TWC-HD problems w/4:3 HD Set

[pbarney]

I have a Panasonic PT-51HX40 RPTV which is in the 4:3 screen format. My current box is the SA 3100HD.

When watching HD channels, the picture is compressed to fit on the entire screen. The obvious distortion is that everything appears thinner. When watching SD on an HD channel, the picture has 2 vertical bars so the picture is still distorted. My set does not have an aspect adjustment feature, so I cannot the picture at the set.

Now I have heard rumors that TWC has a box available that will allow adjustment for 4:3, but everytime I call they say there is no such thing. Is this information correct? Am I out of luck as far as getting HD from TWC?

Thanks in advance!

- Pat

[JoeK]

The Pioneer 3510HD cable box from TWC has aspect control.  I have a SA-3100HD and the Pioneer 3510HD.  There are other difference also.  Some prefer one over the other.  The Pioneer is the newer box that TWC is using.

[pbarney]

Thanks for your help! I found somebody at TWC that actually had a brain, knew what I needed, and set up a service call. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the service guy will bring the right box.

[oz]

I've had good luck just packing up my equipment and bringing it right to a Time Warner office (I like the one near Mayfair Mall). I just told them I was there to swap my HD box with the new model and they did it.

[gyoung]

I've got a 4x3 Sony 36" XBR with the SA3100HD and I get a correct picture.  It sounds like your TV isn't "squeezing" the image to the 16x9 format (that will give you black bars at the top and the bottom).  My TV has a feature that when it detects a signal coming from the Component video it will squeeze it.  I can set it to either "Manual" or "Auto."

Does your TV have this?