Stupid question

[Mr Doovde]

Please bear in mnd that I'm a complete beginner with computer hardware, but have slowly been trying to learn. I've just purchased a new 24" 1920 x 1200 monitor, and I've been told that there will be thin black border line when watching certain films. I've tried different aspect rations on different DVDs, though I really don't know what they refer to.

They include 16:9 (although I do know that one lol), 1:85:1, 2.40:1 etc. I'm using old PowerDVD 6 t o run the DVDs. In all cases the horizontal black borders measure just over two inches . In Windows media player they were even worse with vertical borders as well. Is this standard or should they be much thinner? Or am I being stupid? I hope it's the latter. because I find that size border to be really intrusive.

If there is a problem, is it my software, or my graphics card. It's an Ati x700 Pro PCI Express card (if that's any help)?

 

[Mr Doovde]

Thanks again DragonQ, you've been very helpful.

I tried Heat which states that it has a 1:85:1 aspect ratio (which should be fine). In the menu section screen the black borders were nice and thin (three quarters of an inch), but during the film each border measured two inches

However, I whacked on Back the Future with exactly the same aspect ratio of 1:85:1, but during the menu screen and in film, each border was only three quarters of an inch, which was much more acceptable, but confusing.

Is there any reason for the differences, considering they are the same aspect ratio?

 

[Mr Doovde]

Thanks again chaps.