Storage vs Display resolutions?

[agent154]

I'm converting some DVDs using vidcoder, and this is perplexing me.

VidCoder says that the video file has a storage resolution of 720x480, and a display resolution of 640x480. It's most definitely a 4:3 video. Moreover, mediainfo says the same thing: 4:3 and 720x480. 720x480 is most definitely NOT 4:3.

What's up with this? Can't seem to find a good explanation.

[poisondeathray]

The short version is DVD uses "non square pixels"

On playback, the media player resizes or stretches the display to square pixel equivalents

For example, 720x480 16:9 would be strectched to ~854x480 when played back

Some media players might play your 4:3 file as 720x540 (which is also 4:3 in square pixels, others might choose 640x480)

The encoded frame dimensions are 720x480 either way

[jagabo]

Some media players might play your 4:3 file as 720x540 (which is also 4:3 in square pixels, others might choose 640x480)

Or any other 4:3 frame size like 1600x1200, 1440x1080, 960x720, 800x600, 320x240, etc.

[Hoser Rob]

You're right, 720*480 isn't 4:3 or 16:9.

Go to the handbrake docs and read about anamorphic. That explains how it works for dvds.