Converting to MPEG2, resolution overridden?

Shazzy · Post by **Shazzy** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 7:13 pm

I'm using Final Cut Pro 5 and working with a 720x480 DV sequence, 4:3 (i.e. anamorphic is NOT checked) and square pixels. Whenever I convert to MPEG2 using either Quicktime conversion or the Compressor it overrides the resolution, even when I manually set it to 720x480. With my current setting, my sequence exports into 640x480 (it crops off the sides). I've tried different sizes, anamorphic, different pixel ratios and I still can't get a 720x480 file. I got a 720x404 (404?? why??) once...

ANY idea what the heck is going on?

DJ_Izumi · Post by **DJ_Izumi** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 7:29 pm

You can't do square pixels, 4:3 and 720x480 together.

720x480 with square pixels is NOT 4:3. 640x480 with square pixels is 4:3

Your configuration contradicts itself.

Kariudo · Post by **Kariudo** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 7:43 pm

If I'm not mistaken, you should use the NTSC standard (0.9) instead of square pixels
now that I worked it out...I'm getting 1.125
...I think there's an option for both NTSC (0.9) and NTSC (1.125)
see if any of that helps (selecting 0.9 or 1.125 instead of square pixels)

Shazzy · Post by **Shazzy** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:27 pm

Still not working. Here are screenshots of the results.

By the way, the options for Pixels are:

- Square
- NTSC - CCIR 601 / DV 720 x 480
- PAL - CCIR 601 / DV 720 x 546
- Some HD settings

This is my DivX file of my completed video. I.E. how it should look.

With NTSC pixels in a 720x480 sequence exported into MPG 4:3. Close, but there's some vertical stretching which doesn't appear pre-export.

With NTSC pixels in a 720x480 sequence exported into MPG 16:9.

With NTSC pixels in a 720x480 Anamorphic sequence exported into MPG 4:3.

With NTSC pixels in a 720x480 Anamorphic sequence exported into MPG 16:9.

Thanks for the help so far, but I'm really stuck. Suggestions?

Shazzy · Post by **Shazzy** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:33 pm

Clarification: My DivX version is 720x392, not 720x480. Hence the letterboxing on the MPEG2 versions.

Willen · Post by **Willen** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 6:50 am

So your source is 720x480 square pixels?

720x480 DV is always non-square pixels, regardless of 4:3 or 16:9 anamorphic. I think this is why you are having aspect ratio issues.

Plus, 720x392 square pixels is a bit off for 16:9. Ideally it should be 720x408 or 720x400 square pixels.

Lilyxiang · Post by **Lilyxiang** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:55 am

hi shazzy,
Have you managed the conversion? If not, you may get another converter to have a try. Such as winavi video converter which can convert avi to mpeg pertty good.

Keeper of Hellfire · Post by **Keeper of Hellfire** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:18 am

It's cinema widescreen (1.85:1) at square pix. Resize it to 720 x 464, add 8 pix heigh black borders at top and bottom and work with NTSC widescreen (16:9) settings.