Settings
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5
TV Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio refers to the proportions of your TV screen. A standard TV screen ratio is 4:3.
Widescreen TVs are 16:9. Select the type of screen your TV has.
• Some TVs automatically change their display based on the type of signal they receive: high-
definition or standard. If your 4:3 TV has this feature, you probably notice that it adds bars
to the top and bottom of an HD picture. If so, select 4:3 Smart Screen.
• If your TV does not have this feature, you may notice that it squeezes an HD picture into the
4:3 shape. If so, select 4:3 Standard Screen. Check your TV’s manual for its capabilities.
Video Output Format
The TiVo DVR receives video signals in any of the four broadcast formats (1080i, 720p, 480p
and 480i). Use this screen to choose which format you want the TiVo DVR to use when sending
video to your TV. Consult your HDTV’s owner’s manual for the formats it supports.
• If your TV supports all four video formats, and if you’re an HDTV novice, Native format is
recommended. This ensures that your TV will display exactly the digital broadcast format it
receives.
• If your TV supports a limited number of formats, choose the Fixed or Hybrid format that best
matches your TV’s capabilities.
See “Understanding HDTV” and “Video Formats” on page v at the beginning of this guide.
Video Smoothing
If you see static on some basic cable and analog antenna (NTSC) channels, use this setting to
smooth the video, which will decrease the static and improve the picture on these channels.
However, it will cause images on all channels to lose some sharpness.