pixel size, aspect ratio, and resolution

[g_money]

I'm creating a slideshow with still images and music, using Adobe Premiere. I'm taking the AVI from Premiere and converting it to mpeg2 format using TMPGEnc (DVD NTSC setting, 4000Kb/sec CBR). I'm then using VCDEasy to create an SVCD using the mpeg2 file. The problem is that my final video is too tall and narrow. My original source AVI is 720x480 (square pixels) and the conversion settings in TMPGEnc are set to 720x480, 4:3 aspect ratio, and the source aspect ratio is 720x480.

What is the relationship between pixel aspect ratio, resolution, and aspect ratio? If the mpeg2 has a resolution of 720x480, how can it have an aspect ratio of 4:3? I must be missing something here.

Should I create my original AVI with a resolution of 640x480? If so, how does it get converted to 720x480 in TMPGEnc?

I'm new to all this, so any advice/explanations will be very much appreciated. Thanks.

[Peter van der Burgh]

If you create an SVCD, don't use the TMpgEnc DVD (NTSC) setting file, but the SuperVideoCD (NTSC) setting file.
SVCD (NTSC) resolution is 352x480 and you are converting to 720x480.
During 'authoring' (burning) an SVCD, the program (VCDEasy) will most probably (re)convert it to the SVCD standard, causing the tall/narrow picture. If the file had been SVCD compliant, it will not convert it.

Make sure that the setting in the TMpgEnc dialog box ‘MPEG Setting’; tab ‘Advanced’; item ‘Video arrange Method’ is ‘Full Screen’.

Peter

[g_money]

I don't think VCDEasy does any conversion. I think it just takes the mpg that I give it and burn it to the CD, along with other VCD folder structure stuff. I believe this is how an XSVCD is made - a non-compliant SVCD.