What Resolution should I use for best result?

[gammer]

Hello,

This is the first time I have come accross this restoration problem. I am working with less then desired conditions and they are as follows:
Movie was originaly a divx file on a computer in 352x240 res and was then recorded to a VHS tape from the computer to VCR. So the original divx was progressive (or converted to progressive at some point) and then interlaced when recorded by the VCR.

Now the customer wants to 'digitize' the movies to DVD (he does not have the original divx files). So I wasn't sure if I should make them a low res 352x240 @ 1856k bitrate to match the original divx resolution?, or should I make it 352x480 interlaced to closer match the VHS resolution? I guess I am not sure what the best result would be?

I have already captured this as 640x480, I-Frames only and will convert with TMPGEnc to what is needed.
I will also mention that because the divx file was played through a computer to a VCR, it made HUGE black bars around the pic (almost twice the size that would be covered up by overscan), and I will be using TMPGEnc to cut the bars down to the point where most of the black bars will be covered up by overscan.

Thanks for your help.

[guns1inger]

It's hard when you can't really just point and laugh at the customer. I would just do a couple of test clips of a few minutes each at the likely resolutions an see which comes up best. I suspect it will probably be the smaller.

[rhegedus]

I'd go with half D1 for any VHS to DVD stuff.

[gammer]

I tried some test captures of both 352x240 and 352x480 and showed the customer what they looked like. After seeing the poor quality (from both because of the source), he decided to scrap the project.

Thanks for your replies...

[lordsmurf]

A smart customer!