Quote:
if they would send 4:3 content as 4:3, consumers could then stretch it as they please.

Yes, agreed. I would love it if they did that.

But as was pointed out later in this thread, switching the channel's "type" from 4:3 to 16:9 and back again has its own set of technical issues. So, from what I've seen, most stations that mix 4:3 and 16:9 content simply broadcast as 16:9 all the time with black pillar bars.

Nasty, evil, burn-inducing black pillar bars.

Quote:
because the local CBS station is the only station out of the 3 local and many satelite stations that I have to touch my TV remote to change aspect ratio.