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How to set up your SONY Wega television to display all the resolution that an Anamorphic Enhanced (a.k.a. Widescreen or 16x9 Enhanced) DVD provides.
This document is maintained by Anthony W. Haukap The current version of this FAQ document can always be found on my website at: While every attempt is made to present accurate data it should be noted that the author makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any information provided in this document, and is not responsible for any consequences of its use.
Alright, here it is, what you've all been waiting for! How to perform the "vertical squeeze" service menu trick to view 16x9 (anamorphic) encoded DVD material on a the Sony Wega standard 4x3 television. FYI - A 16x9 enhanced DVD has 33% more resolution than a non-enhanced DVD title. Someday in the very near future all of our (American NTSC) televisions will have a 16x9 aspect ratio for HDTV. Until the time when your area begins HDTV broadcasts you're probably watching DVDs on a standard 4x3 display, but there's no reason you shouldn't be enjoying the full resolution that DVD can offer today. Read the _SERVICE MODE WARNING_ before proceeding.
If you have a SONY WEGA television enter service mode using the folowing procedure: With the power off press - [DISP], [5], [VOL+], [PWR ON] The TV will turn on and you will now be in service mode. NAVIGATE IN SERVICE MODE
[5] = Selects Next Mode [1] = Moves to Previous Menu Item [4] = Moves to Next Menu Item [3] = Adjusts Value Up [6] = Adjusts Value Down [MTS] = Toggles Stereo/Mono Audio
RESTORE USER SETTINGS
RESET VALUES
LEAVE SERVICE MODE
Also see the standard 16x9 (Anamorphic) Vertical Squeeze FAQ that I maintain for additional information that may apply.
Please note: The following procedure has been verified to work on the 61XBR200 model - it may not work on your particular model if it has different firmware revision then the 61XBR200. Once you get into service mode you will need to get to the 16:9 item:
Once you set the Wega into 16x9 mode you're going to notice a few problems right away: A thin white line across the display at the edge of the video area - you will need to make a mask to cover this area, if you decide to leave the television in 16x9 mode. You will probably also need to adjust a few other things in service mode as well like pincushion, keystone, convergence, etc. to keep the picture aligned. NOTE: "Auto-Focus" will not work in 16x9 mode. Make sure to keep a record of any changes you make in service mode so you can restore the television to it's original state should it become necessary or you decide you want to go back to watching 4x3 video material.
Are you going to be happy with your "new" 16x9 display? Remember you'll need to setup your DVD player to output video to a 16x9 monitor for this vertical squeeze trick to work. Also remember that any static image you display on a television (direct view or projection) can eventually damage it, this includes the black bars on letterboxed movies. As long as your television has been calibrated by an ISF professional to NTSC standards the chances of image burn-in will be greatly reduced but can not be eliminated entirely. If you don't have an ISF professional in you area you might want to take a look at my "do-it-yourself" TV calibration FAQ. FYI - The new XBR250 series Wegas from Sony automatically detect 16x9 material and do the squeeze for you without having to enter the service menu. |