Shrink size, better image?

[AndThenSome]

EXAMPLE: A 352x240 MPEG-1 @ 1150kbps is downsized to a smaller resolution resulting in a spec say...280x192, same bit rate. During encoding the file would be constructed with a black border (masked to compensate for the downsize) leaving the 280x192 frame size in tact. It would appear similar to a widescreen version film when burned.

Would the resulting image be clearer?

Shrinking a JPEG results in a cleaner appearing image so I am thinking...the resize would help make some of the artifacts less noticable. I dont really mind the viewable screen shrinking down since I am already used to watching widescreen movies. Anyone had any experience trying this?

[DJRumpy]

Other than the resulting loss in quality from re-encoding the MPEG-1, you could see a slight increase in apparent quality, simply because you can't see all of the defects as well at the new lower resolution. I personaly wouldn't bother, as VCD quality tends to be borderline good at best.

Just encode a small sample and see if your happy with the result. Your the one who has to decide if the quality is worth the time and effort.