Guide to video size / autosize

[mosx]

Is there a way to know what size to select, for encoding.
If i import the same dvd to R and T version of ffmpeg, i get this size.

R version
Video 720 x 576
Autosize 4:3

T version
Video 640 x 352
Autosize 1.85:1

How do i know the original size and how can i select autosize, and get the rigth format. If i take and dvd, and want to fit it to 1 cd, i use autosize DVD 16:9 - but get 624 x 256, when i press auto under bitrate calculator ? - this looks stupid on the tv ??

Maybe its just me - or are there others, with the same problem

[major]

The original size is shown in the "summary tab", in the left display providing information about the source file. DVD size is always 720x480 for NTSC or 720x576 for PAL. Always first open the source file, second select the preset (eg. DVD preset) so as DVD size will be well defined.

[mosx]

okay, i get that. But if i want to make an xvid with dvd16:9 size. And with a file size of only about 800-1000 mb. I always get an red bitrate ? Why - because the size is to big for the small bitrate ? or. How can i make the smallest ( still good loking picture ) xvid file, with dvd16:9 option and subtitle. The original files are from mtr (DVD).

[major]

An XviD movie has a free size, you should just crop the black bars and choose the size you prefer, with the proper aspect ratio (normally 2.35:1 for a movie). To get a green bitrate, click the "best" button and it will calculate it depending on the width x height currently selected.