Vertical Compression

[johnfull]

Has anyone tried retrofitting a set with
switchable vertical compression?
I want to be able to watch the new HDTV signals
on my old 1990 31" ColorTrak2000 model (and
widescreen DVDs also). The set has a wonderful
color gamut and crystal clear focus. When the
converter boxes come along, I'm hoping that
they will offer the same option for picture shape
as DVD players do. That way, I can select 16x9
and watch the finer raster on a compressed picture.
As it is, I have my DVD player set on 4x3 and
have the letterbox scan lines wasted.
I have a newer JVC 32" with compression and
it has excellent pictures. I prefer the colors on
the old RCA, however.
Any thoughts?