Difference between Pillar Box and Original Format?

[curlyjive]

As the title implies, what is the difference between Pillar Box and Original Format in the screen format setting options. I have always used pillar box, but never noticed original format. I would think either one would produce the same results, as it would most likely apply to 4:3 material. But does anyone have a clear definition of the two?

BTW, native mode is off for me if that makes any difference.

[BattleScott]

Pillar box displays the SD channels in 4x3 with selected chioce of side bar color. Original format sends only the video signal so the TV decides how it is displayed.

[bobnielsen]

And how it is displayed may be different on different TVs.

[curlyjive]

Ok, That's what I thought. I have always used pillar box and just noticed original format tonight. Pillar box has always seemed to work just fine for the limited 4:3 material I watch

Question is does it have any affect on 16:9 formatted material?

[BattleScott]

Ok, That's what I thought. I have always used pillar box and just noticed original format tonight. Pillar box has always seemed to work just fine for the limited 4:3 material I watch

Question is does it have any affect on 16:9 formatted material?

No. If 16:9 is selected for the screen type, the format options are only applicable to how SD (4:3) channels are displayed on a 16:9 screen. If 4:3 is selected, then the formats option are for how HD (16:9) channels are displayed on a 4:3 screen.

[curlyjive]

So what do most people use: Original format or pillar box? Or better yet, is there any reason for me to re-think using pillar box?

[BattleScott]

As bobnielsen stated, some TVs will recognize the "Aspect flag" in the SD programs other do not. My Pannasonic does not, so if I have it set to original format, the SD programs are stretched to a 16:9 image. If your TV supports the aspect flag, then that would allow you to use the TVs options for how the SD images are handled instead of the DVRs.

[veryoldschool]

So what do most people use: Original format or pillar box? Or better yet, is there any reason for me to re-think using pillar box?
"Most" only use original format if their TV does something [variable stretch] that the DVR doesn't.
I'll use it for 16:9 SD [window box] and have my TV zoom, as this does a better job scaling than the "crop" of the DVR.

[Movieman]

So what do most people use: Original format or pillar box? Or better yet, is there any reason for me to re-think using pillar box?


Personally I use original format. I also have native off and set to 1080i to get the most out of my plasma. It really depends on your individual viewing experience.