[floppus]

I have been using a V+ box for some time now. I am connected via HDMI to a nice 1080p JVC panel and get pretty good results on the main channels that are broadcasting recently made content. The disappointing feature is the channels that are b'casting older 4:3 content. The same channels from the TV's built in freeview tuner are far more watchable using the TV's 'Panormic' mode to stretch the picture more at the sides than the middle to reduce main area distortion. I guess other makers use different names for their process.

Using the V+ box with the picture settings in the V+ menu as High Def HDMI and 1080w and the connection via a good HDMI lead half the picture adjustments on the TV become unavailable, in particular the 'panormic' option is greyed out. The result is that the picture becomes more stretched and not so good to watch. I have options like Native, Full Native, Zoom, and Slim but none of them improve the image.

Ayone had a similar problem and what sould I try to do...

(Oh the Virgin customer service chappie said change thr output setting to 720w, but that made no difference).

Thanks

[Boostrail]

Set your V+ box to 1080i (not wide). Widescreen material will still be shown in widescreen but the older materail will be shown in 4:3 etc. You will then be able to use your TV's Panoramic setting which as you say probably makes a better job of stretching non widescreen material than the V+.