I apologize if this has been discussed before--I wasn't able to find any threads on it, as I'm not sure what to search under. Anyway, I'm considering buying a new TV, and I can't afford an HDTV or any of those widescreen ones. I've been looking at flat-screen Sony's and such, and some of them have this thing called "16:9 V compression," which is described as "16:9 enhanced mode (V-Compression) focuses available scan lines within the letterbox area, maximizing resolution for lifelike images."

My question is, does this work well? Would it be worth getting a TV that does this?

I sure would!

I have a Sony that does it and the picture is very, very good. Way better than what the anamorphic downconversion of a player can do. You get 1/3 more lines of resolution in the same space and scan lines essentially disappear.

Thanks, X.

Would such a TV take advantage of a progessive scan DVD player? For example, would I notice the difference between Superbit and non-Superbit DVDs? With my current TV, there is no apparent difference.

Non-HDTV ready TVs probably won't have progressive inputs even though they very well may have component inputs. Mine's that way. This doesn't have anything to do with Superbit or non-Superbit though.

Superbit just provides more resolution to the picture by being encoded at a higher bitrate. I haven't tried it but it seems doubtful that you'd notice much, if any, difference on a set that isn't large enough or capable of resolution approaching HDTV level.

I'm with X, the 16:9 squeeze is great. If it's a decently encoded disc you definitely see a major difference in pic quality. After having one of these sets you will really start to hate non-anamorphic DVDs.

Okay, thanks...I'll definitely look into getting one of these as soon as I get some money back from the IRS :-).

16:9 mode to me is "FREE Almost-HDTV quality WIDESCREEN TV" with purchase of equally impressive flat-screen 4:3 TV! and for less than $400!

Not only is the 16:9 mode great for dvds but it's also about the versatility. I just got the Samsung 27" TXM2792F and dvds look amazing. Sitting 4 feet away, which is fairly close, I would best compare it for someone who has only seen conventional tube tvs before as having a similar resolution of the computer monitor you're staring at. Look at any conventional tube tv and the pixels are rectangular. In squeeze mode these become squares and not only does the resolution go up, but the picture becomes drastically more vivid, with more vibrance than even a movie theater. I calibrate with Avia too.

It's versatile. Not all dvds are in widescreen, such as IMAX movies/documentaries and classic movies. All you have to do is push a button on your remote and you're back in 4:3 mode. For someone who watches cable sports and tv 5 nights a week I find the 16:9 the perfect feature for any normal tv/movie viewer.

A hidden gem of a use is the TV video out on my computer. I can stretch any DIVX movie vertically to encompass the entire screen, and then engage 16:9 mode, effectively rightly adjusting the aspect ratio.

Xbox in 16:9 is also amazing. It seems like anamorphic DVDs, Xbox games don't have a "fake" widescreen mode...but it rather seems they were designed for widescreen playing. Every game I've thrown at it looks and plays much better in 16:9.

And yes, now hate the dozen or so non-anamorphic discs I have!

For the non-anamorphic discs, do you just have to play them in regular 4:3 mode, then?

Yes. You'll get the correct aspect ratio, it just won't be as good a picture.

So it looks like my choices have come down to two basic types of TV's: there are the 16:9 compression types such as the 27" Sony WEGA KV-27FS100 for about $500; but there is also one HDTV monitor I can possibly afford: Samsung Tantus TXM2796HF for $650.

Is there any reason I'd rather have an HDTV monitor? "Monitor" means I have to buy an extra box thingie, right? And it's still just a 4:3 aspect ratio, so I'd still basically be entering an enhanced 16:9 mode to watch widescreen, anamorphic DVDs?

Thanks again for all the help, folks!

Oh, one more question: Which brands should I stay away from? I've always liked Sony, but how are the others, such as Panasonic, Samsung, Magnavox, KLH, Sansui, RCA, Philips, Zenith, etc.?

If you can afford it, I'd definitely go for the Samsung. Yeah, you'll still need the extra box for HD programming (although you might not even have to buy it, check with your cable company to see if they offer HD) but the quality on progressive DVD (or video games) with the enhanced 16:9 mode will be a lot better than just the enhanced mode.

If I don't buy the extra HD box, I'll still be able to watch tv; I just wouldn't be able to view it in HD mode. Is this the case?

Yeah, you'll be able to watch regular TV without any problems. The TV will convert the normal 480i signal to 480p through the set's line doubler.