Aspect ratio problem when converting from VOB to AVI

[digga123]

I'm having a problem with converting vob files to AVI.

If I open the original VOB file in Media Player Classic it looks fine, but when I convert it to an AVI file using WinAVI the aspect ratio looks much smaller. The resolution is the same so I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled codecs on my pc and it hasn't helped. I have tried the same process on another one of my pcs and it works fine. I prefer to do all the conversion on the pc that doesn't work so I'm hoping someone can help with my dilemna.

[guns1inger]

The first thing you are doing wrong is using WinAVI, one of the bottom of the barrel converters.

Your issue is not one of codecs, but not understanding aspect ratios and how they work in DVDs. I suspect that WinAVI is also challenged in a similar manner.

There are plenty of posts that will take you through the various aspect ratios - SAR, PAR, DAR etc. - that are used in digital video and DVDs. Search for them and read them if you want more detail.

The basic thrust is that most Xvid/Divx encoded AVI files use a 1:1 pixel aspect ratio (i.e. square pixels), and DVDs do not. You need to make sure that your encoder is smart enough to work out what the original source is (it is clearly flagged in a properly authored disc), and to make sure your encoder resizes correctly. Or, if you choose the same resolution as the source, that the resulting AVI file is flagged for the correct aspect ratio for playback.

Personally, if the output required is Xvid/Divx encoded AVI from DVD (VOB) source, I believe AutoGK is the simplest, most fool proof solution around. Dicth WinAVI and use proven tools instead of proven crap.

[netmask56]

but when I convert it to an AVI file using WinAVI the aspect ratio looks much smaller. The resolution is the same so I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

What do you mean by "the aspect ratio looks much smaller" ? The aspect ratio will either be correct or wrong. ie 16:9 or 4:3 or 2.35:1 etc.
The size however of the picture will be smaller after compressing with any conversion program to avi from mpeg2 (vob) you can't get something for nothing - you want a smaller file then you trade something off.

You would be better off using AutoGK as you get to choose the final file size or the quality you want. AutoGK has been around for yonks and it simply works.

[digga123]

I have installed AutoGK and run 1 vob file through it. The same problem still exists. The screen size is smaller in the avi file then the original VOB file.

I have attached the log file it produced.

vts_01_5_agk.log

[manono]

I have installed AutoGK and run 1 vob file through it. The same problem still exists. The screen size is smaller in the avi file then the original VOB file.

I'm not sure I understand either. In what way is it smaller? What's the resolution, 720x400 or something like that? And when you watch the VOB it's 1024x576 or something like that? If so, and if that's what bothers you, then before running that single-pass for 75%, go into the Advanced Settings of AutoGK and set the width to 1024. That won't necessarily make a better looking AVI, though, just a higher resolution one with a much larger file size.

[guns1inger]

Post a mediinfo of the source VOB and the resulting AVI file, just for comparison