[Dave Moll]

Actually, I would consider the "letterbox" presentation the best one can do, in that as much of the picture is visible as would be on a 16:9 screen (albeit at a reduced size), and more importantly the aspect ratio of the picture is maintained. Personally, I don't find black bars, be they top and bottom on a 4:3 screen or right and left on a 16:9, particularly objectionable. However, of the alternatives, losing the edges of the picture is far better than having a squashed or stretched picture.

Anyway, that's my twopenn'eth.