Move look like they have weird aspect ratio

[ymee]

Hi all,
just encoded a couple of movies and some of them come out looking very thin and long. Is this to do with aspect ratio? I use dvd2svcd to re-encode the dvd's and it uses 16:9 when it checks the movie. Is it just that some movies are 1.85:1 and some are other ratios but still fall under 16:9?? The original dvd however doesnt look as thin however so im confused as to where the error is comming from. Just to recap I rip and cce encode with dvd2svcd and it uses the 16:9 format, then i import the cce encoded mpv and ac3 files into maestro making sure I choose 16:9 leterbox format in there. Am i missing something else?

[MickeyNBK]

Verify that the original video source is Anamorphic (enhanced for widescreen tvs, 16:9)and not Letterboxed. Even if it has black bars at the top and bottom it still may be a 4:3 pictures with the bars as part of the picture rather than a 16:9 with bars inserted by the player. That would explain the squished picture. Other than that I can't think of any reason that it would do that. You could just set Maestro to 4:3 and test it.

[ymee]

Oh!!
I was thinking dvd2svcd would be smart enough to figure that out. Is it possible to verify 16:9 anamorphic or 4:3 black bar by looking at the .ifo file with ifoedit?? Or do I have to go to amazon.com and pull up the tech specs of the movie.
Am i correct in saying that only if it is anamorphic 16:9 should it be compressed using that otherwise I should use 16:9??
This all makes sense cause the dvd2svcd created bbmpeg muxed file looks like it has the correct aspect ratio, only when passed thru DVD Maestro set to 16:9 letterboxed does the output look squashed.

[ymee]

ok the movie i was having a problem with was LA Confidential, amazon.com says its Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1 does that mean i encode it as 16:9 in both dvd2svcd and maestro or 16:9 in dvd2svcd and then 4:3 in maestro?

[fletch]

ymee,

Use the 16:9 option in DVD2SVCD (bottom option in the drop down tab) and also set Maestro to 16:9 Letterbox

Cheers

Fletch

[ymee]

fletch do you mean use Anamorphic no borders, encoded as 16:9 option?? this is the last (third option n the list)

[fletch]

Yes, choose the "Anamorphic no borders" option (Assuming the DVD is in fact Anamorphic).
When authored, it will play back in correct aspect ratio on 4:3 tv and will play back anamorphically on a 16:9 tv. (Make sure you set 16:9 Letterbox) in Maestro.

Cheers

Fletch

[auenf]

2.35:1 will have some black borders on it anyway to fit the 1.85:1 widescreen, dont remove them.

Enf...

[ymee]

thanks guys..im encoding using the anamorphic optin in dvd2svcd, lets see how it comes out. Fletch do you always use that option?? What do you check in the dvd before you decide what option to use. I realize if the dvd is 4:3 you use the 4:3 option but if its 2.35:1 or 1.85:1 do u always choose anamorphic (third and last option) in dvd2svcd?

[ymee]

ok, redid the two movies I had trouble with. Breakfast at tiffanys and when we were soldiers. Using the Anamorphic option in DVD2SVCD fixed the problems it seems. Thanks Fletch!

[fletch]

Hi ymee,

Glad to hear it worked out for you.

Cheers

Fletch