A method for generating a video signal in one of multiple aspect ratios from processing of a bit stream which represents an image program in only one aspect ratio, said bit stream including a code indicative of the represented aspect ratio, comprising the steps of processing said bit stream to derive a signal representative of the image program represented thereby, selecting one of said multiple aspect ratios, and generating a video signal from the signal derived from processing said bit stream in an aspect ratio which is a function of both the selected aspect ratio and the aspect ratio indicated by said code, and wherein said one aspect ratio is 16:9 or 4:3, and said multiple aspect ratios include 16:9, center cut 4:3, pan scan 4:3, and letter box.