From what I've been able to gather, both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are not capable of anamorphic display-- they are letterbox only.

This means the maximum number of lines for a 2.35:1 movie in either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray is 817. Apparently the specifications for both formats is completed and therefore there will never be anamorphic formats for either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray because the specs don't include it.

That would mean that 817 lines of resolution would be used for the "movie", while the balance of 263 lines would be used for "black bars".

Is this true?

I think this was mentioned before somewhere, but I thought if anyone knew we could clear it up and get it into one of the HD FAQs here.

This is referred to as the "20x9" squeeze. I've seen some discussion about it, but neither format appears to support it, even if the video codecs they use allow for it.

So few users would be able to take advantage of the 20x9 squeeze at any point in the foreseeable future that I don't think the manufacturers think it's worth the additional cost/complexity of supporting it.

Some more detail on the 20x9 squeeze if you don't mind, Adam.

I just figured that HD displays are inherently 16x9 so ALL black bar generation for 4:3 displays would be player generated, like an anamorphic DVD rathher than inherent in the transfer.

Or is this question will the player generate the small bars on scope films rather than having the bars in the transfer?

So, what you're asking for is anamorphic in the 16:9 frame, not in the 4:3 frame. 817 lines for a 2.35:1 movie is still greater than my TV's resolution. I think I'll be happy. That's somewhat more than the 272 lines for a 2.35:1 movie non-anamorphic on a DVD.

Perhaps the issue should be 4:3 movies on BD/HD. What will their horizontal resolution be? Probably still adequate, though, at double NTSC resolution: 1440x1080.

I can take advantage of it now. I'm very disappointed that neither format is forward-thinking enough to support 20:9 enhancement in the spec, even if they don't make it available on the initial software releases. They have locked out any possibility of ever catering to 2.35:1 constant-height projection users.

I'd think the concept would have to be geared towards users with projectors. I don't know how else it would work unless someone built a variable aspect ratio TV or a 2.22:1 set.

Looks like it's time for you to start working on your audio, Josh. Video looks top notch.

Well my 4:3 WEGA CRT currently has a "variable aspect ratio" which allows me to watch animorphic movies by altering the area the electron gun fires on. I'm guessing this might be possible with DLP and projectors, but probably not any of the other formats.

Hey Josh,

Where did you get those stackable wooden cubes for your LD collection? I could use something like that.

For a second I thought it said "ZyberDisco" ...

My room is tiny, and those speakers more than fill the space. I would love tower speakers, but I've got nowhere to put them (you'll notice that the 3 front mains are off-center from the screen, because if I moved them over an inch I wouldn't be able to open the door -- they are centered with my listening position, fortunately).

I bought them at a local Economy Hardware store a few years ago. If you can't find anything similar pre-made in your area, I recommend inquiring at unifished furniture shops to see if they can custom-make some for you. Just be sure to get at least 13" interior clearance. It's a simple build and shouldn't be very expensive.

Man, you have an HLD-X9...

Thanks. I need something like that to get them out of horizontally placed cardboard boxes and clear up some much needed floorspace.

No doubt....that is a mean bitch. And great LD library.

A recent acquisition. Had to sell my LD-S9, unfortunately. I like them both.