Resize 640 x 272 (Super Anamorphic) for PAL widescreen?

[[H]omer]

First of all, what exactly is this "640 x 272" format? Is is Widescreen Anamorphic?

OK, I just researched this, and apparently it is "Super Anamorphic", which is new to me.

Secondly, is it even necessary for me to resize it to play correctly on a PAL DVD player?

The source files are two RealMedia Variable Bitrate files @ 640x272, aspect 2.35:1, Planar I420 colourspace, 30 fps.

Using an AVISynth script, I've managed to successfully convert the framerate to 25 fps for PAL, with no loss of audio sync, but I'm at a loss as to what the correct final size and aspect should be.

Should I be aiming for 720x576 @ 16:9, or should I just leave it?

Ah, I just found this page:
http://www.pcdoctor-guide.com/wordpress/?page_id=1634

So apparently, the correct size + ratio for PAL Super Anamorphic is 720 x 436. I just tried converting the sources using SUPER from an AVISynth script, with Lanczos4Resize(b,720,306).AddBorders(0,65,0,65) and I think I've cracked it.

Now there's just one last problem: how do I set the DAR to 2.35:1 with SUPER? There doesn't seem to be that option, only 16:9. Is there a tool I can use to hack the DAR post-conversion?

Thanks.

[jagabo]

You set the display aspect ratio to 16:9 because the black borders are now part of the picture. DVD only supports 4:3 and 16:9.

[guns1inger]

It is not anamorphic - it is just widescreen with a 1:1 pixel aspect ratio for PC playback. It is standard 2.35:1 aspect ratio - a popular widescreen format.

Yes, you have to resize it for playback on a DVD player, PAL or otherwise. For PAL, your script needs to resize the image to 720 x 448, then add borders to fill it out to 720 x 576 for DVD compliance. You then need to encode this as 16:9 mpeg2, and author as 16:9. The DAR is 16:9, not 2.35. Although the DVD spec has 4:3, 16:9 and 2.35:1 in it, only 4:3 and 16:9 are used.

[jagabo]

...the DVD spec has 4:3, 16:9 and 2.35:1...

I've never heard of the DVD spec including 2.35 DAR. Are you sure about this?

[guns1inger]

You are right - mpeg2 has a 2.35:1 DAR, which is why it appears in a number of encoders. DVD does include this in the spec. Nice pick-up.

[[H]omer]

your script needs to resize the image to 720 x 448, then add borders to fill it out to 720 x 576 for DVD compliance.

Thanks, that did the trick. Perfect.

For future reference, what formula did you use to calculate the vertical resolution (448) above?

[guns1inger]

The easiest is FitCD. You just feed it your source, tell it what format you want to produce, and it gives you the avisynth script. You can also use it to add borders if you have hardsubs.

In this case I used my own resize calculator (link in my sig), but it doesn't give you a script.