Converting letterbox WS to anamorphic (AR 1.66:1)

[picrade]

I would like to convert a letterboxed WS DVD to an anamorphic 16:9.
The DVD is NTSC.

I have read a few guieds/posts and know the general procedure:
Crop the top/bottom bars; Resize to 720x480; Encode to 16:9.

The (partial) AVS script given is usually this:

Crop(0,60,0,-60)
LanczosResize(720,480)

I assume this is for a movie with original AR 1.85:1.

The movie I want to convert has original AR 1.66:1.
I measued the thickness of the black bars in VirtualDubMod, and they are 44.
So I changed the script to:

Crop(0,44,0,-44)
LanczosResize(720,480)

But after encoding and authoring the DVD, the movie doesn't have the correct AR.
The people seem a little fatter than normal.

So I figured because of the peculiar AR 1.66:1, I have to add black borders on the SIDES,
in order to get final AR correct.

So I change to acript to:

Crop(0,44,0,-44)
AddBorders(20,0,20,0)
LanczosResize(720,480)

With this script the AR looks better but still not quite correct.

So my question is what is the correct width of side borders in AddBorders function?

[j1d10t]

It's been a while since I've done a 1.66:1 video. But if memory serves, you crop off all the black from the top and bottom, then resize the video to 672x480, then add black bars on the sides to make it fill out the full 720x480 (that would be 24 on each side). I think that is how I did it, and it produces the correct AR.

[picrade]

OK, so the script should be:

Crop(0,44,0,-44)
LanczosResize(672,480)
AddBorders(24,0,24,0)

Is the ordering important here, i.e., first resize then add borders, vs. first add borders then resize?

Also every script I've seen uses LanczosResize function for resizing.
Is that the best to use?

[j1d10t]

You've got it right - resize then add borders. That will make the final video the correct size.

I usually use Lanczos resizing, but I know a lot of people use Bicubic resizing. The Bicubic resizing makes things look a little sharper, I think. But I prefer to use the Lanczos resizing then add my own sharpening, if needed.

[picrade]

OK. Thanks for the help.

Just one more thing: I am curious as how you came by the border size of 24.
The resizing width I can understand, 720 - 2 * 24 = 672.
But I can't figure out the 24 border size.
Is there a formula?

[j1d10t]

The border size would be the amount that is needed to make the resized video fill out the 720 width: 720-672=48. Devide the 48 by 2 and you get 24 for each side.

[mark46808]

question? how do I take a dvd I bought that is letter box and make it full screen(cover the whole screen) any simple way to do this? keep in mind I am new to all this thanks

[dphirschler]

Have you considered Spline64Resize? I've fooled with the Spline16Resize and was very pleased.


Darryl

[mark46808]

I have no idea what spline64resize is. is it a program that resizes? where do I get it as I said I am new to all this resizseing bit thanks for the help and advice

[mark46808]

wanting to get rid of letter box video and make it full video. is there any self help places i could learn how to resize the video of a dvd? POINT THE WAY

[j1d10t]

An easy way is to use DVD Rebuilder. After you install it, open the ripped DVD with DVD Rebuilder, go to the Options menu, AVS Options, Advanced Options, then select Convert from LB 4:3 to 16:9.

I have not used this method so I can't say how good the quality is, but I have used DVD Rebuilder before, and it produces great results.

[mark46808]

thanks j1d10t

[dialysis1a]

An easy way is to use DVD Rebuilder. After you install it, open the ripped DVD with DVD Rebuilder, go to the Options menu, AVS Options, Advanced Options, then select Convert from LB 4:3 to 16:9.

I have not used this method so I can't say how good the quality is, but I have used DVD Rebuilder before, and it produces great results.

I have used this option many times. Excellent results.