16:9 hdtvs - how do you deal/like 4:3 programming?

[NicklasReugen]

<< I don't like stretching, but the bars can burn inon the big screen TVs >>



No the bars CANNOT burn in, if they were pure white they could burn in, but as they are black they are about the only things that cannot ever burn in to the layer.

If you knew anything about this you would know that.

HDTV can produce a great picture quality if you have digital TV (like some countries do) or DVD, if not and you are stuck with 4:3 i would rather have the bars than the stretch, it looks too strange for me.

 

[kgraeme]

<<
No the bars CANNOT burn in, if they were pure white they could burn in, but as they are black they are about the only things that cannot ever burn in to the layer. >>



That's why I qualified it with "(or anti-burn as the case may be.) ".

The burn in is actually the active image area in the middle caused by the 4:3. Yes the black edges do not burn in, but there IS a difference in apparent luminance between the middle and edges after a while.

I get paid well to know something about this. I work with a TV station and I'm involved in the digital transition and related new technology.

 

[Ultima]

<< Joony, the phosphourous on the screen gets worn out by the electrons hitting them. While it is a slow process, after a while the side bars may appear different because they haven't been worn out at all.

How about get a 4:3 TV as well? >>



so instead of black bars, how about grey bars?
Problem solved.

 

[Joony]

intresting...

 

[kgraeme]

Grey bars are actually used by some manufacturers. They have technical merit, but viewers don't seem to like the look of grey bars, and so don't buy the TVs that use them. I personally have to agree that grey bars look stupid.

 

[NicklasReugen]

<< That's why I qualified it with "(or anti-burn as the case may be.) ". >>



Gee, sometime i need to learn how to read the posts properly, sorry...

 

[NicklasReugen]

<< I get paid well to know something about this. I work with a TV station and I'm involved in the digital transition and related new technology. >>



Again, sorry about the bad judgement on my behalf.

However the phosphourous on newer TV sets are very tolerable, it will take more than 5 years of constant light (or no light) to make any kind of difference, so the issue isn't that big. The worst you could do would be to turn up the contrast all the way and increase the light, then you watch a still frame of white light, a Luxor HDTV can take that for about five years without distortion.

 

[kgraeme]

You are correct that newer TVs have better phosphor. But I think you're referring to normal "tube" TVs. The current market for HDTV sets is the large-screen projection TV which is much more susceptible to burn.

No grudge about the little flame, just don't be so quick next time. I'll be the first to admit that while I work in the field, I don't know everything. We're all always learning.

 

[Ultima]

<< Grey bars are actually used by some manufacturers. They have technical merit, but viewers don't seem to like the look of grey bars, and so don't buy the TVs that use them. I personally have to agree that grey bars look stupid. >>



heh, is it really so hard for them to set a RGB for the bars?
SNES games had this 10 years ago...

 

[kgraeme]

Not hard at all, people just don't seem to like them.

 

[spidey07]

on the topic of "burn"

we've all known about this from early CRTs. So, kgraeme how much concern is this nowadays? I think I could deal with a 4:3 program with black bars, grey maybe not. IMHO.

The reason for this poll is because I'm looking for a home-theater monitor (games, DVDs, computer, everyting I want from a 65-100" monitor) Yes - I'm looking at rear or possibly front projection. total home theater, but also where I'll watch most of our TV.

 

[NicklasReugen]

<< You are correct that newer TVs have better phosphor. But I think you're referring to normal "tube" TVs. The current market for HDTV sets is the large-screen projection TV which is much more susceptible to burn. >>



No, i mean the large screen 45"+ TV sets produced today.

One of my best friends works for Luxor, and as i am an old terminal user (yeah, i am old, i know) i am pretty familiar with the burn in process and the projection cannons (also qualified for higher electronic circuit boards, like the ones used for the transistor boards for projection cannons).

Actually, my friend tells me that he does not think it is an issue at all (he works in R&D).

 

[kgraeme]

I don't have ready figures of how long burn-in takes on current projection TVs. And each person has different habits which will make a difference.

I can only say that I have seen the burn effect myself on projection TVs. What's funny is many TV stores had this problem with their floor models. All excited, they would show the sample HD feed with a superimposed logo. That logo quickly burned in. The 4:3 burn was a little harder to catch at many stores, but could be found. Most stores have caught on now and will stretch on their floor models and don't have fixed logo bugs. But look around, you may still find some sets with a burn-in effect. Heck ask some of the sales people. If you get a good one that likes to chat, they'll tell you how many thousands of dollars they lost because of unsaleable TVs.

Edit: Here's a link to a page all about this.