown using the same aspect ratio in the UKTV Play app.

I agree the viewer should have the option of watching the program in the aspect they prefer, even if it removes part of the picture or distorts it, but it's all down to the broadcasters. Not all set top boxes and TV's have the necessary switching modes to force alter the aspect.

[Roger_Gooner]

AFB (Active Format Description) is a set of 4-digit codes sent with a digital video stream or signal which enables TV broadcasters to optimally display 4:3 and 16:9 pictures on 4:3 and 16:9 TV sets.

As an aside I encountered the analogue version (widescreen signalling) some years ago when I sometimes had to correct the WSS in order to properly display anamorphic video images taken from DVDs onto my 16:9 TV.

[newapollo]

Thanks for the explanation @Roger_Gooner 👍

[roy247]

So that would be AFD, typo there Roger.

[Roger_Gooner]

Yes, AFD indeed.

[sheepskin148]

It just seems funny that in the settings you have the option to alter 4.3 to full screen, pillar box or zoom but the function doesn't work. Either way I do appreciate all the answers and thank you all for the help