Different HDTV signals?


When I tune into HDTV movie channels, the picture fills the entire screen on my 51" widescreen rptv. However, when I put on some of the HD major network channels, like CBS, NBC and Fox and some others, there are bars on the sides of the screen regardless of the picture setting. I'm using cable to receive the signal. Are there two (or more) different HDTV signals being broadcast?
tonyp54
Eldartford,

The remote control for my plasma has a button for the aspect as well. I used such feature a lot when I was using the S-video cable for regular TV watching while the component video input was reserved for the DVD. Now that I have the Yamaha AVR as my video switcher, which does all the video up conversion, I use only the component video cable for every thing. Thus, the problem does not exist any more. With the component video input, I can never adjust the aspect of the screen. What video input on the plasma that you use?
If you are watching Boxing on HBO or Showtime and it is in a 4:3 Format, it is not in high definition.
Lej1447...I am using S-Video interface. My plasma is not HD, but the picture, using SVideo is sharp enough that my eyes can't distinguish pixels from normal viewing distance. The wire run from the Sony HD Direct TV receiver to the plasma is about 20 feet, so I have not spent the money to try component interface. I will probably go to DVI some day for the Direct TV receiver.