16x9 AVI to DVD - Settings for both 4:3 and WS TVs

[BlueWeasel]

I've got a 16:9 AVI (624x352) AVI that I'm trying to convert to NTSC DVD using TMPG. I know since it's AVI, it's progressive and the source ratio should be set to 1:1 (VGA) under Advanced Settings.

Where I get confused is the correct aspect ratio to use for the output. Assuming it would be watched on a 4:3 TV, is it best to use a 4:3 AR or 16:9? I've all the forum posts and articles I've found on the subject, but still a little confused.

My thinking is to use 16:9 and just deal with the letterboxing on the 4:3 TV. If I ever go to 16:9, then the video would look ideal. However, if I use a 4:3 AR during the output, then it wouldn't look good on a widescreen TV if I get one in the future.

Playback on 4:3 TV (TMPG Settings)
Use 16:9 AR output
Use Full Screen (Keep Aspect Ratio) video arrange method
The video will have black borders at the top and bottom, but won't look stretched but look ideal if used later on a Widescreen TV.

Am I correct with my assumptions?

[SaSi]

AVI doesn't mean progressive. It can very well be interlaced. TMPGEnc's import wizzart is quite precice in identifying the field format.

The correct encoding method is select 16:9 since your source appears to be widescreen. However, it may be "wider than widescreen", like 2.35:1 (which computes to 21:9).

If you tell Tmpgenc to keep aspect ratio and center picture on frame selecting a target AR of 16:9 it will do the job correctly.

[BlueWeasel]

AVI doesn't mean progressive.

Yeah, I didn't mean to say that ALL AVIs (read Divx) are progressive, just a majority of them based on my experience.

If you tell Tmpgenc to keep aspect ratio and center picture on frame selecting a target AR of 16:9 it will do the job correctly.

Given the source file, which is the better to use -- Center (KAR) or Full Screen (KAR)? Since I can't enter the W x H when selecing Center, what's the difference between the two?

[reboot]

One goes right to the full 720 width, which means you will lose stuff to overscan on the TV.
Select center KAR, and you can specify width.

[guns1inger]

There are two things to consider when deciding whether to go 4:3 or 16:9. If your target TV is widescreen, then 16:9 is the logical choice, otherwise you will have to use the TV or DVD zoom function to fill the screen.

However, 16:9 generally requires a much larger resize, and so should also be filtered to ensure your output isn't too soft. If you have a 4:3 TV, then 4:3 output is fine.