How resize/scale avi/mpeg1 so encoded subtitles not too low?

[ryonomiko]

Hello, I'm new to OSX (10.2.6) and very new to DLing/converting (anime) avi files to mpeg so can burn out to VCD. Using ffmegx for the converting and Toast for the burning. Successfully converted the avi files and burned them to VCD, HOWEVER, the (hardcoded) subtitles are too low. I've have tried different resizing/ratios of video size but by the time Toast is done with it, the end result is the same. So how can I truly scale the avi down (just a bit) first ?? It's something ffmpegx can't do? If so, can someone suggest a program that will? Or any other solution? Thank-you.

[galactica]

im confused... your encode should not be clipping the movie...
does the .avi play in VLC showing the full range [such that you can see all of the subtitles?]

even if you pick another size, it should just stretch or squish [hahah cant think of a better word that that] the file into its new size

typcially however, if you have settings proper, you wont see any "clipping" of the file.

[ryonomiko]

No, there is no clipping. The avi plays fine in VideoLan as does the converted mpeg. It's just that after burning it with Toast to VCD and go play it on DVD player... the subtitles are too low to read entirely. Therefore I need to resize the avi a bit. Friends on PCs I know have to do this with avis and they can resize/scale easily with TMPenc (Video Arrange Method option), just wish I could figure out how to with ffmpegx or something else. I did try several different size/ratio in ffmpegx's video size part BUT after burning out with Toast I'm getting the exact same result. So changing the video size isn't really making the proportions truly smaller. So wondering if there's a program that can do this without having to get something as upscale as Final Cut Pro. Thank-you.

[galactica]

that sounds like something going on with your dvd player then
if the encoded product plays fine and you can see all of the subtitles in VLC then there is nothing wrong with the encoding.

Do you have a zoom on your player? I know for mine i can set various levels of + and - zoom. this would allow you to zoom out and see what your dvd/tv is clipping out.

other than that, im not exactly sure how to scale it down to avoid this clipping you are seeing

one suggestion however, dont burn teh VCD with toast.
Instead use VCDTOOLX to compile your .bin/.cue from the mpeg and use MMB or FirestarterFX to burn the .bin/.cue set.

maybe some reason toast is doing something to the disk duing the burn?!? What version toast you using?

[ryonomiko]

I think the encoding is fine it's just the dimensions of the final file are too big on TV (so not really a clipping just that the TV can't show the whole image) Using Toast 6.0. I think it is undoing the resize I do which is why I tried resizing to a smaller hxw avi first and then changed it to standard mpeg for VCD (352X240), but it still came out the same after burning with Toast.

one suggestion however, dont burn teh VCD with toast.
Instead use VCDTOOLX to compile your .bin/.cue from the mpeg and use MMB or FirestarterFX to burn the .bin/.cue set.
***An alternate to Toast, yes, thank-you!! I didn't think there was one.
Free/shareware programs these are?

Thanks!

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[galactica]

yes you can get them off versiontracker.com
there was a good amount of time when VCDTOOLSX was not avaliable
so if you cant find it on versiontracker, get it here