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View topic - KV-27FV310: Picture vs Screen Size
KV-27FV310: Picture vs Screen Size
Moderator: jttar
6 posts
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Does anyone know if the picture on a Sony television is supposed to completely fill its visible screen? By that, I mean, is the picture supposed to touch each of the four edges of the screen?
I'm asking this because the picture on my KV-27FV310 does NOT touch all four sides of the screen. It touches only the top and bottom edges. The left and right sides have a (roughly) 1 1/4" black bar, running from top to bottom, which separates the picture from those edges of the screen. Also, the bars make the picture appear to bow slightly inward, as though it is being lightly squeezed.
The picture size has been the same since the day I brought my Sony home. I didn't really notice it at first, because I was so excited to have this brand new television with its gorgeous picture! Since then, I've added a VCR, a DVD player, and a Playstation 2 to my television viewing arsenal. No matter which unit I'm running, the picture size stays the same; never stretching to completely fill the screen. All closed-captioning, text, and wide screen selections are turned off, so this not a video menu effect. Also, I live in a rural area, so my television reception comes from a roof-mounted, rotating antenna (with a powered amplifier), which rules out any cable/satellite box conflicts.
I've had this televsion for two years now and, in my opinion, it has performed flawlessly in all areas. However, two years of staring at that picture has caused my to seriously question those two black bars. I just don't think they're supposed to be there. I think the picture should fill the dimensions of the screen. Of course, I'm no expert, which is why I'm here.
Can anyone tell me if my Sony is normal or is it in need of some repair? Thanks!
Abbey
- Abbey
- Sony Fan
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:00 pm
Something is wrong. Being a 4:3 TV, it should fill the screen to the sides on most everything. I'm amazed you put up with it for two years!
Depending on how detailed you want to get, possibly trying to adjust HSIZ in the service menu may adjust it. The bowing, if it's still a problem after adjustment, would be adjusted by PAMP.
If that doesn't work, then there may be a more serious problem internal to the TV.
Depending on how detailed you want to get, possibly trying to adjust HSIZ in the service menu may adjust it. The bowing, if it's still a problem after adjustment, would be adjusted by PAMP.
If that doesn't work, then there may be a more serious problem internal to the TV.
- andyross
- Sony Addict
- Posts: 1092
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2004 8:00 pm
- Location: Schaumburg, IL
Thank you for responding, Andy!
I've put up with the incorrect picture size for so long, simply because I didn't know any better. Ignorance may be bliss but, I'm learning, it is often costly as well.
I was not aware of the Service Menu, but I am more than willing to attempt any needed adjustments. Ignorant I may be, but inept I am not -- I can follow directions fairly well.
If you don't mind, would you tell me how to access the Service Menu and whatever else you think I might need to know about making the HSIZ and/or PAMP adjustments?
Many thanks!
Abbey
I've put up with the incorrect picture size for so long, simply because I didn't know any better. Ignorance may be bliss but, I'm learning, it is often costly as well.
I was not aware of the Service Menu, but I am more than willing to attempt any needed adjustments. Ignorant I may be, but inept I am not -- I can follow directions fairly well.
If you don't mind, would you tell me how to access the Service Menu and whatever else you think I might need to know about making the HSIZ and/or PAMP adjustments?
Many thanks!
Abbey
- Abbey
- Sony Fan
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:00 pm
First, I should mention that messing things up in the service menu can ruin the TV for good. Be very careful and follow exactly.
With the TV off, using your remote, press within 1-2 seconds of each other in order: Display, 5, Volume+, Power.
The TV should turn on and display a green menu along the top, something like this:
DEF NTSC TV
HSIZ 1: 26 NVM: OK
HSIZ will probably be the first entry. Write down it's number (the '26' in the example above.)
Use the '3' key on the remote to increase the number, which should widen the screen ('6' will decrease). Do this until it's almost off the edge if it's still bowing (I assume the top and bottom will touch, and the middle will be pulled in.)
Use the '1' key until you get to PAMP. Write down that number. Use the 3 or 6 keys until the sides are nearly straight (you probably cannot get it perfect.)
If the picture isn't centered, use the '4' key to back up to HPOS. Write down that number, then use 3 or 6 to adjust until you are centered.
Use the '4' key to go back to HSIZ and adjust until the sides slightly off-screen. Being a basic TV, the picture size tends to vary with brightness, so you want it a bit off-screen so it won't visibly pull back in at times.
At any time, if you get uncomfortable, or do something wrong, unplug the TV for a minute. When you power it back up it will return to the original settings as long as you have not saved them.
If you think everything is OK, hit MUTE on the remote.You should get a red WRITE onscreen. Hit ENTER to write it to memory. WARNING: Once you write to memory, the changes are permanent. The only way to get back to the original values is to change them back.
Finally, turn the TV off and on (with the Power key) to get back to normal.
Ideally, you could use a reference DVD like Avia or Digital Video Essentials (DVE) to verify that the aspect ratio is correct (vertical and horizontal sizes correctly set to get square squares and round circles). Some DVD's with the THX Optimizer also have basic patterns that can help.
It may take awhile to get used to the changes, as you are used to a vertically stretched picture.
Remember, before every changing a value, write down the original!! Ideally, you should go through every setting (using 1 and 4 to scroll through them) and write them all down before changing anything.
With the TV off, using your remote, press within 1-2 seconds of each other in order: Display, 5, Volume+, Power.
The TV should turn on and display a green menu along the top, something like this:
DEF NTSC TV
HSIZ 1: 26 NVM: OK
HSIZ will probably be the first entry. Write down it's number (the '26' in the example above.)
Use the '3' key on the remote to increase the number, which should widen the screen ('6' will decrease). Do this until it's almost off the edge if it's still bowing (I assume the top and bottom will touch, and the middle will be pulled in.)
Use the '1' key until you get to PAMP. Write down that number. Use the 3 or 6 keys until the sides are nearly straight (you probably cannot get it perfect.)
If the picture isn't centered, use the '4' key to back up to HPOS. Write down that number, then use 3 or 6 to adjust until you are centered.
Use the '4' key to go back to HSIZ and adjust until the sides slightly off-screen. Being a basic TV, the picture size tends to vary with brightness, so you want it a bit off-screen so it won't visibly pull back in at times.
At any time, if you get uncomfortable, or do something wrong, unplug the TV for a minute. When you power it back up it will return to the original settings as long as you have not saved them.
If you think everything is OK, hit MUTE on the remote.You should get a red WRITE onscreen. Hit ENTER to write it to memory. WARNING: Once you write to memory, the changes are permanent. The only way to get back to the original values is to change them back.
Finally, turn the TV off and on (with the Power key) to get back to normal.
Ideally, you could use a reference DVD like Avia or Digital Video Essentials (DVE) to verify that the aspect ratio is correct (vertical and horizontal sizes correctly set to get square squares and round circles). Some DVD's with the THX Optimizer also have basic patterns that can help.
It may take awhile to get used to the changes, as you are used to a vertically stretched picture.
Remember, before every changing a value, write down the original!! Ideally, you should go through every setting (using 1 and 4 to scroll through them) and write them all down before changing anything.
- andyross
- Sony Addict
- Posts: 1092
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2004 8:00 pm
- Location: Schaumburg, IL
I'm floored by the detail of your walkthrough, Andy! I will have no problem making the needed adjustments. Not tonight, however. I will do this tomorrow, making certain to write down ALL values before I make any changes.
Thank you for taking so much of your time to help me with this! I will let you know how it turns out...
Abbey
- Abbey
- Sony Fan
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:00 pm
Success!
My televsion is well again, showing a gorgeous picture that completely fills its screen! I am so happy! Just like you thought, Andy, the new picture size might take a bit of getting used to. However, it is so pleasing to look at, I can't imagine it will take me very long. Also, I will look for that reference DVD that you suggested, just in case a little fine tuning is in order.
Your directions made this task a cakewalk. The lengthiest part was copying down all of the values. Once that was done, the actual adjustments were a breeze. I think the most difficult part of this is now trying to find the words that can express the amount of gratitude I feel.
Your expertise in this field is obvious, and the kindness through which you share it is overwhelming. Eternal thanks!
Abbey
- Abbey
- Sony Fan
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:00 pm
6 posts
• Page 1 of 1