Widescreen televisions showing 4:3 TV shows?
And I would very much like to talk about aspect ratios.
I mean, who doesnt like to watch a classic Christmas episode of an old favourite?
Before we delve into the socio-political ramifications, lets get back to basics.
What do we actually mean by aspect ratios?
The standard aspect ratios used respectively in cinema and television have diverged and subsequently come closer over the decades.
Its only relatively recently that television has caught up, thanks to the advent of affordable widescreen tellies.
The new TV standard is 16:9 much closer to the widescreen goodness of modern flicks.
So lets lay bare the problem.
Here is a still fromKnowing Me Knowing Yule With Alan Partridgedisplayed on a classic telly.
It was filmed in televisions then standard aspect ratio of 4:3.
Thats because back in the day, everyones TV set was 4:3 too.
Needless to say, the picture fits perfectly.
Yes, there are black bars at the sides.
The frame is wider than the picture.
Here is what happens when an irrational fear of black bars overrides common sense.
The picture is stretched, misshapen, ugly and simply put wrong.
At this stage in his career, Alan had not taken to binging on Toblerone.
Now heres what happens when as a compromise someone suggests using the zoom function on the remote control.
Again, this iswrong.
Now, hey hand the phone/tablet back to your friend/relative.
And remember, they love you and are just trying to help you.
Better get used to these bars, kid, an older relative pointed out.
Far from seeing less, I was actually seeing more!
Thankfully, I have the email address of a man who is.
But it hasnt dampened his enthusiasm for the medium.
That made quite an impression to a 10 year old.
Clearly Im talking to the right man.
I wipe away a tear of recognition.
So what does the Last Projectionist Standing do when faced with this dilemma of the ages?
If at a friends or relatives house, I will calmly drop whats wrong with that picture?
into the conversation before seizing the remote.
But what if the relative is elderly?
Turn their chair to the wall.
And youll question yourself as your gloating opponent decries how odd the picture looks, while everyone agrees.
Being right isnt always easy.
You may also want to bookmark this page.
The continuing strength of your familial bonds might just depend on it.
Together we can save Christmas!
