GQ: Why Does My TV Have A Small Picture And Black Bars On The Sides?

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By NBC Augusta Reporters

Story Published: Nov 21, 2007 at 6:15 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2007 at 4:04 PM EDT

With the hype about HDTVs you might notice if you're watching in HD, the image might look a little smaller.

In tonight's Good Question, Belinda wants to know why there's a small picture and black bars on the side.

The reason is because stations began broadcasting a digital signal, which gives you a better picture.

The black bars you see in the digital signal are there to fill the screen caused by the smaller format.

A digital signal is broadcast in 16:9 aspect ratio, but a lot of TV sets show the smaller 4:3 format, so there isn't enough picture.

So, TV watching is similar to watching a wide screen DVD.

Most TV's being sold now are the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Thursday, Feb 7 at 4:19 PM Joey wrote ...

Well, I don't know if it's ABSOLUTELY official, but Media General has plans to broadcasts most of its stations in High Definition this year, which means High Definition Newscasts (see WFLA, WSPA) those are good examples, WJBF will soon take on something like that, this year most likely. WAGT needs to get ready.

Wednesday, Jan 2 at 6:12 PM Knowledgeable wrote ...

Good question indeed. Misleading answer though. If stations would broadcast in true HD rather than simply taking their SD/480 content and broadcasting it as "HD", it wouldn't be necessary to explain. The real question is why they don't and the real answer is money. HD broadcasts cost more because of higher equipment and production costs. Make the leap and set yourselves apart.

Wednesday, Nov 28 at 8:30 AM Joey wrote ...

Many stations have went High Definition with their newscasts, will WAGT ever go HD?

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