- Stretching: The simplest method is to stretch the non-wide image to fit the entire screen. This can result in a distorted or "squished" image, especially if the original image is not widescreen.
- Letterboxing: Letterboxing involves placing the non-wide image in the center of the screen with black bars on the top and bottom. This preserves the original aspect ratio of the image and avoids distortion, but it can also result in a smaller image size.
- Pillarboxing: Pillarboxing is similar to letterboxing, but it involves placing the non-wide image in the center of the screen with black bars on the left and right. This is often used for 4:3 (standard definition) images on 16:9 (widescreen) televisions.
- Zoom: Some televisions have a zoom feature that allows you to enlarge a portion of the non-wide image to fill the entire screen. This can result in a loss of detail and can also distort the image.
- Cropping: Cropping involves cutting off the edges of the non-wide image to fit it within the widescreen frame. This can result in a loss of information and can also distort the image.
The best way to deal with non-wide broadcasts depends on the individual viewer's preference and the specific type of television being used. For the most accurate representation of the original image, it is generally recommended to use letterboxing or pillarboxing, as these methods do not distort the image. However, if you prefer a larger image, you may prefer to use stretching or zoom, even though these methods can result in some distortion.