I Get Both Gray Bars AND Black Bars

[abredt]

When I use a component connection output on my T-3 for an SD channel, I get a gray bar on each side of the screen.

When I use a composite connection for an SD channel, I get a gray bar on each side of the screen AND also a black bar on each side. And the picture is squeezed horizontally. Doesn't seem right.

What am I not understanding??

Thanks, CB

[DCIFRTHS]

Originally Posted by abredt

When I use a component connection output on my T-3 for an SD channel, I get a gray bar on each side of the screen.

When I use a composite connection for an SD channel, I get a gray bar on each side of the screen AND also a black bar on each side. And the picture is squeezed horizontally. Doesn't seem right.

What am I not understanding??

Thanks, CB

It sounds like your TV is dong some type of formatting in addition to the TiVo. Maybe there is a setting to disable this function on the composite inputs. What is the make and model of your TV?

Just curious - Why do you have both component and composite cables running from the S3 to the TV?

[CraigHB]

Sounds to me like the the tivo is putting SD in a pillarbox then your TV is putting it in a pillarbox again.

Component is for HD and transmits in the format set from the TiVo "output format" menu (i.e Natural, 720p fixed). Composite is for SD televisions and can only send 480 aka SD.

Use component or HDMI to connect the TiVo. Set the TiVo to 720p or 1080i fixed depending on your HD TV. If you have a 1080p TV (1920x1080 pixel resolution) set it to 1080i fixed. If you have a 720p TV (1280x720 or 1366x768 pixel resolution) set it to 720p fixed. That utilizes the TiVo scaler which is better than the scaler in most low to middle end HD TV sets. If you have a high end HD TV, then you might want to use the TV's scaler. In that case, set the TiVo to Natural ouput and the TiVo aspect to "smart" (instead of 16:9).

[abredt]

Originally Posted by DCIFRTHS

It sounds like your TV is dong some type of formatting in addition to the TiVo. Maybe there is a setting to disable this function on the composite inputs. What is the make and model of your TV?

Just curious - Why do you have both component and composite cables running from the S3 to the TV?

TV is a Sony KDSR50-XBR1. I use component to output to the TV to watch TV. (TW in my area has problems with HDMI.)

I am trying to use composite and S-video from the TiVo to transfer recorded shows to VCR or DVD recorder. But I get those extra gray bars on SD channels and the picture is scrunched..

I did some experimenting and it's not the TV. Shows recorded to VCR tape have the extra bars on an old TV. Composite output from my old TW DVR Cable Box box does not have extra gray bars.

CB

[goldfndr]

Originally Posted by abredt

TV is a Sony KDSR50-XBR1. I use component to output to the TV to watch TV. (TW in my area has problems with HDMI.)

I am trying to use composite and S-video from the TiVo to transfer recorded shows to VCR or DVD recorder. But I get those extra gray bars on SD channels and the picture is scrunched..

I did some experimenting and it's not the TV. Shows recorded to VCR tape have the extra bars on an old TV. Composite output from my old TW DVR Cable Box box does not have extra gray bars.

From your TiVo HD's POV, you're using both a 16:9 output (your Sony TV) and a 4:3 output (your VCR or DVD recorder). The TiVo HD only uses one aspect ratio at a time.

You could use your Aspect button to fill the screen when you're using your 4:3 output. See pages 56-57 of the TiVo HD manual.

[FlippedBit]

Instead of setting "TV Aspect Ratio" to 16:9, try "4:3 Smart Screen". This lets the TV do the formating and will keep the TiVo from scrunching SD material.

[abredt]

4:3 Smart Screen didn't work but Aspect Ratio button did.
I just have to remember to set it back when I watch TV.

Thanks a million - I would never have figured it out myself.

CB