Aspect ratio blues

[slobro]

I'm trying to encode anime episodes from DVDs. The aspect ratio should be 4:3. I was wondering which is better:

- use the resize filter to get 640*480

or

- encode the video as is and set the aspect ratio in mkvmerge.

I tried both methods but I'd like to know which is better?

I also mux .srt with the video. The thing is, if I do the latter method (setting aspect ratio in mkvmerge), the subtitles are vertically stretched. The subtitles appear normal if I use the resize filter. Anyone know how to fix this?

Thanks

[Hagbard23]

I would say, due to resolution issues, the better way would be to encode in generic Aspect Ratio (=as is) and set the aspect ratio inside MKV-Container. The container gives you the opportunity, so why not using it. It costs a little more bitrate AFAIK.

Unfortunately i do not know how to fix the problem with the streched subtitles. Maybe some other (more experienced) user can give a comment about this...

[Motenai Yoda]

if u hardcode the subs then u should use scale params in the ass script, or use a double resize ie

spline36resize(720,528)#or 720,540
textsub("your_sub")
spline36resize(720,480)
crop(xx,xx,xx,xx)

[slobro]

I would say, due to resolution issues, the better way would be to encode in generic Aspect Ratio (=as is) and set the aspect ratio inside MKV-Container. The container gives you the opportunity, so why not using it. It costs a little more bitrate AFAIK.Thanks. I'll encode that way from now on. I'd like to know why setting AR in mkvmerge better than using the resizer in Avisynth?
if u hardcode the subs then u should use scale params in the ass script, or use a double resize ie
Thanks, but I use softsubs though..cause I like to watch both english dubbed and jpn + sub.

I use media player classic with directvobsub

edit: It seems like selecting 'Accurate size' for PAR compensation in Directvobsub solved the subtitle problem..