Different HDTV signals?

Oh, lets add to that list; the many movies on the pay channels that aren't in oar. Some just weren't shot in widescree and some they just don't use the widescreen version / transfer.

I recently got a plasma display, and the aspect thing surely is a pain. My remote has a little red button to change aspect, and I expect it will wear out long before the plasma dies.

I agree with Darrylhifi. I have also noticed on FOX and ESPN, many times a standard definition telecast is broadcast on their HDTV channel without being reformatted with bars on the sides. The image ends up being flattened. The Indy car race from Miami last Sunday on ESPN-HD and reruns of "That 70s Show" on FOX-HD are good examples. Kudos to CBS, NBC, and HBO who have long since addressed this problem.

Yes ESPN looks terrible except when they are truly broadcasting a game with High Def Camera's . From what I understand Fox , even when say showing a football game in widescreen , is not true high def, however they are upgrading , and should be full blown high def capable this year. Your right ESPN actually uses widescreen even when not broadcasting in high def , its just a stretched standard def picture. But , all minor issues , that eventually will pass. Hi Def when done properly is great !

something I really don't like is for example sometimes ER is shown in letterbox high definition format this really sucks I have a 16:9 screen why am I forced to watch this in letterbox screen having to look at black bars along the top and bottom above the pictures. It should be the full 16:9 screen. Another problem like on Showtime or HBO they will show a movie or boxing in high definition but only 4:3 aspect ratio I want it 16:9 or I don't even bother watching it would rather watch the standard definition in 16:9