4:3 - how to widen

[actif8pr]

I have mini dv footage in 4:3 size and want to know if and how I can reclaim some extra image either side, making it almost 14:9 in size.

Obviously I can crop it but my Goodmans GDB6 digibox seems to add extra image to 4:3 pictures when you press the WIDE Handset button. I don't mean it stretches or crops either - and it can convert all 4:3 broadcasts it seems.

Is there any similar technology for gaining extra picture from camcorder footage.

I would like to edit it in a 16:9 frame with silver bars either side and would like the biggest possible picture within my frame.

Any thoughts on this anybody?
Thanks.

[MartinImber]

You can letter box it or you can run the TV in 4x3 mode.

Or buy a 16x9 vdieo camera

yu can't bring back what isn't there, depending on your software you can insert a mask and reaspect your picture to get a correct looking 4:3 picture within a 16:9 aspect (albeit with black, or other border at the edges) or you could do a 'pan & scan' enlarging & shifting the frame to keep the most important picture areas, would need to know more about what you are using.

[Tuddy]

On a similar theme is it worth switching my MV600i to 16:9 mode?