TOO MUCH INFO for the uninitiated !!!

Is there a box that will allow me to stretch the 4:3 images that come across OTA through the STB for my 16:9 set? If I buy one of the STB's w/DirecTv built in, do I need to subscribe to it now, or can I wait until there is more programming available.

My TV is a Panny 56" 16:9 (but first year, only one component input) and I have S-Video switching through a McIntosh Control Center. Currently have the Panny HU-DST50, but cannot control aspect ratios or select black or gray bars for the side even though they are in the setup menu.....would a box with Component and S-Vid allow me to stretch through the S-Vid input (heard from someone that Panasonic locks Aspect when using Component Input)

Ready to switch, but I'M SO CONFUSED?????????????