My situation is this. I am thinking about buying a High Def set. I really want to go with a 16x9 tube set as well although the prices for the rear projection set are very favorable.

My problem is that i dont really need a new tv. i just love the 16x9 ratio. Common sense tells me i should just wait a bit longer because of all the unknown variables out there regarding the new format.

Correct me if im wrong but currently you have to buy a receiver to get true high def broadcasts. i dont think many people are investing in those because their really isnt enough programming to warrant it yet. Without the receiver will shows broadcast in hig def fill up the screen of a 16x9 set or will you get black bars.

This tv would be primarily for viewing tv shows. I have a 60 inch 4x3 set that i watch movies on and have my home theatre set up to. i keep thinking the 4x3 high def set makes more sense at this time. if thats the case i should just wait because i want a 16x9 set. i dont mind black bars when watching dvd's but could not stand it for tv shows playing on a widescreen set.

i hope this makes sense to someone. im starting to confuse myself again. lol

You need a high def receiver to get HDTV and yes you would have black bars on the sides if you were watching TV.

if you don't want the bars on the sides of the 4x3 programs you can use the tv's stretch modes. from what i have read Toshiba is the best in terms of stretching the image without making it look terribly distorted.

as for the HD receiver, check with your cable company to see if they provide them. mine (time warner) offers the scientific atlanta 3100 HD at no extra cost...which will save me about $500 when i get my HD set.

thats kind of what i thought as far as the black bars go for tv programming. i think my want is more than my need right now.

the 4x3 high def really makes more sense in my situation right now. i cant really afford a 4x3 now and a 16x9 later.

my wife is even on board. she wants a high def set as well. she does not care if its widescreen or not.

so here i am with my wife's permission to make a new big item purchase (rarely happens) and i cant justify doing it. damn

black bars?

I have a 42" 16X9 HD samsung and I have an antenna hooked up
directly to the TV and I get no black bars the image looks just fine streched out