Why does this chanel say it's broadcasting in 1080p but I don't get a wide screen signal?

Question

I have a 40" widescreen samsung LCD HDTV. It displays in 720p or 1080i. I have comcast with the HD box, my other HD chanels display beautiful widescreen images. I'm watchin the universal HD network what's going on?

Answer 1

Universal HD broadcasts in 720p and 1080i. It does not broadcast in 1080p. Most of the older shows were originally recorded in 4:3, so you will not get widescreen.

For example, I watch Northern Exposure that came out in the early 90's and it is broadcast in 1080i, but in 4:3. New shows like Monk or Battlestar Galactica, they will all be in 16:9.

By definition, HD does not mean widescreen. It just means it is broadcast in 720p, 1080i or 1080p.

Answer 2

If the original programming was shot in the old 4:3 format, you cannot stretch the picture to fill a 16:9 screen without distorting it. So the network will actually broadcast the show in the native 4:3 aspect ratio and add black bars to fill the screen. Your TV cannot distinguish the difference between the black bars and the image so it thinks that is displaying a full 16:9 picture.

Answer 3

Universal HD transmits at 1080i NOT 1080p

Check http://www.universalhd.com/FAQ/

However, are you sure you are eligible to get it in HD?
Maybe you just get a "teaser" or preview.
Check also your Aspect mode on either the set-top box or the TV.

Answer 4

There are different settings you can use for that. Mine has 4 settings, wide-zoom, full zoom, and two others. I had to locate the right button on the remote to use by searching through the manual that came with the TV. I finally figured out how to change those picture shapes & sizes. There should be a button for that on your Tv remote. Good luck !