Advertisement

Register for free to remove this ad

I just hooked up my GCN to my widescreen (16:9) TV and the picture completely filled the screen. Is it stretching the image? - I can't tell. I had the same issue with my PS2 a few days ago and someone here told me to check the menu settings... the GCN does not provide the 16:9 setting like the PS2 does. Does the GCN "know" it is hooked up to a widescreen TV or is it just stretching the image? Also, if the image is being stretched, how do I fix it? Thanks!!!

It's my understanding that some GC games are automatically widescreen format when set to progressive scan. If you're not using component cables with your GC, then your TV is probably stretching the image and you should be able to re-set the aspect ratio through your TV's menu options to a 4:3.

Originally Posted by bmulligan If you're not using component cables with your GC, then your TV is probably stretching the image and you should be able to re-set the aspect ratio through your TV's menu options to a 4:3.

Hmmm... I have the Nintendo component cables coming in the mail from NOA... right now I am using crappy composite cables running right to the front of my TV. I think it is stretched but I'm not 100%. I'll check the aspect ratio but my TV is running through an HD cable box that puts out a 1080i signal - my aspect button does not work when I'm watching TV...

Originally Posted by bmulligan It's my understanding that some GC games are automatically widescreen format when set to progressive scan.

Do you mean when my TV is set to progressive scan or the GCN/game?

Do you mean when my TV is set to progressive scan or the GCN/game?

Both, when the TV is in progressive scan and when the game has been set for progressive output. Since you're not using Nintendo's component cables yet, your TV is probably just stretching the image. You should be able to reset the TV's a/r when not viewing input from the cable box, though.

Yeah, unless the game is specifically for Widescreen/Progressive Scan mode, then it's stretching the image. If the people look stubby or something, that's a dead giveaway. Unless of course, you're playing a Mario game

Originally Posted by bluetoast Unless of course, you're playing a Mario game

I haven't tried Mario Golf or SMS yet but maybe I should! I really hope those cables come today - I ordered them last Monday.

Originally Posted by javeryh I haven't tried Mario Golf or SMS yet but maybe I should! I really hope those cables come today - I ordered them last Monday.

Don't get your hopes up. Unless you paid for express shipping, which I doubt since you are a CAGer , you're gonna be waiting a while. I ordered some replacement parts for my GBA a while back and it took two and a half weeks! Not that I mind cause I just played something else but still.

The Gamecube will only offer Progressive scan mode if it detects the Component Cables are connected. To initiate Progressive scan mode the first time you start a game that supports it after installing the cables, press and hold the B button when powering on. It will ask, "Progressive Scan Mode? Press A" If you are currently using a Widescreen TV and only have composite cables, your TV is auto stretching the image, and as stated in a previous post, you'll have to consult the TV's manual to switch that feature off if you wish. When you do get your Component Cables and run a game in Progressive scan, the image will widen and there is no way to change the aspect ratio. Some games compensate for a widescreen, others like PSO will not and all the characters will appear shorter and fatter. You eventually get used to it and the improvement in picture quality out wieghts the "stretched" image.

Originally Posted by VelvetHammer When you do get your Component Cables and run a game in Progressive scan, the image will widen and there is no way to change the aspect ratio. Some games compensate for a widescreen, others like PSO will not and all the characters will appear shorter and fatter. You eventually get used to it and the improvement in picture quality out wieghts the "stretched" image.

So once I initiate the widescreen / progressive scan mode for, say, Metroid Prime, when I decide to play a game that does not support widescreen or progressive scan there is no way to fix the image so it is in proportion? I'd rather play a game with the black bars in the side than stretched to fit the screen (and of course I'd rather play games in widescreen if they were designed to be played that way)... My TV's aspect ratio can be changed but not if the signal input is 1080i. Do the component cables always transmit in 1080i?

Completely off-topic, but I thought that this was a fad topic at first glance...

Just wait until we get to "Is my GBA smarter than I think? Every GBA game I play is in full-screen mode automatically!"

*shudders*

. Do the component cables always transmit in 1080i?

I don't know of any source that xmits in 1080i. GC component cables will let the GC output in 480p, same as DVD, or double the resolution of 480i(standard TV). I know your TV can display 1080i but I highly doubt that any of the signals you are receiving from digital cable are anything close to 1080i, except maybe for some pay-per-view channels.

Originally Posted by bmulligan I don't know of any source that xmits in 1080i. GC component cables will let the GC output in 480p, same as DVD, or double the resolution of 480i(standard TV). I know your TV can display 1080i but I highly doubt that any of the signals you are receiving from digital cable are anything close to 1080i, except maybe for some pay-per-view channels.

I have Comcast digital cable and the output from the cable box (all component) is always in 1080i (unless I mess with the settings). This does not allow me to change the aspect ratio on my TV while watching anything through the cable box. Is it recommended that I change the settings to output 480p?

Holy crap! My component cables just came today and jesus does Metroid Prime look good. I do notice the jaggies a little more but I think this is because of the television. One of the best $30 purchases ever. If the PS2 component cables make this much of a difference I am getting them tomorrow...