What you see when you use the SlingCatcher zoom settings depends on three things:
- the aspect ratio of your TV
- the format of the original video
- the video output settings on SlingCatcher
Standard definition output mode is 4:3
If you set SlingCatcher to Standard definition output mode, then the default aspect ratio setting is 4:3.
This is a picture in 4:3 ratio:
You can specify Standard definition output mode in the Settings menu.
In 4:3 mode, the available zoom modes are:
- Actual size: The video may appear smaller than the TV screen you're currently using with your SlingCatcher.
- 2x: The video is zoomed up to two times. The original aspect ratio of the video is maintained.
- Letterbox: Displays widescreen content on a standard display, in its original aspect ratio.
- Pan/Scan: Zooms in on the center of the video.
- Full screen: Fills up the whole screen with content. Depending on the original aspect ratio of the video, displayed aspect ratio may differ (it might appear stretched).
In standard definition output mode, you can select the 16:9 aspect ratio from the Settings menu if:
- you want to connect SlingCatcher to an HDTV, via either the S-video or composite connectors;
- you want the aspect ratio of the content to be correct.
High definition output mode is 16:9
If you set SlingCatcher to High definition output mode, the only aspect ratio available is 16:9.
This is a picture in 16:9 ratio.
Available zoom modes in HD output mode are:
- Actual size: The video may appear smaller than the TV screen you're currently using with your SlingCatcher.
- 2x: The video is zoomed up to two times. The original aspect ratio of the video is maintained.
- Pillar box: This fits content to your TV screen, without distorting the aspect ratio. SD (standard definition) content displays with vertical black bars on each side.
- Full screen: Fills up the whole screen with content. Depending on the original aspect ratio of the video, displayed aspect ratio may differ (it might appear stretched).
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