Stretch-o-Vision
Encyclopedia
Stretch-o-Vision is a neologism used to describe the practice of upconvert
ing video from a standard aspect ratio
to a widescreen
aspect ratio. HDTV
programming is broadcast in the 16:9 aspect ratio, a widescreen image. However, most SDTV
programming is usually broadcast in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Most widescreen television channels broadcast non-widescreen footage with pillarboxing. Some television services however do not do this, choosing to stretch content to widescreen instead. The use of the term "stretch-o-vision" to describe this process was popularized as a term for the practices of the high definition simulcast
American cable television
channel TNT, but this term has also been used to describe widescreen stretching in general.
, is a simulcast of the main TNT network, and airs the same programming as its standard definition counterpart, substituting high definition versions of programming when available. However, some of TNT's programming is not produced in HD or are not available to the network in HD, and due to possible difficulties in obtaining high-definition telecine
s of some movies, some movies cannot be presented in true HD.
However, senior vice president of broadcast engineering
at TNT, Clyde D. Smith, was against pillarboxing for several reasons. These included possible issues with burn-in
caused by pillarboxing on plasma televisions, the inability of some older HDTVs to stretch 4:3 content automatically, the comparison of the stretching systems in HDTVs to funhouse
mirror
s, and the desire for a more "pleasant" and consistent viewing experience, as all programs would be either aired in true high definition or stretched to 16:9 by the system, describing a transition from a HD program to a 4:3 standard definition program as "jarring" to an average viewer.
TNT partnered with Teranex to develop their own in-house upconversion
system called FlexView, a system which upconverts and scales the original standard definition video into a "enhanced viewing experience" for widescreen, by using a nonlinear method to stretch more near the edges of the screen than in the center of it. After a year of use on TNT, the FlexView system became available to other HD broadcasters, and is also now used by other networks such as HGTV
, and also TNT's sister network, TBS HD
(launched in 2007
). WPCH-TV in Atlanta (originally WTBS, carrying TBS) does not use this system, as the only HD programming it shows are Atlanta Braves
games.
The various Discovery Networks HD channel simulcasts also do some stretching with SD programs, but in most cases programs on their networks air instead in the compromise 14:9
format, where some upper and lower portions of the picture are lost and the picture fills most of the screen with only slight pillarboxing. Paid programming
is aired in 4:3 as HD infomercial
s are still very rare.
Even though TNT intended the system to improve the experience, the FlexView system has been frequently criticized by viewers of high definition channels, with people noting that the upconverted programming has a softer look, is stretched in places, and is not in true high definition. As part of the criticism, viewers have commonly referred to 4:3 broadcasts stretched in this manner as being in "Stretch-o-Vision". In recent years, TNT HD has increased the amount of true HD programming on their service, and has aired more movies in HD.
Advertisements produced in standard-definition are generally broadcast in their original 4:3 format, with networks such as TNT, TBS and ESPN
including bookends so viewers know they are watching the HD feed.
, World Fishing Network
, and many of the all-music video
networks in the MTV Networks
Digital Suite such as MTV Hits
, MTV Jams
and mtvU
only are carried in 480i
standard definition or have low opportunities for high definition simulcasts of their networks to be carried by cable or satellite providers due to a lack of compelling content or demand for their network's content in high definition by providers or viewers. These channels have begun to offer their 480i channels with a 16:9 image compressed vertically within a 4:3 screen. This allows display of the content in its native format if a viewer uses the "stretch" or "fill" mode on a 16:9 display, though the image is not as high quality as that of high definition, or even an equivalent native 480p
image in 16:9. In the mtvU example, the move is purposeful as the network is transmitted mainly to university
and college
campus closed circuit television systems which transmit no high definition content due to cost concerns.
Video scaler
A video scaler is a device for converting video signals from one size or resolution to another: usually "upscaling" or "upconverting" a video signal from a low resolution to one of higher resolution A video scaler is a device for converting video signals from one size or resolution to another:...
ing video from a standard aspect ratio
Aspect ratio (image)
The aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of the width of the image to its height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon. That is, for an x:y aspect ratio, no matter how big or small the image is, if the width is divided into x units of equal length and the height is measured using this...
to a widescreen
Widescreen
Widescreen images are a variety of aspect ratios used in film, television and computer screens. In film, a widescreen film is any film image with a width-to-height aspect ratio greater than the standard 1.37:1 Academy aspect ratio provided by 35mm film....
aspect ratio. HDTV
High-definition television
High-definition television is video that has resolution substantially higher than that of traditional television systems . HDTV has one or two million pixels per frame, roughly five times that of SD...
programming is broadcast in the 16:9 aspect ratio, a widescreen image. However, most SDTV
Standard-definition television
Sorete-definition television is a television system that uses a resolution that is not considered to be either enhanced-definition television or high-definition television . The term is usually used in reference to digital television, in particular when broadcasting at the same resolution as...
programming is usually broadcast in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Most widescreen television channels broadcast non-widescreen footage with pillarboxing. Some television services however do not do this, choosing to stretch content to widescreen instead. The use of the term "stretch-o-vision" to describe this process was popularized as a term for the practices of the high definition simulcast
Simulcast
Simulcast, shorthand for "simultaneous broadcast", refers to programs or events broadcast across more than one medium, or more than one service on the same medium, at the same time. For example, Absolute Radio is simulcast on both AM and on satellite radio, and the BBC's Prom concerts are often...
American cable television
Cable television in the United States
Cable television in the United States is a common form of television delivery, generally by subscription. Cable television first became available in the United States in 1948, with subscription services in 1949. Data by SNL Kagan shows that as of 2006 about 58.4% of all American homes subscribe to...
channel TNT, but this term has also been used to describe widescreen stretching in general.
TNT HD and FlexView
TNT HD, launched in 20042004 in television
The year 2004 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 2004.For the American TV schedule, see: 2004–05 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-1940s:...
, is a simulcast of the main TNT network, and airs the same programming as its standard definition counterpart, substituting high definition versions of programming when available. However, some of TNT's programming is not produced in HD or are not available to the network in HD, and due to possible difficulties in obtaining high-definition telecine
Telecine
Telecine is transferring motion picture film into video and is performed in a color suite. The term is also used to refer to the equipment used in the post-production process....
s of some movies, some movies cannot be presented in true HD.
However, senior vice president of broadcast engineering
Broadcast engineering
Broadcast engineering is the field of electrical engineering, and now to some extent computer engineering and information technology, which deals with radio and television broadcasting...
at TNT, Clyde D. Smith, was against pillarboxing for several reasons. These included possible issues with burn-in
Phosphor burn-in
Screen burn-in, image burn-in or ghost image, colloquially known as screen burn or screen afterimage, is a permanent discoloration of areas on an electronic display such as a cathode ray tube display or computer display monitor or Television set caused by cumulative non-uniform usage of the...
caused by pillarboxing on plasma televisions, the inability of some older HDTVs to stretch 4:3 content automatically, the comparison of the stretching systems in HDTVs to funhouse
Funhouse
A funhouse or fun house is an amusement facility found on amusement park and funfair midways in which patrons encounter and actively interact with various devices designed to surprise, challenge, and amuse the visitor. Unlike thrill rides, funhouses are participatory attractions, where visitors...
mirror
Mirror
A mirror is an object that reflects light or sound in a way that preserves much of its original quality prior to its contact with the mirror. Some mirrors also filter out some wavelengths, while preserving other wavelengths in the reflection...
s, and the desire for a more "pleasant" and consistent viewing experience, as all programs would be either aired in true high definition or stretched to 16:9 by the system, describing a transition from a HD program to a 4:3 standard definition program as "jarring" to an average viewer.
TNT partnered with Teranex to develop their own in-house upconversion
Video scaler
A video scaler is a device for converting video signals from one size or resolution to another: usually "upscaling" or "upconverting" a video signal from a low resolution to one of higher resolution A video scaler is a device for converting video signals from one size or resolution to another:...
system called FlexView, a system which upconverts and scales the original standard definition video into a "enhanced viewing experience" for widescreen, by using a nonlinear method to stretch more near the edges of the screen than in the center of it. After a year of use on TNT, the FlexView system became available to other HD broadcasters, and is also now used by other networks such as HGTV
HGTV
HGTV , is a cable-television network operating in the United States and Canada, broadcasting a variety of home and garden improvement, maintenance, renovation, craft and remodeling shows...
, and also TNT's sister network, TBS HD
Turner Broadcasting System
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. is the Time Warner subsidiary managing the collection of cable networks and properties started and acquired by Robert Edward "Ted" Turner starting in the mid-1970s. The company has its headquarters in the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia. TBS, Inc...
(launched in 2007
2007 in television
2007 in television may refer to:*2007 in American television*2007 in Australian television*2007 in British television*2007 in Canadian television*2007 in Japanese television...
). WPCH-TV in Atlanta (originally WTBS, carrying TBS) does not use this system, as the only HD programming it shows are Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
games.
The various Discovery Networks HD channel simulcasts also do some stretching with SD programs, but in most cases programs on their networks air instead in the compromise 14:9
14:9
14:9 is a compromise aspect ratio of 1.56:1. It is used to create an acceptable picture on both 4:3 and 16:9 televisions, conceived following audience tests conducted by the BBC...
format, where some upper and lower portions of the picture are lost and the picture fills most of the screen with only slight pillarboxing. Paid programming
Infomercial
Infomercials are direct response television commercials which generally include a phone number or website. There are long-form infomercials, which are typically between 15 and 30 minutes in length, and short-form infomercials, which are typically 30 seconds to 120 seconds in length. Infomercials...
is aired in 4:3 as HD infomercial
Infomercial
Infomercials are direct response television commercials which generally include a phone number or website. There are long-form infomercials, which are typically between 15 and 30 minutes in length, and short-form infomercials, which are typically 30 seconds to 120 seconds in length. Infomercials...
s are still very rare.
Even though TNT intended the system to improve the experience, the FlexView system has been frequently criticized by viewers of high definition channels, with people noting that the upconverted programming has a softer look, is stretched in places, and is not in true high definition. As part of the criticism, viewers have commonly referred to 4:3 broadcasts stretched in this manner as being in "Stretch-o-Vision". In recent years, TNT HD has increased the amount of true HD programming on their service, and has aired more movies in HD.
Advertisements produced in standard-definition are generally broadcast in their original 4:3 format, with networks such as TNT, TBS and ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
including bookends so viewers know they are watching the HD feed.
Use of stretching for standard definition networks
Some select networks, such as MavTVMavTV
Mav TV is a digital cable channel, focused towards men in the 18-54 age group. It features original programming centered around topics that appeals to men, such as sports, comedies, gadgets, gaming, and women.-History:...
, World Fishing Network
World Fishing Network
World Fishing Network is a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel owned by Insight Sports Ltd...
, and many of the all-music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
networks in the MTV Networks
MTV Networks
MTV Networks is a division of media conglomerate Viacom that oversees the operations of many television channels and Internet brands, including the original MTV channel in the United States...
Digital Suite such as MTV Hits
MTV Hits
MTV Hits is an American music video channel that debuted on May 1, 2002. The format of the network resembles that of the classic MTV before the additional of other programming to that network in the 1990s and their slow decline of music video programming...
, MTV Jams
MTV Jams
MTV Jams is a Viacom-owned American hip-hop/urban music video channel that debuted on 1998 as MTVX, then was relaunched in 2002 under its current name...
and mtvU
MtvU
mtvU is a division of Viacom's MTV Networks which produces a 24-hour television channel that is available on more than 750 college and university campuses across the United States, as well as several digital cable packages...
only are carried in 480i
480i
480i is the shorthand name for a video mode, namely the US NTSC television system or digital television systems with the same characteristics. The i, which is sometimes uppercase, stands for interlaced, the 480 for a vertical frame resolution of 480 lines containing picture information; while NTSC...
standard definition or have low opportunities for high definition simulcasts of their networks to be carried by cable or satellite providers due to a lack of compelling content or demand for their network's content in high definition by providers or viewers. These channels have begun to offer their 480i channels with a 16:9 image compressed vertically within a 4:3 screen. This allows display of the content in its native format if a viewer uses the "stretch" or "fill" mode on a 16:9 display, though the image is not as high quality as that of high definition, or even an equivalent native 480p
480p
480p is the shorthand name for a video display resolution. The p stands for progressive scan, i.e. non-interlaced. The 480 denotes a vertical resolution of 480 pixel high vertically scanning lines, usually with a horizontal resolution of 640 pixels and 4:3 aspect ratio or a horizontal resolution of...
image in 16:9. In the mtvU example, the move is purposeful as the network is transmitted mainly to university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
and college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
campus closed circuit television systems which transmit no high definition content due to cost concerns.