Chapter 1

One problem is that many TVs with progressive input don’t allow the
aspect ratio to be changed. They are programmed to interpret all progressive-scan
input as anamorphic. When a nonanamorphic (4:3) picture is sent
to these TVs, they distort it by stretching it out. Before you buy a DTV, make
sure that it enables aspect ratio adjustment on progressive input. Alternatively,
get a player with an aspect ratio control option that “windowboxes”
4:3 video into a 16:9 rectangle by squeezing it horizontally and adding black
bars on the side. Because of the added scaling step, this may reduce picture
quality, but at least it gets around the problem.
Just as early DVD computers did a poor job of displaying progressivescan
DVDs, the first generations of progressive consumer players are also
a bit disappointing. But as techniques improve, as DVD producers become
more aware of the steps they must take to ensure a good progressive display,
and as more progressive displays appear in homes, the experience will
undoubtedly improve, making home theaters more like real theaters.
For more on progressive video and DVDs, see Part 5, “Progressive
Scan DVD,” at “Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity” (www.
hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_4/dvd-benchmark-part-5-progressive-10-
2000.html).
Why Doesn’t Disc X Work in Player Y?
General DVD 49
The DVD specification is complex and open to interpretation. DVD-Video
title authoring is also very complex. As with any new technology, there are
compatibility problems. The DVD-Video standard has not changed substantially
since it was finalized in 1996, but many players don’t properly
support it. Discs have become more complex as authoring tools improve,
so recent discs often uncover engineering flaws in players. Some discs
behave strangely or won’t play at all in certain players. In some cases, manufacturers
can fix the problem with an upgrade to the player (see “What’s
Firmware and Why Would I Need to Upgrade It?”). In other cases, disc producers
need to reauthor the title to correct an authoring problem or to work
around a player defect. Problems can also occur because of damaged or
defective discs or because of a defective player.
If you have problems playing a disc, try the following:
1. Check the following Table 1-1 to see if it’s a reported problem. Also
check the list of problem discs in DVD Review’s Film Vault and at
InterActual’s tech support page. Or try a newsgroup search at
Google.
2. Try playing the disc a few more times. If you don’t get the exact same
problem every time, it’s probably a defective or damaged disc. Make