When I record programmes to DVD they always seem to be in 4:3 format even if they are broadcast in 16:9. I have all settings on TV/Satellite/DVD set to 16:9 but the recorded DVD is still 4:3 format. Is 16:9 DVD recoding possible on this model? (Not too sure if this has any effect but using DVD+RW - should I try on DVD-R/RW)?

Using a DVD-RW disk, try ALL different recording settings even if they don't seem probable and record a sample. If output is correct with all BUT the HDMI-cable, go through ALL picture format settings on the TV when a HDMI-cable is used. Different discs and HDMI cables don't have anything to do with this. I'm still chewing on this...

On the DVD recorder remote: press function menu button: enter setup screen - scroll down to connection - TV aspect - select either 16:9 / 4:3 Letterbox / 4:3 Pan&scan. If you are using an older TV which is not a widescreen, set the aspect to '4:3 Letterbox'.

You should now be able to view your DVD movies from this machine through a 4:3 standard TV in letterbox format. (some DVDs do not allow pan&scan so letterbox or widescreen is recommended). Very rare that a DVD title is not compatible with 4:3 TVs. I assume your deck is set to output 16:9 aspect by default.

I find this is the cheapest and easiest solution and can save lots of dollars in service call-outs. You can always reset the unit back to shipping condition later if you need to, or in the rare case of digital channels disappearing from your tuner memory.

Programs that are recorded in 16:9 format appear full screen on a 16:9 TV. A program recorded in a standard 4:3 format will either be stretched to fit the screen or have side bars to fill the screen area. In the case of HD channels, the black side bars are part of the picture which is being broadcasted.

I have the LG DVD recorder DRT389H which has the same problem. You can't switch off the subtitles during timer recording from the Electronic Programme Guide. The only way I could stop this was to go to the main set-up menu then select the A icon. Select DTV Subtitle and choose a language that the TV programme isn't broadcast in. I chose Gaelic. The only disadvantage is that this stops any subtitles being recorded so you can't access them later.

on the frount you should have ch up , ch down,
same for volume , and menu. press menu
and scroll down to VIDEO or SET UP
try one of thoes sub menu will have FORMAT
4:3 - 16:9 seting its a little differant on
on same make diferant models , you may
have to do a little hunting to find the setting

Set the all settings to wide, not auto as if the player is set to 4:3 format then this sends a signal to the tv telling it so.Go into the setup menu and choose picture format set to 16:9 or wide. Set the tv to auto and this will keep all picture inputs to origional format. I.E. if it was recorded in 16:9 it will play in 16:9. You could set the tv to 16:9 but it will distort the picture on 4:3 recordings.

It's a shot in the dark, but it may be that your satellite provider incorporates a copy-protection signal in the broadcast.

should be able to if the recorder is set to record a certain channel .. you will just have to try it

I have this set also..
When you set up for an HD signal (1080i) it is broadcast in 16:9 which is a widescreen format. The Sony set is a 4:3 format (more of a square shape) which means the black bars at the top and bottom appear so that you get the widescreen 16:9 format to appear.

This is one of the main negatives I have about this set, however, I can't really complain as I have had it for 6 years and it works great.

I never knew about the other format until I got an HD receiver from my satellite dish provider last year.
Hope that helps explain it for you..

I think you posted in the wrong location. Sky+ isn't the same thing as the SkyFi.

However, there seems to be lots of issues with recording to DVD and keeping sound in sync with video. I have no idea what the solution is.