Dish Network TV viewing can be done through a Dish Network receiver where you can set the picture size to that of your monitor. Regardless of whether you are using an old standard-definition television or a new high-definition screen, proper calibration of the correct screen size will deliver the best experience possible. The following is a detailed description of the process of how to perform a screen size change on a Dish Network receiver.
Check Your TV Resolution
Before you do this, you will have to find out the original resolution of your television screen. Older standard-definition TVs usually feature a 720 pixels by 480 pixels display resolution. The newer HDTVs can have resolutions of 1280 x 720 (720p), 1920 x 1080 (1080p) or higher. If you are still, unsure look up your TV's manual to determine the correct resolution to set it at. Understanding the resolution will define what screen sizes are available to choose from the Dish receiver.
Find the Dish Remote Button that says Menu on It
The Dish Network receivers have an infrared remote control that is used to navigate through the on-screen menus and alter settings. Find the grey “Menu” button which is usually positioned on the upper part of the remote. This button here is meant to be pressed to display the main menu on the television. This will bring up various settings such as the option for screen brightness and display size.
In this case, the user needs to go to the Screen Adjustment Menu.
The second step is to go to Display after pressing the Menu button using the arrow buttons on the remote. Then press the center ‘Select’ button. Move to the next highlight and click on the “Screen Adjustment” tab. It will reveal the context menu that contains options for changing the size, location, and other display options of the screen.
Select the Screen Size
The second item available under the Screen Adjustment menu is Screen Size and Position. Go to this option and press the Select button. This will open a menu that displays the current screen size setting and a list of other size settings.
For a standard definition 480i/480p screen, common options are Normal, Stretch, Zoom, and Grey Bars. For high-definition or 720p or 1080p televisions, the available options are likely to be Normal, Stretch, Zoom, Partial Zone, and Grey Bars. Make your selection by choosing the size that best suits your display.
Let me introduce you to the screen size options you should be aware of.
Here is an overview of what each screen size option means on a Dish Network receiver:
- Normal: This shows the picture in the size that was broadcast without any possibility of zooming in or out. There may be black bars on the sides for widescreen content when being viewed on a 4:3 television.
- Stretch: The picture is so distorted, particularly the size, that it extends to the whole screen width. The width of images may turn out to be different from what the broadcaster planned for.
- Zoom: Brings the picture to the center of the screen and enlarges it to occupy all the screen space without distorting the picture’s aspect ratio. Certain peripheral edges of the picture get cut off.
- Partial Zoom: Like Zoom but zooms in to a lesser extent and shows more of the entire picture with less black space.
- Grey Bars: Takes up the entire screen without getting distorted, but bordered by a grey line on the side or top/bottom. No picture is cropped near the edges.
Try out each type to determine which offers the most suitable match and clarity for your screen. It is important to choose the correct screen size depending on what type of programming is being used and personal preference.
Adjust Screen Positioning
Other than size, there are other options that you can adjust under the Screen Adjustment subheading. If the picture is not properly centered or there is too much overscan, go to the “Screen Position” option. If the screen placement is not ideal, you can move the screen up and down and left and right using the arrow keys.
Save Your Screen Size Setting
After fixing the display on the correct screen size and position, it is advisable to make the setting active by saving it in the menu. All changes made under the Screen Adjustment option are not permanent but will only take effect until the user saves it. Draw focus to “Save” in the Screen Adjustment menu and press the Select button. The receiver will memorize settings so that they are always there when you switch your TV ON and OFF.
Screen size for Multiple TV Connections
If your Dish receiver is connected to multiple TVs in your home, it is important to note that the Screen Size adjustment affects all of the screens. Choose the size depending on your primary or the TV that you use most of the time. For other TVs, utilizing the screen positioning and video settings that need to be adjusted for each monitor to obtain the best picture.
Adjust As Needed
You can always change the Screen Size and Position again if necessary to get the best results for your chosen setting. If you change or add to your television equipment from time to time, go through these display settings on your Dish receiver to optimize your satellite reception. The Dish remote menus allow for easy screen configuration modification as your home theater evolves in the future.
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