Anamorphic DVDs enlarge the video upright from a rectangular frame to a size that will fit a standard screen, like an earlier television or PC monitor. DVD players are intended to decode digital information on an anamorphic DVD and compress image to right proportions so it does not look faint. All of this related to "aspect ratio" which is a measurement of width of a screen in relation to height. Earlier TVs and PC screens had an aspect ratio of 1.33:1, meaning the screen is one-third wider than it is tall. Now all high-definition PC monitors and televisions have a 16:9 aspect ratio, or image frame.
None of this is as complicated as it looks. Playing an anamorphic DVD on an earlier PC needs some easy steps to change DVD software.

Instructions

1. Step 1

Insert an anamorphic DVD in PC media tray. The rear of DVD storage box will look that program has been "anamorphically enhanced" or if material is shown "in anamorphic widescreen format."

2. Step 2

Wait for DVD software to start automatically.

3. Step 3

Examine the main screen of DVD. If image frame is rectangular and does not look faint, DVD software identifies that an anamorphic DVD is in use and changes the image settings automatically. This is standard on new PCs with a 16:9 rectangular monitor. Press play on DVD software to start watching the program normally.

4. Step 4

Click "Video" tab in DVD software if the image looks pressed from the sides or is faint. A drop-down menu will come up.

5. Step 5

Click "Aspect Ratio."

6. Step 6

Highlight and click 4:3--or the 1.33:1--choice. This changes an anamorphic image to right ratio for looking on an earlier monitor. The 4:3 aspects ratio is similar as a 1.33:1 ratio, so choose any option is available on DVD software.