Aspect ratio incorrect when playing converted mp4 file on xbox 360

[ArtOfLosingMFZB]

Here is what I do. I convert my mkv video files into mp4 files with GOTsent so I can play them on my Xbox 360. Problem is, the aspect ratio is incorrect a lot of the time when playing it on the console. What's weird is that the file will play correctly on my computer, but when it's being viewed on the 360, the aspect ratio is way off, drastically stretching the picture. What can I do to fix this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[guns1inger]

Start by posting a mediainfo output for a typical problem file, so we can see what you are working with.

Can you be more specific about how the image is being distorted ?

[yoda313]

Also another thing to try on the xbox 360 is to check the display mode. Try "native" and see if that helps. You might have it on a setting that some videos don't like. I have the big remote that came with the hd-dvd add on drive and it has a "display" button. I am not sure how to access it with a normal controller while playing videos. It may simply be pressing the start button while the video plays.

But anyway there are four or five display modes I think. There's letterbox, native, widescreen and one or two others I think. Try each one out and see if it helps.

I think on converted videos if you have native mode on it shows it in the postage stamp mode. IE if you have a 320x240 video in native mode it will be a little tiny window on the screen instead of full screen.

If none of the different modes changes it you will have to try reencoding the video.

[mh2360]

Give XenonMKV a try instead.

[ArtOfLosingMFZB]

Start by posting a mediainfo output for a typical problem file, so we can see what you are working with.

Can you be more specific about how the image is being distorted ?

Here is the MediaInfo for the converted file:

General
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media
Codec ID : isom
File size : 1.13 GiB
Duration : 1h 57mn
Overall bit rate : 1 386 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-29 20:07:30
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-29 20:07:30

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L4.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 5 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 1h 57mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 1 219 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 11.5 Mbps
Width : 712 pixels
Height : 460 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 1.548
Original display aspect ratio : 1.876
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.155
Stream size : 1 021 MiB (88%)
Writing library : x264 core 61 r945M 82efeea
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=5 / deblock=1:-3:-3 / analyse=0x3:0x113 / me=umh / subme=6 / psy_rd=1.0:1.0 / brdo=1 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=2 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-4 / threads=6 / nr=0 / decimate=0 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / bime=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=1219 / ratetol=1.0 / rceq='blurCplx^(1-qComp)' / qcomp=1.00 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=2:1.00
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-29 20:07:30
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-29 20:10:16

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 1h 57mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 163 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 222 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 136 MiB (12%)
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-29 20:09:47
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-29 20:10:16


I used XenonMKV to convert that one, but the exact same problem is happening with GOTsent. Basically, the aspect ratio should be about 1.85. It plays correctly on my computer (MPC, VLC) but when viewed on the Xbox 360, the aspect ratio is stretched almost to a 1.44

What is going on here?

[guns1inger]

Most hardware players and many software players only accept and recognise 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. You can have any resolution you like, but the Aspect Ratio flags must conform to one of these. If you resize to 712 x 382 you won't have these problems.

[web_maven]

Yoda313 was correct. You can alter you aspect ratio with "Display" I use the Logitech remote so I too forgot what button brings up the display menu. The settings are "Native" which would display the video in the original size (e.g. 720x480) next is "Fullscreen" then "Stretch" I am not sure but there might be one more. Note that once you set the video to what ever setting you like it will retain that setting so you don't have to set it each time.

Raymond

[ArtOfLosingMFZB]

I tried the Xbox display settings and that didn't work. It was on native already, and it was still displaying it incorrectly.