16:9 to 4:3

[JXBlack]

I need a program that will convert an *.avi file from 16:9 to 4:3.
Freeware would be nice,

Thanks

[dat720]

Theres heaps of choices....
mencoder
ffmpeg
avidemux
virtualdub
Just to name a few....
If you want something quick and simple go with AVIDemux, but why do you need to convert it to 4:3 what ever it is being played back on should play it back quite easily on a 4:3 display.

[CWR03]

Were you not able to create the file in 4:3 when you originally made it? That's usually the preferred method rather than waiting until after it's done and changing it.

[JXBlack]

I bought a new player/recorder. The new one does not have a zoom function like the old one,

Thanks for your replies
.

[JXBlack]

Sorry to bother you again but I can see how I can convert 16:9 to 4:3 using Avidemux. Can you give me a few clues?

Thanks again.

[dat720]

Try resizing it to the resolution you require, 720x576 for Pal DVD or 720x480 for NTSC, or take the current width of your AVI and multiply by 1.25 for PAL or 1.5 for NTSC......

Just remember that the aspect is going to look wrong, squares won't be square and circles wont be round.

[manono]

Is he making a DVD? JXBlack's posts don't say or even imply that's what he wants. I thought he wanted to take a widescreen AVI and reencode it to be a fullscreen AVI. It's a stupid idea anyway, either way.

[backtohell]

If you just want to change the Aspect Ratio of the original file without converting,then MPEG4Modifier would be a better option for you.
If i am not wrong,this method only changes the Digital Aspect Ratio of the file not the original Source Aspect Ratio so when you play this file in any media player(like VLC,MPC etc) you should be able to get the intended AR as per your wish.(keep in mind that some dvd players can't recognize the DAR and might use the SAR)

[CWR03]

I bought a new player/recorder. The new one does not have a zoom function like the old one
What is the exact problem you're having? Are they displaying stretched to fill the screen, or are you trying to get rid of the black borders on a standard TV?

[[P]ako]

My guess he is one of the few who likes fullscreen. The zoom option he's talking about will "crop" the sides.

[dat720]

Is he making a DVD? JXBlack's posts don't say or even imply that's what he wants. I thought he wanted to take a widescreen AVI and reencode it to be a fullscreen AVI. It's a stupid idea anyway, either way.

I was just providing examples which he would hopefully work with himself....

I agree it's allot of effort just to have a video fill the frame.

There is probably a option in the DVD player to acheive this, it's just not named the same as his previous player.

My wife is the same, doesn't matter how stupid people look on screen as long as the image fills the frame!