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Stretching TV shows bought on Apple TV

J

JAWWC

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 1, 2008
144
0
I recently bought some episodes of scrubs from the US iTunes store but didn't realize they were in 4:3. I'm am use to UK TV which shows TV programs like this are in 16:9, so I was wondering if there's a way to stretch the ones I bought? My TV doesn't support zoom or stretch :(

And I know people are going to say I shouldn't stretch because it was meant to be in 4:3 but I prefer to stretch it.

Thanks
 
I don't think there's any way to put purchased iTunes shows through a movie converter or anything like that, due to the DRM.

As for stretching vs. not stretching, let me just say that the reason widescreen TVs were invented is so you can watch more things in their original aspect ratio. Stretching your picture is like stretching a sandwich - squishing a sandwich to take up more space isn't gonna give you any more sandwich than you already have. ;)
 
Currently there is no way to either stretch or zoom through the Apple TV. Right now, it outputs a widescreen signal, with your 4x3 video embedded in it.

As far I know, the only way to alter the ratio would be to remove the DRM and alter it a video app, but I have no idea how to do that.
 
Think I may have found a way after a little research. There's a program that can convert DRM protected videos to unprotected .wmv files. Then I'm thinking I could use Visual Hub or a similar program to convert back to apple TV format with the resolution stretched?

And I know about the sacrifice of distortion but that's how we see things on TV in the UK lol.
 
There's several DRM removers, but I don't think we are allowed to discuss it so I'll skip that part.

Once you have a .mp4 you can change the aspect ratio using Quicktime Pro and save it as .mov.
 
Even though I'm not a fan of stretching 4:3 material, I'll chip in with a potential solution. First, widescreen TVs will usually have a stretch mode for 4:3 material. The problem is that most of these will not let you stretch an HD signal. So, the only solution I can think of is to select 480p as your output. Your TV should then allow you to stretch it.

And now I feel the need to apologize for aiding in this sacrilege.;)
 
mchalebk said:
And now I feel the need to apologize for aiding in this sacrilege.;)
Click to expand...

Haha I take the people saying not to stretch aren't from the UK. Things look squashed to me when there not stretched! lol
 
mchalebk said:
I assumed there was at least a chance that he meant it wouldn't support zooming/stretching when inputting an HD signal.
Click to expand...
I see. In fact, I don't think my tv supports zooming or stretching anything but a 480 image.
Sorry if I was a little snippy after visiting a thread where every 3rd reply seemed to be from someone who either seemed not to have read the OP or even the full page they were posting on,
 
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