Anyone using Apple TV on 4:3 set via component?

[PaulMoore]

I ask because I do want to get one but don't have a HD 16:9 set yet (and won't for a while).

I know it's possible to use Apple TV via component leads on a 4:3 set (though the set will need to letterbox the image to preserve the aspect ratio).

Is anyone actually doing this and if so what's your experience been like? Any unexpected pitfalls?

 

[datawrangler]

My Sony CRT set is 4:3 SDTV, but I switch it to "Enhanced Mode" for viewing 16:9 programming on AppleTV set to 480i over component cables. Works fine, except the text size gets pretty small on many of the menu screens. Video content looks great, though.

 

[PaulMoore]

Thanks- I have a Sony CRT too. It's a KV-27FS120.

Do you have to switch it to 16:9 every time you switch to the Apple TV input or can the TV set 'remember' the setting?

 

[virus7]

my brother-in-law is running an apple tv on a Sony SDTV over component. Works well, obviously not as clear has an HD picture, but definitely doable. If you have an SDTV with component i'd take the TV plunge.

 

[wmealer]

Thanks- I have a Sony CRT too. It's a KV-27FS120.

Do you have to switch it to 16:9 every time you switch to the Apple TV input or can the TV set 'remember' the setting?

I happen to also have a Sony CRT with 16:9 enhanced mode. Mine can't remember that setting. I have to change it every time, which drove me nuts the brief period of time I had my tv in the bedroom.

 

[danny_w]

I have an TV and a 4:3 Hitachi Ultravision tv that does not have the "enhanced" mode, so I normally use it only for audio. I would certainly not recommend it for video on a 4:3 tv unless it does have the "enhanced" mode.