Program to change on screen proportions?

[Jan-Poo]

When i want to watch fansubs and divx in general, i usually connect my PC to my plasma TV screen, the problem is my TV while being a 16/9 it only supports 4/3 resolutions (currently it is set on 800*600). The obvious outcome is that the original proportions are not respected and the images get stretched.
I do get an option to change the screen mode to 4/3 but i don't really like those vertical black bands.

What i'd like to know if there is a way to solve this problem, basically i'm thinking about a program that forcefully changes screen proportions while maintaining the same resolution. Does such a thing exist?

[sa547]

Hmmm, just to know, what's the type and model of that TV you're using? And the video card it uses as the source? Some video cards allow you to override the output settings with custom resolutions, refresh rates and orientation.

[chikorita157]

nVidia and ATi graphics card should have the ability to add custom resolutions, like shown below.

Spoiler for screenshot:

Select Force HD Resolutions and try setting your resolution at 1280x720

If you don't have that option, you can use VLC, although it poorly handles softsubs to use it's pan and scan feature to make your video fit on your TV screen.

[Jan-Poo]

both the computer and the TV are relatively old

the TV screen is a SAMSUNG 42S5S
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Samsung_PS_42S5S__6350141

The video card is an old ATI model i don't remember what is it.

Anyway changing the resolution won't work, the TV screen will just refuse to accept the signal. it's not like i cannot set it at a 16/9 resolution, i tried, it's the TV that won't accept it.

I have VLC, Mplayer and ZoomPlayer. I'm not sure about the VLC option you are talking about, however as long as the resolution is 800x600 and other 4/3 formats how would VLC knows that i'm actually watching the video on a 16/9 screen?

[chikorita157]

You can change the aspect ratio in VLC by going to Video > Aspect Ratio > 4:3, which basically resize the video to 4:3 without black bars and should solve the stretching problem/black bars.

[sa547]

Originally Posted by Jan-Poo

The video card is an old ATI model i don't remember what is it.

My method is to open up the computer case and peek in to see what model card it's loaded into the slot.

This link enumerates other ways to determine what video card you're using:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000258.htm

If you have determined the model type, you can then go to ATI's website and download the appropriate matching drivers (especially legacy drivers since it's an old model you currently have).

[martino]

Wouldn't running dxdiag be enough?

[Jan-Poo]

[You can change the aspect ratio in VLC by going to Video > Aspect Ratio > 4:3, which basically resize the video to 4:3 without black bars and should solve the stretching problem/black bars.

OMG it works! >_< anime that normally were displayed with upper and lower black bands now display in full screen with no distortions! I can't believe i never noticed this feature before ; ;
Oh and Media player classic has this too.

Thanx everyone for the help! ^^;