when you have a widescreen tv does it still show the lines of a widescreen picture on a letter box tv?

Answer 1

The wiki is a bit of a cheat, but here's the short answer.

No and Yes.

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* Depends on the original programming's aspect ratio. HDTVs use a 16x9 format, which is roughly equal to most 1.85:1 Panavision. This is what is commonly used for HD programming today.

If the source material is 1.85:1, it'll fit almost perfectly. There might be a sliver of shaving around the edges but only real AV Club tweakers would notice.

If the source material has a wider scope, then you'll have just a little less black on the top and bottom than you would if you had the old-school 4:3 TV.

* Movies are usually produced with a 35mm film, 1.85:1 scope, but some may be matted to - or may actually use a 65-70mm lens, rendering a 2.35:1 Cinema-Scope style picture. The original Star Wars trillogy used this, as did Ben Hur, 2001, Superman, etc. James Cameron has used "Super 35" to acheive a wide scope feel while using 35MM equipment in the past. All those old school techniques though are being re-written for the digital world. Heck, re-scoping movies after production is being done for the IMAX system using DMR. Its how they were able to get a widescreen Apollo 13 to conform to the 1:66:1 IMAX scope without losing any of the picture or resulting in any Pan N' Scan.

Answer 2

Your wide screen will show this letter box if it hasn't been set. You will have to go into the menu and set your tv accordingly.

Answer 3

depends upon the picture source.