How to set aspect ratio in x264 encoded video?

[orion44]

DVD Info: 720x480, NTSC, 29.970, 4:3 aspect ratio.

x264 output resolution: Same as input (720x480).

When encoding a DVD with x264, how do I set the aspect ratio to 4:3?

Should I set it with x264 during encoding, or when muxing with MP4Box?

[stax76]

It's typically set with encoding.

[sneaker_ger]

How to set: --sar 10:11
mp4box (and mkvmerge) will automatically pick the SAR from the H.264 bitstream when muxing.

Table of SARs (sample aspect ratio):
PAL NTSC
4:3 12:11 10:11
16:9 16:11 40:33

(There are multiple standards for aspect ratios so you may find slightly different values elsewhere.)

[orion44]

Thanks.

A follow-up question: can I still use this value if I crop the video, but don't resize it?

Or should I then use a different value?

[sneaker_ger]

You can still use the same value even if you crop.