Aspect Ratios keep changing when changing output

[SpeakToMeNow]

I'm trying to convert a divx avi (reporting as mpeg4, yuv420p, 512x384) to dvd and as soon as I change the setting to "dvd" in the "Target Format" drop down it immediately changes the aspect from the original
512x384
to
720x480

Now I'm just wondering what this will do to the output? Won't it end up pixelated and blocky like when you double the size of a qt movie?

I can change its parameters in the video tab, but I just wonder if maybe the program knows better than I?


Is it ok to manually force the 512x384 figure into the video tab or will this make the output worse than leaving the default?

I've done a few experiments and the .avi file is really sharp and crisp and no matter what I export out it seems really pixelated. (tried .mov and mpeg4)

Are there any recommended settings or is this as good as converting .avi to dvd gets?

Just wanted to know before I start burning and experimenting with (wasting?) dvds if it isn't ever going to look as good or close to as good as it does on my computer.

Thanks for any advice.

[Case]

As soon as I change the setting to "dvd" in the "Target Format" drop down it immediately changes the aspect from the original 512x384 to 720x480

That's because DVD-Video supports a limited set of resolutions, with 720x480 being most widely used (for NTSC). Information inside the MPEG-2 video stream will determine if this framesize should be stretched to 16:9 or 4:3 on playback. Trust the software on the 720x480. If you force your own resolution setting, you will create an incompatibe DVD.

[mwest]

I do the same thing you are SpeakToMeNow. My files are 704x396 or something. When I edit the video settings, I make sure to choose DVD (which results in the 720x480) and framerate as NTSC. As long as I have the "Letterbox" option checked in the Options pane, it usually looks pretty good.

Also, even if a resulting file looks a little pixely, I have found on a TV, the resulting DVD looks good.

Lemme know if that doesn't work for you.

Matthew

[SpeakToMeNow]

OK I'll do a burn today and see what looks best

thnx

[SpeakToMeNow]

Hey I just joined two avi files using ffmegx, then exported to dvd and now I can't drop the resulting video_ts folder into toast - says something about CSS encrypted - wtf? How did this happen?

What's up with this? How can I get this encryption stuff off?

[SpeakToMeNow]

Well I've just been through all the tabs and options and I can't see anywhere that you can switch on/off css encryption using ffmpegx as the dvd exporter?

I certainly didn't switch it on, so where abouts is that option? How can I get a fast ffmpegx export to dvd that I can actually burn in toast?

Exporting in the much slower mpeg2enc did produce a video_ts folder that I could burn in toast.

sigh.... very confused. Any experts care to tell me why this is encrypted?

[Case]

• CSS encryption in an .avi file?

[SpeakToMeNow]

Ahh that's the one - giving it a shot now...

[SpeakToMeNow]

The resulting dvd isn't recognised in either my mac dvd player or the pioneer dvd player?

[mwest]

Did you try this with just one of the files? I know that's not what you want in the end, but it will at least give you an example of a decent AVI->DVD process.

[SpeakToMeNow]

Yes, tried a straight, single .avi file going into ffmpegx, exported it out to dvd using the dvd->ffmpeg encoder and the resulting video file cannot be burnt using toast - gives the css error.

Its weird because I'm sure it didn't do this when I first started exporting stuff and taking VIDEO_TS folders into toast.

Perhaps I should blow (yet another) dvd and burn just the VIDEO_TS folder using the process of burning it as an image? I burnt the whole folder including the audio_ts folder.

Could that have anything to do with why it couldn't be read?

(actually according to this thread you *do* need to do it with the audio_ts folder.....)https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1484898&sid=cd0dee90ebfead92803abe2b59bf3049#1484898

[mwest]

Wow. That's strange. I'm going to have to let the experts take over on this one... Case? Any ideas?

Matthew

[Case]

Perhaps I should blow (yet another) dvd and burn just the VIDEO_TS folder using the process of burning it as an image?

After encoding, create a disc image, mount that, then launch Apple DVD Player, as a test. If DVD Player fails, then likely your standalone player won't play it either. It will save you coasters. Investing in erasable -RW media might be a good idea as well.