How to display 1080i HD Cable signal on a 4:3 HD TUBE TV without bars

[jwacht]

I have a Sony XBR 40 inch tube HD TV -- it displays 1080i however it gets the signal from my Cox cable box (no display intelligence in the TV) -- for 7 years it filled up the whole screen via a Zoom2 setting by cutting the left and right out of the picture which was a lot better than the black bars at top and bottom (which was an option) -- that made the effective diagonal like a 34-35 inch TV.

Cox now eliminated that zoom2 in their latest software update -- is there any box or device I can buy that would take the 1080i signal and change the display to my 4:3 dumb TV to fill up the screen?

Hate to give up this great 1080i tube display while it still produces what only a 450 lb. tube can -- any suggestions?

[eliwhitney]

jwacht

Hi ..

You might "ck" w/ COX Tech Dept to inquire "IF" your Market has available the newest 'HD' Recording Box by CISCO - - it's an "..Explorer #8642HDC.." on the front, right edge by Title & among other features, would seem to be able to that?

My older pair of Scientific Atlanta #8300HD most-definitely did so! ... these may still be @ another, different one of their Kiosk locations?

Here, each one of the COX Outlets has a separate, different Inventory for these 'HD' Hard Drive Recorder S.T.B.s..

{"double zoom" Feature NOT on 'plain' HD / non-recording versions, agreed.}

eli

p.s. = I respectfully disagree about your statement that ".. as only a 450# CRT set can display?" ... any of the Top Tier 52" or greater display HDTVs will very definitely "Out-perform" it in every manner imaginable! ...and, to begin with, your equivalent ~ ~ 35" diagonal IS far to small to be viewing from much greater than a very few feet, as well as missing out on all-of-the-data available which you've got either "overzoomed" or "blacked out!" ....lastly, soon more troubles as S.T.B.s become compliant w/ latest ''energy-efficiency rules" as well as the "Sunset regs," no more Component ports with which to connect-at-all!

[jwacht]

Eli,

Thanks for your reply -- I have a 8300HD DVR which as we both said had that feature, but the software upgrade changed that extra option of how the zoom button works -- have asked them about other boxes (your Explorer #8642HDC suggestion) but they insist all the other boxes operate with the same software options.

Another problem is the 8300HD DVR is the only one which works with a hard drive extender which multiplies my hard drive x4 -- they eliminated that on all future DVRs (say it is a feature they didn't even know or want until it was too late) -- and last problem is my 40in monster tube TV is built in to an wall cabinet opening that won't take a larger width screen.

But you are correct that the hand writing is on the wall -- just was hoping for an interim "box/converter" solution till I can afford to solve this problem.

Thanks for your help.

[eliwhitney]

jwacht

<back>

The reason for the newest CISCO 'HD' S.T.B. was to eliminate the need of any external drive . . . increases capacity from 160 to 500.

Plus, no more "issues" with 'look up' or only storing on that external drive FIRST, before using any capacity of the 8300HD hard drive.

Yes, the "no-choice" software update - - {using "Echo Passport"}- - literally 'ruined' the usage of my older S.A. 8300HDs - - - "instantly" brought on a "skipping" or "dropping-of-signal" while recording only Music w/o any Video ... in my case, it's via those #938 /#939, etc. Music Channels.

Those "Reps" are incorrect! .... there is NOT just (1), single "software" offering at all - - - I had the newer, 500GB recorders installed on May 1st specifically because, in my Market, these do NOT use that dreaded "Echo Passport" or whatever ....

Solved much of my "issues" but not 100% - - - I now can successfully "hear" non-HD programs of Music via those various #938, etc., perfectly upstairs & down again "live" w/o any phase shifting - but - zero success in recording! - - - still 'skips' or drops it's signal .... have (2) different Brand Receivers as well as use Toslink Optical cable on (1) vs R/W "RCA" Audio cabling on opposite Audio Receiver.

Neither will not record w/o 'drops!"

Even tho your Wall Unit won't accept a huge, altogether-much larger Display, by utilizing some specific 'cooling / ventilation' Fans in the rear, behind any new HDTV, you CAN acquire whatever "squeezes" into that Opening safely!

THEN, by 16:9 + 'HDMI' you will "see" much more of the signals being sent to you in a non-zoomed presentation! ... e.g. = Charles Heston's "..Chariot Race.." WILL be seen with all-of-those-horses, side by each, as well as his Opponent!!

Currently, your "Field-of-Viewing" is being drastically-reduced, in my opinion.
eli

[eliwhitney]

jwacht

(link)

Here are the dimensions of a 42" Plasma set that WILL "fit into" & take-the-place-of your current Anchor!

Only 40.6 inches vs your now 43.0" in width, with Vertical even 7" less-than-now ... @ $599 / less at other web sites!

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-elec ... tabsection


As long as you do NOT plan any Blu Ray Player and view from about 5 feet or so away from the display, the "720p" will be indistinguishable from a 1080p which will be ~ $200 more.

eli
edited Thursday, (19th) to add: many 46" sets {LCD or Plasma} are only ~~44 1/8" in width ''if" there's any free spacing @ your sides now? {recall, venting Fan Unit an absolute must!}