mpg conversion size restrictions?

[BlackPope]

Been a while since I've done any avi to mpg.
Tried one the other day using sefys basic vcd pal template
The avi size is 512x304 23 fps but when converted to pal everyone looks so long and thin.
I tried altering the default size in the template to the avi orignal size. Burnt it with nero (unchecked the compliant thing) and it looks fine on computer but in my standalone dvd the film is all over the place in blocks
Have I done somethin wrong in the conversion IE can't changes the size or was it the burning to cd thats the problem?
Also is there any recommended burning speed for vcd?
Burnt one at 20 speed and turned out ok.
Thanxs for any help

[Sefy]

1) Is your DVD Player compatible with the Template you used ?
the SeVCD/SxVCD templates are not standard and will not play on all DVD's, only some of them are capable.

2) You can't just change the size of the movie, there are default size which are playable on a DVD Player, most common are 352x240/288 or 480x480/576 and 720x480/576.

3) your movie seems to be Wide Screen so what you need to do is go to TMPGEnc Advanced and change the followings:

Source aspect ratio = 16:9 Display
Video arrange method = Full Screen (aspect ratio 2)