Sony Wega 16x9 Mode

[SidcupMartin]

I'm thinking about getting a 27" Wega (2nd hand) - the price is ridiculously cheap and the 2 main things that appeal are the component inputs and the presence of the 16x9 mode... how does the 16x9 mode work and will it make an enormous difference to my 16x9 discs?

Cheers!

[SeanL]

I think it makes a big difference. Edges seem smoother, as does the entire picture. A benefit of using the component plugs is you might reduce and/or eliminate certain picture artifacts, like that rainbow shimmer effect.

[brian]

If you can -- you might want to look at the Samsung 27" 4:3 hi-def ready(1080i, 480p, 480i) set. I found mine open box at Best Buy for $470 -- and it features progressive scan and 16x9 squish modes for anamorphic video. Though, if your Sony is considerably cheaper, or you don't like Samsung, forget about it

[The Mobius]

I have a 27" WEGA and yes, yes, yes.

The way it works is there's a menu option to turn the mode on. The option is only available when you've changed the video input away from the tv input. And you have to enable the option EVERY TIME (at least on the model I have), which adds another step to the whole movie watching ritual.

The only other widely publicised concern with the line is the distortion at the corners of the screen, (true of most flatscreen TVs?), whereby sports/news-tickers angle down at the corners (not a problem when watching a widescreen movie)... some individual TVs apparently show varying amounts of this distortion.

But that aside, it really does make a difference as you watch the TV's scan lines disappear into non-existence, and I couldn't be happier with mine.

[SidcupMartin]

I would love to spend a ton on a display but I'm able to get this at a great price (<$150) and funds are low so it looks like a good buy

[brian]

Originally posted by sidcupmartin
I would love to spend a ton on a display but I'm able to get this at a great price (<$150) and funds are low so it looks like a good buy

Wow, that's a great price -- Definitely worth it

[newt]

Originally posted by brian
If you can -- you might want to look at the Samsung 27" 4:3 hi-def ready(1080i, 480p, 480i) set. I found mine open box at Best Buy for $470 -- and it features progressive scan and 16x9 squish modes for anamorphic video.

Since your Samsung is HD ready, does it need 16x9 squish mode? I'm confused.

[brian]

Originally posted by newt
Since your Samsung is HD ready, does it need 16x9 squish mode? I'm confused.

Yep -- I can't give a technical reason why. If i set my player to output a signal for a 16x9, the image comes in stretched vertically. It's a 4:3 set, so, i need the squeeze mode to make it display as a 16x9 set would. I might even need to use the squeeze mode for 1080i material to be displayed properly -- but i don't have anything at the moment to act as a 1080i source, so I'm really not sure. Heres a link with some specifications.

[newt]

Thanks Brian, got it.

I'm considering getting a new tv. I have a progressive scan JVC DVD player & I don't know if I want a HD monitor or not. I have no desire for HD programming, I just want it for watching my DVDs.

[SidcupMartin]

oh...my...god...

I got the TV, just ran out to get a component cable and ran back and threw in Monsters, Inc. as a test and I was floored -- now I have to watch my whole collection over again. The 16x9 enhancement makes ALL the difference.

[SeanL]

We told ya