HD content only displays letterbox

[willjohnson33]

I am majorly struggling here and I cannot seem to figure out a solution. I have tried searching various forums but I must be using the wrong keywords because I cannot find any solution.

I cannot seem to get video to play back in anything but letterbox with my new HTPC. I didn’t have this problem with my old HTPC using XP MCE and an Nvida 7900 card. I have an Optoma HD80 projector (1080p).

I understand that DVD’s should be letterbox but I am talking about things like ripped HD-DVD mkv files that are 720p or 1080p so they should be filling my screen. Recorded HD TV shows from Vista Media Center show up as letterbox as well.

I have tried everything when it comes to combinations including various versions of MCP, Vista Media Center, Media Portal, and all kinds of codecs (including ffdshow exactly as described in this forum). I have been careful to remove all codecs when trying new solutions so I am fairly certain this isn't a codec issue. I have tried setting the fill screen option in catalyst control center.

In addition, if I play these files by hooking up my laptop to my Samsung 40” DLP the screen is filled.

Anyone with any solution to this would be greatly appreciated. At this point I will gladly pay someone to help me out so if you are in the San Diego area feel free to pm me.

Thanks


My current HTPC setup has the following:
Optoma HD80 projector
Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
VisionTek ATI 3850 512MB
I have the most recent ATI drivers and Catalyst Control Center
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4
Core 2 Duo E8400 3GHz/1333MHz/6MB
OCZ ReaperX DDR2 800 memory

[Southstorm]

You probably already know this, But any HD-DVD/Movie with an Aspect Ratio greater than 1.77/16:9 will be letterboxed, even on a 1080 screen.

[willjohnson33]

this happens with tv shows recorded in HD. as i mentioned in my post i can play the videos in full screen on my samsung dlp tv using my laptop so source isn't the issue.

[Tagert]

Hmm seems like it's reading the files wrong in some way then :o
Maybe vista media center doesn't like the mkv container or something :o
Have you tried them in Media Player Classic on the same machine? :o

[foxyshadis]

You mean pillarbox, as in 4:3? Check the resolution settings on the projector under windows display control panel, or the ATI control panel. It should match the maximum resolution of the projector, that's a common problem. You might have to set a custom resolution.