On HDTV why do some 1080i broadcast have a black band on each side while others occupy the full 46" screen.
Answer:
1080i can still be in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Just because it is digital and HD does not always mean it will be in the 16:9 aspect ratio. Your TV should have settings in the menu for how to display the 4:3 ratio, if you would like for it to be stretched, or not. If not, the TV will automatically switch back and forth. For example, my TV will show commercials in the 4:3 ratio, then when the regular program comes back on, it will switch to 16:9. I leave my menu settings for the aspect ratio in "automatic".
ummm thats widescreen.
oh sry i misunderstood the question
Maybe they aren't broadcasting in 1080i. possible it was only filmed in HD.
While the broadcast may be in 1080i, the show itself is not an HD show. Therefore the network is forced to air the show in its regular 480p format, but over a 1080i channel. That is why you have those black bands, the show is not widescreen.
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