Android TV: incorrect aspect ratio?

[smcgreal]

Model of TV is an XE8004.

Issue: Certain digital terrestrial broadcasts in standard definition are displaying in the wrong aspect ratio.

I'm living near the Republic of Ireland /Northern Ireland border so can receive both Saorview and Freeview channels. The problem is all Saorview broadcasts in standard definition (SD) are displaying in the 4:3 ratio instead of 16:9 (Full) when the 'auto wide' function within the screen menu is set to 'on' and '4:3 default' is set to 'Normal'. Only by disabling the auto wide function do Saorview channels appear in 16:9. All Saorview channels, both HD & SD are in the MPEG4 format.

For Freeview most SD broadcasts are fine when auto wide is on and 4:3 default is set to normal. The aspect ratio switches correctly from 4:3 to 16:9 and vice versa if the original broadcast deems it necessary.  Most Freeview SD channels are in MPEG2. However the exception is Film4+1 which is carried on the MPEG4 mux as an SD channel where the HD versions of BBC 1 etc are located.  It is exhibiting the same problem as the SD Saorview channels.

This leads me to believe that the TV is not handling the aspect ratio of SD broadcasts in MPEG4 correctly.

[EdwinaU]

Hi,

There's some info here to troubleshoot picture quality from digital broadcasts. You might find some other tips about the aspect ratio in the guide too. Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Ed

[smcgreal]

Hi Ed, thanks for the link, but it's not a signal related issue I believe. Signal is fine at my location. It appears (to me anyway) that it's the way the TV is handling different standards of broadcast that is the issue here.  Could this be passed on to Sony for investigation if possible? Thank you.

[EdwinaU]

Hi Smcgreal,

We have asked for some advice and have some requests for you.

Can you try to tune in full range and also check if the issue happens with other TVs connected to the same aerial system? Lastly, could you post a screenshot showing the signal strength?

Thanks,

Ed

[smcgreal]

I've attached some photos. First is signal strength as requested.  Its fine.  The next one is the settings for the screen display. The next 2 are for the Freeview channel ITV3 (standard definition & MPEG2 format). As you can see the programme is an old show originally filmed in 4:3 ratio and is displayed correctly.  At the ad break the set automatically reverts to widescreen. This is what should happen.

The last picture is Film 4+1 (standard definition & MPEG4 format). As you can see, the aspect ratio is wrong. It should be filling the screen and not be in 4:3 ratio. All the standard definition channels on Saorview (MPEG4 format) exhibit the same characteristics as Film 4+1.  Regardless of programme content the aspect ratio remains 4:3.  I've checked another tv in the house (Sony KDL-40R483B) and the programme is being displayed properly (widescreen) with the same screen settings.

[EdwinaU]

Hi Smcgreal,

Thanks for getting back to us with these details. We'll look into this further and let you know when we have an update.

Thanks,

Ed

[Win_88]

Hi smcgreal,

This is strange as Auto Wide should automatically change the aspect ration according to the content unless you select otherwise.  I think you should first make sure the TV is updated to the latest software just to be on the safe side and depending on the source of the signal (i.e. if you have a TV box or a receiver etc.) to try that box on any other TV as a test.

If you're using the TV's built in tuner, try removing the aerial cable  and to tune the channels while it's unplugged then to tune again afterwards to get the channels again as I think that's one way to refresh your signal. And if all else fails you can always try a factory reset.

I really hope this helps

Win_88

[smcgreal]

Hi Win_88, the mystery is that the set IS performing correctly with the all of the Freeview standard definition channels bar one with autowide switched on. Broadcasts are shown correctly with these channels.

The exception is Film 4+1 and all of my Saorview standard definition channels. It may not be the issue but the common link here is that they are in MPEG4 format. I have to switch autowide off for them to have the proper aspect ratio for widescreen material, otherwise they are permanently in 4:3 ratio.

I also have a Sky+HD box attached via an HDMI cable. If the Sky box is set to standard definition output the set uses the autowide function to automatically display the correct aspect ratio depending on the source material.

The tv had a software update a few days ago. Unfortunately it made no difference.

[smcgreal · Accepted solution]

Just to report, the latest firmware update (v6.5603) appears to have resolved the issue.