y do DVD2AVI reconizes 2.35:1 as 1.78:1(16/9)?

[TheUnforgiven]

i know i can esize to the correct aspect ratio but is there any software way to know the correct aspect ratio?
i noticed that powerDVD also displays them as 16/9

[jggimi]

Take a look at this link, if you haven't seen it already:

Aspect ratios explained (http://www.doom9.org/aspectratios.htm).

In brief, the DAR of a DVD will always be either 4:3 or 16:9, regardless of the content's actual aspect ratio.

[TheUnforgiven]

thanx 4 ur respond and for the link.
i've read it before but not carefully.
the strange thing is that powerDVD also play it streched although itis not supposed to do that according to the guide.
maybe because i installed some other mpeg-2 decoders.
the other question is how can we know the correct aspect ratio if we dont have the dvd cover?

[jggimi]

how can we know the correct aspect ratio if we dont have the dvd cover? The printed box could be the "true" ratio of the film, or it could be the DAR, or... it could be the aspect ratio of the transfer.

They're all different.

The DAR can be acquired from the mpeg2 metadata -- you see it in DVD2AVI's preview window.

You can also go to the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), where often you can find dvd production information. There is no guarantee it is correct, but it may help you.

Here, for one example, are the notes on DVDs for the movie Shrek. You'll note that there are two different widescreen DVDs, transferred in different aspect ratios. The link is: http://us.imdb.com/DVD?0126029

I, for one, ignore all but the DAR, because I'm making .avi files. I just crop away letterboxing and other black areas from the 720x480 .d2v project once I get it into GKnot.