By Ralph W. Brown
Digital video, in both standard definition and high definition, is rapidly setting the standard for the highest quality television viewing experience. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is already delivering standard definition digital video in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for display on existing NTSC television sets. High Definition Television will extend this experience delivering both of these aspect ratios and significantly higher resolutions. The desire for consumers to watch movies in either letterbox or pan-and-scan format depending on their preferences will push the Cable Industry to support both these aspect ratios. However, there are a number of technical issues that make this problematic. This paper will explore the technical issues surrounding dual aspect ratios and offer possible solutions to them.