TV set up- picture is too wide for screen

I've done some research and am having no luck. My picture is too wide, it won't show the full width. For instance, no box to show the remaining time of games, or maybe the network logo. I don't think it's the tv settings, I'm not zoomed in and my ratios have all been messed with but nothing fixes it. Even if I change the ratio to show black bra on each side I still don't have the entire picture. Any ideas what it could be. I have the basic cable from time warner. So no hd box and literally the basic channels. Any help is appreciated.

 

This might sound like a stupid question so don't get offended, but are you tuned into hd channels? My parents do this a lot, try watching tv but they're tuned into standard def channels.

Other than that I can't think of anything else other than the settings on the tv itself.

 

Ok, I'm far from offended. Let me as a stupid question, how would I know if I'm tuned into hd channels vs standard channels?

 

It depends on your tv provider. I have verizon and my standard def channels are from 3 to 100 something. The high def channels are all 500 more than that, so for instance Channel 5 is 505 in HD.

 

If you have cable, the channel number will come up with HD or other info next to or below the number. Time warner, they are all mixed up ie 19 regular tv, 19-1 HD

 

It sounds like something you can fix in your TV display settings regardless of HD or standard.

Zoom, Zoom wide, Standard, Standard wide or something to that effect.

 

My PS3 automatically sets up the TV.
I would try disconnecting everything, and reconnecting one at a time until the problem returns. Then play with the settings for that accessory. If the problem doesn't go away, return the TV it's broke

 

Ok a little more information. Time warner provides a small cable box. It has not digital display or anything it is happening on two tvs which leads me to believe it the way the cable and the tvs are talking to each other. P

 

Sound like your aspect ratio in you cable box is set to zoom or wide instead of normal

 

My cable box does have any way to make adjustments. Sounds like I'm gonna have to do the unthinkable and call my cable company to see if they can help. Thanks for all the advice.

 

On your cable box remote is there no button to access an options menu ?

 

Nope the provided remote is as basic as it can be.