Problems w/selectable subs avi-DVD w/mpeg2enc

[kenzo69]

I try to encode from AVI to DVD using the mpeg2enc because the ffmpeg doesnt output the correct ratio no matter what settings I choose. The AVI file cannot be opened in QT so when using mpeg2enc to DVD i tick the following:

Video: DVD 16:9
options: letterbox (the original film has aspect ratio 2.35:1 and the avi has the following: mpeg4, yuv420p, 720x304

options: decode with mplayer
filters: I have tried to load the .sub file and choose both .idx and .srt in the box right above, and have tried to load the .srt file and choose .srt in the box above.

Together with the original AVI file, I have .sub, .srt and .idx

Ive troed this w/short clip several times, and have waited until the process is finished and the resulting video_ts folders appears. The ratio is correct, sound is good, and in one instance (cant remember which of the settings combinations) I ended up with burned in subs, even though I didnt tick "burn".

How do I make selectable subs with mpeg2enc? I have tried the how-to's on the homepage to no avail.

cheers

EDIT: I unchecked the "decode with mplayer" in the options settings, and voila! it worked.
What does actually this decode with mplayer setting do?
And in the How-To's it says when unchecking both decode with mplayer and QT in with the mpeg2enc engine the ffmpeg engine is used. How come this works then choosing mpeg2enc in the summary and leaving both options settings unchecked, and not the other way around? Im talking in relation to the letterboxing that was needed to get the right aspect ratio.


EDIT AGAIN: AAARRGGHH! The process window says fail, however the video_ts folder plays fine on the short clip.
these settings:

summary:mpeg2enc mpeg2, 720x576, 3746 kbps, 25 fps, no crop
video: dvd 16:9
filters: load .srt and chosen .srt in box above
options: only checked letterbox and autor as video_ts folder

Please enlighten me!

[Case]

a/ Does your AVI play correctly in QuickTime Player? 'Cause if it does, ffmpegX can use that, and make your life easier.
b/ Using mpeg2enc encoding with mplayer decoding will burn the subs into the video (it's a feature!)
c/ The idx/sub pair of files are for playback only (e.g. in VLC); they cannot be made into selectable subtitles. Use the .srt file for creating selectable subtitles.
d/ In order to convert a file, ffmpegX has to read/decode the file (into its uncompressed state in memory). The mpeg2enc encoder engine can use any one of three decoders: mplayer, QuickTime, ffmpeg. Each has its pros and cons. In the end, pick the one that works for you: there is no 'best', and there isn't one that works all the time.
e/ For your last attempt that said Failed, it would be interesting to see the Process Log, to see exactly what failed.