Aspect Ratio problems! I need help!

[Magnolia82]

I am a huge stickler for the original theatrical ratios when I watch my DVDs. I noticed that last night, while watching my new 'Royal Tenenbaums' disc, that I was not watching the perfect aspect ratio. It became increasingly evident in the radiogram scene where Richie is sending a message to Eli. The dictation appears at the bottom of the screen. The right and left of the screen is slightly cut off on my TV. Instead of "Dear Eli" appearing on the left, I'm getting "ar Eli." I have my toshiba SD-1700 set to the 4:3 widescreen setting, and also when I zoom in and look over to the left, I am able to see the complete, "Dear Eli" with space to spare. I knew it couldn't be Criterion's mistake, and I double checked with my computer DVD player to make sure. The computer displayed the entire beautiful image. My Sylvania TV is a few years old, but is the 1.33 to 1 ratio. 'Tenenbaums' is a 2.40:1 ratio, yet it is seen as a 2.35 or 2.2 or so on the TV. Has anyone experienced this problem before or know what to do about it? Oh yeah, it's not just the 'Tenenbuams' disc, the others also have this slight, but important problem. It is just easily seen in a movie that fills the screen as much as 'Tenenbaums.' Someone please help, I do not want to be reduced to only watching my DVD's on my computer!

[marc0702]

Hi,

Your tv probably has a lot of overscan. I have the same thing. If you check your tv with an AVIA disc, you'd that about 5% on each side is gone. 3-5% is usually the norm. Don't ask me why they do that, but its done.