Some HD channels do not show full screen?

[flames9]

The facts: Tivo HD, connected to Vizio 32" LCD HD (720p) Model VO32OE via HDMI cable and we have Verizon Fios Extreme HD package (NOT using any attenuators)

Problem: Some of the HD channels do not always show full screen. One sees everything, but it is a smaller picture, BUT sometimes that same channel, it does fit the whole screen!!! Hope that makes sense,lol Thanks Scott

[randywalters]

If you're watching an "HD Channel" and the program isn't filling the screen, then the program is not a real HD program.

For more details, tell us exactly what shows you were having the problem with and which "HD Channel" they were on.

[ThAbtO]

1 possibility is the program is broadcasted in 480i resolution and the original is HD format.

[flames9]

I will have to get back to you on exactly which channels this is happening to, as the wife is the one that watches the shows on the VIZIO. Thanks

[bkdtv]

Not all channels offer actual HD content at all times. Many of the recently added HD channels only offer a few hours of actual HD per day. The rest of the time, they show upconverted 4:3 programming.

[bobfrank]

I've found that the SciFi channel does this frequently. Instead of full screen I get letterboxed on all 4 sides. I just zoom to fill the screen. No, it's not HD but the picture is still pretty good.

[SNJpage1]

bobfrank, thanks for the tip. I thought I had some thing set up wrong when I was watching the SciFi channel and was getting the 4 sided letter boxing.

[flames9]

Just like to say a Big thanks!! Appreciate your time in posting to my question!!