Why my dvd player cropping LB dvds?

[ChodTheWacko]

Hi All,

I am a bit of a movie purist like most enthusiasts so I watch all my movies letterboxed.

I was watching 'Shaolin soccer' and although it was playing in letter box mode, to my dismay I saw some of the actor's names getting cropped! (I had noticed something similar with 'Run lola run', btw)

I stuck the dvd in my computer, played it with a dvd program and carefully went to the same frame.

Images are here: http://wizardsworks.org/chod/temp/
As you can see, the tv is cropping off the edges as compared to the pc player. It's not a LOT but it still sucks!!!

My dvd player is set to 4:3 LB (if I set it to 4:3, it looks pan & scan totally). This is occuring on my Toshiba SD-1600 playing on my 35" tv.

I took it over to a friend's house and the exact same thing happend on her dvd player/tv!

I'm considering buying a new dvd player, but I can't explain what the problem is. Help!

- Frank

[Mr. Salty]

It probably isn't the DVD layer. It's more likely overscan on your TV set. If you have a THX-mastered DVD that has the THX Optimode test patterns on it, there should be a test pattern that will show you approximately how much overscan you're experiencing.

A qualified technician should be able to adjust our TV for you. It isn't something I would recommend you try on your own.

[ChodTheWacko]

Yes sir, you are indeed correct.

Wow, that's very interesting. I'm goofing around with my service menu on my tv right now. (Don't worry, I wrote down all the original values).

I have it signifigantly better. I don't see a way to get all of the picture, but I got enough back that I can live with it! Thanks!

- Frank