I have a SDR-H18. I shoot footage in 16:9. If I use the included ImageMixer software, .MOD files are imported as 16:9 and play back as 16:9.

If I play back in Windows media player, the image is stretched vertically to fill a 4:3 screen.

If use Nero Showtime, with settings to "use file aspect ratio", it shows a 4:3 ratio with vertical black bars on the left and right of the image. If I force a 16:9 ratio in Showtime, it adds horizontal black bars to the top and bottom and I get a 16:9 picture with 2" black bars all the way around.

If I go through the same process and the same software using a .mod file recorded on a JVC-GZMG155, I don't see the problem. All of the programs I use correctly show the full 16:9 image

any ideas?

I think your problem has to do with the flags in the headers with regards to the aspect ratio. You probably need to use SD Copy to import your files. It will keep the aspect ration correct.

The following comes from another thread with more info: Sektionchef's SD Copy utility

SDcopy worked perfect. Batch processed all of the files in the directory and the Nero Vision project updated with 16:9 video

Thanks!