Is that why BBC One SD seems to be of a better resolution than the more minor SD channels, because it uses 704 across rather than 544? Yes, initially I was put off LCD TVs due to the fact that image quality of older programmes was generally poor. It doesn't seem to be quite as bad anymore, though, at least for the BBC channels (excluding BBC Parliament, which still seems to have a poorer image quality than the rest).

With black bars.

With an old JVC CRT in the old analogue days it was set in "Panorama Mode" which would slighty stretch the left/right to fill the screen. It did have WSS which only Channel 4 used.

I think the manual mentioned watching in 4:3 could cause discolouration or somesuch.

My old JVC CRT supported 4:3, 14:9, 16:9, Panarama and some zoom modes.

They are not the only one. Phoenix Chinese Channel is doing this permanently.

I adjusted my settings last night. I had forgoton that the picture can and will be affected by how the picture settings are set on the sky picture settings too. I've forgoton which option I chose now but I now have the full wide screen back again with no flaming text/ticker text missing. When I kept on trying to adjust it just from the tv remotes before, some of the text keep on being out of shot!

I watch stretched when I can.but sadly with some channels you get no choice but to watch it with black bars.

Correct 4:3 ratio with black bars. That's the way the programme was made and for everything to look correct it has to be displayed the same way. Why on earth anyone would prefer to see the image distorted so everyone looks 30 stone I have never fathomed.