Sony correct on TV aspect ratio limits
“Sony lied to you, you can only alter the aspect ratio on a TV. I personally haven't played with aspect ratios since the 1990s. I prefer to watch films etc. the way the director wanted us to view it.”
Summary
Sony TVs automatically set the aspect ratio for high‑definition signals (720p, 1080i/p) and only permit manual changes when the input is 480p or 480i. Therefore, you cannot alter the aspect ratio for most modern HD content, confirming Sony’s statements and disproving the claim that they lied.
Sources 60 searched
- Cannot change the Wide or Zoom setting on the TV. | Sony USA
The aspect ratio of a high-definition picture displayed on the TV is determined by the signal being received. The TV will automatically adjust the aspect ratio when viewing a high definition broadcast. The aspect ratio can only be changed on the TV if the signal being received is 480p or 480i.
- Black bars appear on the top, bottom, and sides of the TV picture | Sony USA
Some TV models cannot change the aspect ratio when a 720p or 1080i signal is being received. Be aware that the picture may appear stretched or parts of the picture may be cut off when using a zoom or wide mode option. If you are watching a sports program or a news broadcast, scores and news ...
- Unable to change the 16:9 aspect ratio of a high-definition picture. | Sony USA
The television will automatically adjust the aspect ratio when viewing a high definition broadcast. The aspect ratio can only be changed on the television if the signal being received is 480p or 480i. Otherwise, it cannot be changed on the television. Some televisions have a Zoom or Wide option ...
- Setting the screen size/position - Sony Corporation
Automatically adjusts the picture to the most appropriate display area. ... [Full Pixel]: Displays the original picture when parts of the picture are cut. [+1]: Displays the picture using the TV’s maximum display area. [Normal]: Displays the recommended size picture.
- Setting screen size/position | i-Manual - Sony Corporation
... Adjusts the vertical position and horizontal position of the picture. ... Adjusts the vertical size of the picture. ... Automatically adjusts the display position, and phase of the picture in PC mode. ([Auto Adjustment] may not work well with certain input signals. In such cases, manually adjust [Phase], [Pitch], [Horizontal Shift], and [Vertical Shift]....
- Setting screen size/position - Sony Corporation
... Adjusts the vertical position and horizontal position of the picture. ... Adjusts the vertical size of the picture. ... Automatically adjusts the display position, and phase of the picture in PC mode. ([Auto Adjustment] may not work well with certain input signals. In such cases, manually adjust [Phase], [Pitch], [Horizontal Shift], and [Vertical Shift]....
- The silly case of the aspect ratios in Sony cameras | by adrian vila | Medium
Mysteriously enough, these aspect ratio options are not available on the bigger (and yes, more expensive) cameras. Why? No one really knows, but I’ve found people online requesting this feature on the bigger cameras years ago, and Sony’s response to my request doesn’t bring any hope:
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