TV as a Monitor

[Mark F]

I am using a TV as my monitor, it is the letterbox style of Tv, 16:9 aspect
ratio. It gives all the pictures and images a 'stretched out' look. Is there
anyway to adjust this?

 

[Guest]

i have the same issue. does it require a new video card or something

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I am using a TV as my monitor, it is the letterbox style of Tv, 16:9
aspect ratio. It gives all the pictures and images a 'stretched out'
look. Is there anyway to adjust this?

Sure, why don't you change the screen resolution. 1280x720 for instance
has the same aspect ratio as 16:9 and most video adapters offer that
resolution. I use that resolution with my 19" wide screen LCD/TFT display
(16:9) and that's great.

 

[Paul Johnson]

I am using a TV as my monitor, it is the letterbox style of Tv, 16:9
aspect ratio. It gives all the pictures and images a 'stretched out' look.
Is there anyway to adjust this?

Unless your video drivers can be configured to use a 16:9 instead of a 4:3
aspect screen, no, your video will be stretched. Check your display
settings or your video adapter's manufacturer's website for support info.

 

[Paul Johnson]

Sure, why don't you change the screen resolution. 1280x720 for instance
has the same aspect ratio as 16:9 and most video adapters offer that
resolution.

HDTVs typically come in a 16:9 1024x768 screen, 1280x720 won't be available.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

HDTVs typically come in a 16:9 1024x768 screen, 1280x720 won't be
available.

Why don't you use a calculator.

1024/768 = 4:3

1280/720 = 16:9

 

[Paul Johnson]

Why don't you use a calculator.

1024/768 = 4:3

1280/720 = 16:9

I'm aware of that, I'm not saying the HDTV format didn't get it wrong, I'm
saying the drivers have to work around the TV makers getting it wrong for
the drivers to get it right.

 

[Guest]

I think you have two choices to avoid the "stretching".

The first one is to use a resolution that has a 16:9 aspect ratio - such as
1280x720, assuming your TV supports it (my 2005 Sharp Aquos LCD TV does).

If you must use a 4:3 resolution, such as 1024x768, then look in your TV
display options. On mine there are options like Zoom, Smart Zoom, Stretch,
etc. If you choose the one that does NOT try to fill the screen, then you
will have an unstretched image with black bars on each side, but at least the
images won't look stretched out.

Please reply if this helps.