The TW**X81 Gradual Stretch Mode

The gradual stretch mode on the new TW**X81's is different than that on the many other widescreen HDTV. Where others gradual stretch mode keeps the center most of the 4:3 image untouched while stretching only the outer most edges; the Toshiba zooms and stretches the center slightly, but not at a uniform rate for both axis; then increases the stretch the farther you go from the center.

From first looks this Toshiba stretch method does not show the distortion at the edges as it does on others. This was appreciated while viewing the last game of the world series (before I was able to receive HiDef signals). It was easy to watch this sporting event through the gradual stretch. BUT, on the Toshiba, the center of the screen that is expanded is not zoomed equally in both directions (horizontal and vertical); making people seem slightly wide. I got to like my friends Panasonic grad-stretch mod. I do like the absence of the distorted edges that the Panasonic creates, but I do not care for the alteration of the center images H-V altered ratio on the Toshiba.

Many have stated that the TW**X81 series have alot of overscan. So, I reduced some of the wideness of TW-1 mode. After entering the service mode (for TW-1), I adjusted both the WID (width) and HPOS (horizontal position) settings. First was the HPOS to center the picture on the left/right (it wasn't quite perfectly aligned from the factory). Then I started decreasing the width until black bars were present on the L/R edges (underscanning); then back the other direction until a full width picture was present, then one more notch wider to be safe. I ended up reducing the overall width 6 increments; and it did make a noticeable improvement. Peoples faces looked less wide than before. Side black bars are still present on one cable channel though, "TV Guide" channel. This was acceptable to me. Of course, adjusting the width and positioning threw the convergence off alittle; mostly at the edges. Later, a 64 pt. convergence had everything looking fantastic.

 

When viewing an enhanced DVD, you want to select the FULL theater mode on your TW**X81.

On a letterbox non-anamorphic disc, use Theater Wide mode 2.

email TPro "Timmy"