Best size for 16:9 and 4:3

[Cazz]

What is the best size to save a movie from DVD to Xvid

I mean I dont want to have to small so it is to bad if I need to scale up in my HTPC and not to big so is take space from my disk.

For 4:3 is 704x384 good?

For 16:9 is 688x384 good?

[Phlexor]

Others might have a different opinion but I think these values are pretty good:

4:3 - 512x384
16:9 - 624x352
1.85:1 - 704x384
2.35:1 - 720x304

all those values are divisible by 16 in case some encoders like that kind of thing.

[guns1inger]

What are you playing them back on ? - Flat screen ? Size ?
What is most important to you - small size or good quality ?

[Phlexor]

I guess you need a good average bitrate to go with those sizes.

[guns1inger]

I have found that since switching to a larger flat screen that I have pushed up the resolution and the bitrate. I know encode Divx files at 720 x nnn (16:9 or wider) at 60 - 75% quality (AutoGK) or 3.n (standard q value) and get good quality playback. It reduces the amount I can burn to a disc to around 4 - 5 hours, but the trade off is worth it.

[stiltman]

I do everything (so far that is)
720x384 @ around 2500kbs

Some go higher in bitrate some go lower, but nothing lower than 2000kbs
All with AC3
Most files are arounf 2gb

[jagabo]

There is no best frame size. It's always a compromise of frame size and file size. It will vary depending on the source (eg: fuzzy TV show shot on video tape vs. sharp film transfer), what you're going to watch the video on (13" SDTV or 60" HDTV), and your personal preferences.

For maximum picture quality I keep the DVD frame size, use MPEG 4 PAR/DAR flags to set the aspect ratio, and constant quantizer encoding to get the quality I specify. The file turns out whatever size (bitrate) is needed to deliver that quality. Not all players respond to PAR/DAR flags.

[stiltman]

Funny, I just ran Transformers through FU. 720x384 + AC3 + quant 2 = 3.9GB @ 3482kbs

I ran Star Trek Nemesis with the same setting = 1.5GB @ 1369kbs

I guess those action scenes in Transformers REALLY raises the bitrate

[guns1inger]

In space none can see your macro blocks ?

Transformers is a very messy film for encoders, so I am not surprised at the difference.

[jagabo]

In space none can see your macro blocks ?

LOL. I can almost hear Don LaFontaine's voice!