DVR Chatter

I'm currently using a 6412 DVR cable box with component cables to my new HDTV.  When a program is broadcasting in 4:3 format I have the traditional black sidebars which is fine by me.  When I switch to a program broadcasting in 16:9 the screen fills out completely as you would expect.

Problem?  When I hooked up HDMI cable every station defaults to 16:9, even SD.  On the television I can change back to 4:3 for SD, but then Hi-Def channels are shrunk to 4:3 as well.  Either or, but not automatic like the component cables.  Would anyone have an idea why this could be happening.

Before you give me your best shot, here are a few other things you might want to know.

I replaced the original HDTV for another brand and the problem still continued.
I replaced the HDMI cable and problem continued.
I replace the 6412 and problem continued.

Only using component cables solved the problem, but I would prefer HDMI to free up the one and only component connections for something else.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Lykele