aspect ratio

[dcapp1]

When converting to mpeg which aspect ratio is better for tv, 1:1(VGA) or Pal or NTSC

[dmonty]

Taken from http://www.vcdhelp.com/tmpgencexplained.htm

1:1 VGA: This would be the correct aspect ratio if you plan to watch your video on your computer.
4:3 525 line NTSC: This would be the ratio you would use if you want to format your video to play on a NTSC TV (US and Japan systems).
4:3 625 line PAL: This would be the ratio you would use if you want to format your video to play on a PAL TV (Everywhere else in the world).
16:9 line 525 NTSC: This would be the aspect ratio you would use when you want to have your video fit properly on a 16:9 NTSC television or to have you standalone player fix the aspect ratio for you.
16:9 line 525 PAL : This would be the aspect ratio you would use when you want to have your video fit properly on a 16:9 PAL television or to have you standalone player fix the aspect ratio for you.

[banjazzer]

Are we talking about the same thing? If the settings quoted are for source aspect ratio, converting from DivX the source aspect ratio should be 1:1(VGA). The other settings are applicable for, say, a DVD source.

The aspect ratio under the video tab setting is usually selected by choosing the appropriate template, and will be greyed out unless you unlock it.

[dmonty]

banjazzer
You are correct, these are source settings but the descriptions answer the 'which aspect ratio is better for tv' question.

D

[banjazzer]

Well, the only correct source setting for a DivX is 1:1(VGA). I would think it quite likely the original question was about source aspect ratio, since unless you make a special effort, you cannot adjust the target aspect ratio setting. Provided the source DivX has correct aspect ratio to start with, anything other than 1:1(VGA) will screw up the aspect ratio.

Perhaps the original poster can make clear which question he is asking?

[dmonty]

banjazzer
You are correct (again). But dcapp1 never stated what he/she is converting to MPEG. So a general answer to the 'which aspect ratio is better for tv' question is all that I can offer.


dcapp1
So what are you converting??

[dcapp1]

I am converting movies to watch in my DVD player, not on the computer. I have tried to convert 1:1(VGA), and the end result looked grainy on the tv, but that could just be me

[banjazzer]

The question is, are you talking about Source aspect ratio in advanced settings, or aspect ratio in video settings? The former should be 1:1(VGA) for a DivX source whether you watch the final encode on your DVD player or PC. The latter is generally set by the template you choose, but you can adjust to better suit your viewing preferences.

It's unlikely to be affecting the graininess of your result, however.