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Panasonic DMR BS780


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Old 08-12-2010, 20:19
72uoba
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On my recommendation, my parents have bought a DMR BS780 box as a one stop solution for all their needs and to leave them with hopefully only one remote to master.

I've attached it via HDMI and Scart to their TX32LXD60. Everything seems to be fine apart from aspect ratios. The aspect ratio is correct for the majority of the channels and switches as required for 4:3 or 16:9 content. However, on some channels, I seem to have to select it manually. The channels I've found a problem are BBC1HD, BBCHD and C4. The HD channels are squashed into 4:3 with big, black bars at the side and C4 is zoomed in. Manually selecting 16:9 restores normality.

So, why would the TV/box combo correctly display BBC1 but try to squeeze BBC1HD? Surely, they're both flagged as 16:9?

Has anyone else come across this or does anyone have any suggestions for sorting it? I would like to confirm that I'm a muppet rather than the box has a major flaw

One other thing, on my Humax HD box, I can select a London postcode but then choose BBC Scotland through 'edit customisable channels'; is this possible on the Panasonic box too?

Thanks for any suggestions.
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Old 10-12-2010, 10:17
72uoba
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Can anyone help with this at all? It's driving me mad!

When I select the channels in question (BBC1HD, BBCHD & C4), the TV shows 'wide'. This seems to suggest that the DMRBS780 is sending a widescreen picture but that it has squashed the picture within?

So, assuming that the box isn't faulty, what settings could be affecting this? I think I've been through every option in the menus but can't get anywhere

As the TV is a Panasonic too, I've also connected by Scart for Qlink/Viera functionality, could this be a problem?

Any suggestions gratefully received!
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Old 10-12-2010, 11:13
72uoba
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OK, I think a brainwave has just come through which highlights the extent of my muppetry. The manual shows connecting the scart from av1 on the DMR780 to av on the TV. I just left the existing scart lead from the old DVD player in situ, so it's in AV1 on the TV, whereas I guess it would be better in AV2. I'll give this a go tonight and see if it helps.
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Old 10-12-2010, 18:06
nthompson0033
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When using HDMI connection allways use 1080p (auto)

I have to choose the 4:3 aspect ratio on TV remote for 4:3 programs, as the tv ussually cannot work this out for itself
there is nothing wrong with the box.

use auto or 16:9 for all other programs

The SCART connection is only used if you wish to record
using the tuner or scaler within the TV set onto your hard disk. it is not needed for viewing.

there are menu options to deterrmine TV aspect ratio for output if you do not use HDMI but use SCART instead
there are also letterbox clipping options but these really mess up clarity

use HDMI 1080p if pos and you will get really good picture
the sclarer in box is v.good quality. even from SD channels.
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Old 10-12-2010, 19:33
72uoba
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Thanks for the advice. I've got the hdmi output set to auto. Selecting BBC1hd or BBChd shows wide on the tv but is squashed with black bars each side. I can then manually select 16:9 on the telly and all is fine.
Strangely, if I change the aspect on the box, selecting zoom corrects the picture and returning to normal leaves the picture in the right ratio. Everything then stays as it shouldand I can switch between bbc1hd and bbchd no problem. However, if I select c4 for example and then return to the hd channels, it goes back to squashed with black bars. Something must be wrong here, I just can't work out what!
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Old 11-12-2010, 07:41
REPASSAC
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Thanks for the advice. I've got the hdmi output set to auto. Selecting BBC1hd or BBChd shows wide on the tv but is squashed with black bars each side. I can then manually select 16:9 on the telly and all is fine.
Strangely, if I change the aspect on the box, selecting zoom corrects the picture and returning to normal leaves the picture in the right ratio. Everything then stays as it shouldand I can switch between bbc1hd and bbchd no problem. However, if I select c4 for example and then return to the hd channels, it goes back to squashed with black bars. Something must be wrong here, I just can't work out what!
I find outputting 1080i much gives the best result (no switching delays - there is not much point in upscaling to 1080p I think.
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Old 11-12-2010, 08:26
zandar
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Try removing the SCART completely. It is unlikely that it will ever be used and will avoid confusion for your parents. (Sometimes, when you switch on the Panasonic DMR, the SCART signal may be sent directly through to the television).

Just use the one connection to one of the HDMI's on the back of the television and then make sure your parents know which one to select as the AV in.

Now, having established this, check the Aspect Ratio output of your DMR recorder. I believe the sequence will be:> FUNCTION MENU> OTHERS> SET UP> CONNECTION> TV ASPECT > OK. Now select 16:9 OK if it does not show this.

Now, having established the HDMI only connection plus established that the DMR is outputting the correct Aspect Ratio, if the 'fault' persists, then find the ASPECT adjustment on your television's remote control and with the DMR outputting channel 108, go through all the choices until you get the 'correct fit' with everybody looking the normal shape.

Please make sure that your parents are aware of the 3 HD channels = 108/9, 119 and that when available, they should NOT use 101-103.
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Old 12-12-2010, 21:11
72uoba
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The Scart lead is connected to allow recording of Freeview channels and ESPN.

The problem is definitely occurring with the TV in HDMI mode.

I've tried with the box on auto or 1080i output (this isn't a full HD TV).

With other equipment, a manual selection of the aspect ratio was remembered for that type of picture but that doesn't happen here.

The bit I find really odd, is that if I select either side-cut or zoom in the aspect options on the box and then return to normal, then the picture is shown properly. This seems to suggest a problem with the box to me (whether by design or a faulty unit).

Also, a Humax Foxsat HD on the same TV displayed every channel correctly.

Oh well, just one of those things, I guess
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Old 12-01-2011, 16:03
72uoba
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Oh well, I never did manage to sort out these problems Another one has popped up though! Quite frequently, when returning or exiting menus on the DMR, the TV switches back to its built-in Freeview tuner.

My parents struggle to tell the difference and then wonder why they are unable to select different channels

Tis quite funny but also very frustrating for them. Has anyone else experienced these issues?
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