Solving playback issues

[GaryFink]

How do I change the aspect ratio from 16:9 wide to 4:3 letterbox?

[atc98092]

You have provided us with nothing to go on. If you are referring to a Roku TV, I'm unaware of any aspect ratio changing functionality. For Roku players, only devices that offered analog out connections offered different ratios under the Display menu option. For all other Roku players, there is no way to change its aspect ratio. 

Exactly what are you trying to do, and why?

[GaryFink]

I have the Roku Express+ with analog outputs and I would like to change the aspect ratio from 16:9 wide to  4:3 letterbox because I can get the full width of the picture with that setting. 16:9 wide enlarges the picture to fill in the screen and crops the edges.

[atc98092 · Accepted solution]

If you're using the analog outputs, the 4:3 option should be available on the Display menu. If you're using HDMI there's a chance that option isn't available. But 4:3 material should be sent out of the player at the correct ratio if the channel is sending it correctly. If not, any 16:9 set (apparently other than Roku TVs) should have a size function that will put the image where it belongs. 

[GaryFink]

So to get the 4:3 letterbox option I must use the analog video output?

[atc98092]

I think that's correct, but I'm not certain. I've never used analog output with a Roku. Just a guess on my part from past experience. 

[GaryFink]

I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes thank you.

[EricWilliams]

I am pleased overall with my JVC/Roku set, but am frustrated that there is no way to set a 4:3 aspect ratio.  With at least one older DVD I've played and with streaming bonus materials, the set automatically stretches images shot in 4:3 to fill the screen, with no way to display it at the correct ratio. Seems like this could be fixed with a software update. Any chance of that happening?

JVC 55" 4K UHD TV LT-55MAW595

[JuliusHMarx]

I have a Roku Express which I've attached to an analog 4:3 television (via an adapter). 85% of what I watch is also 4:3 ratio.

Everything I try to see via Roku is hideously distorted and unwatchable. 

I understand the earlier models of the device had a 4:3 option, but that was, for some utterly unfathomable reason, removed.

And their website does not even provide a way to contact them.

The Roku device was an utter waste of money, and I am disgusted with it.

[Michelle3]

If you have the Roku Express+ model with RCA output, menus will be stretched vertically instead of letterboxed horizontally if you change the aspect ratio via Settings > Display type to 4:3 standard. Their content will not, 4:3 content will be filled, 16:9 content will be letterboxed horizontally.

You should be able to get a streaming player that letterboxes both the menus and 16:9 content, but fills 4:3 content in the 4:3 signal.

4:3 Letterbox and 16:9 Wide are names of aspect ratio settings for digital tuner converter boxes, DVD players and Blu-ray players.

~Jordan