a smart multimedia content receiver automatically resizes video images based on the content being displayed on the tv screen . such a self - formatting content receiver includes on - board image processing capability that provides continuous video analysis to detect changes in program formatting and convert each frame as it is received in real time , as opposed to processing and re - releasing an entire program or movie , or relying on the viewer to re - format programs manually . in response to detecting a change , aspect ratio adjustments are made as needed . because the self - formatting content receiver has access to the video data before it is displayed , such automatic on - the - fly adjustments ensure that the viewer &# 39 ; s experience during program changes is seamless and without distortion . subscribers can influence decisions made by the content receiver by pre - setting viewer preferences for aspect ratio adjustment .