TMPG squeezed video when recording from Panny RAM source

[Mr. Blue Sky]

I just got TMPG DVD Author and found it quite easy to use. I am having some problems with horizontally squeezed video when editing from a RAM disk. I am in the process of transferring my old MST3K tapes to DVD.

Here's the deal:

Transfer from VHS to Panny onto RAM discs in LP* mode
Put RAM disc into LG 4081B drive
Copy VRO file to harddrive
Edit w/TMPG Author
Burn DVD with Sony 500A

While in the chapter insert mode, I've noticed that some of the original video is squeezed horizontally (entire picture occupies the upper half of the preview frame). If I burn the DVD, that section of the video looks like it was recorded in the dreaded EP mode, that is, crappy.

What could be causing this?

If I watch the entire video using any software DVD player (ULead or the built-in Dell player), it looks fine.

*I've been using the LP mode so that I can get two episodes per disc (when burning on the Panny). The quality is the same as the VHS (recorded in SP), so I don't have a problem with that.

[lordsmurf]

1. Panasonic utterly sucks in 4-hour mode. Looks like EP VHS or worse, yes. Sorry, that's the problem with THAT brand of recorder. That recorder pretty much only looks good in 2-hour or 1-hour mode.

2. The video is 352x480 and will look that way when edited ONLY. It'll playback at 4:3 ratio. You're fine here.

3. The software DVD players run smoothing filters, so it'll not be as noticeable as on a tv set, where it is unfiltered (unblurred).

Welcome to digital video.

[Mr. Blue Sky]

The part of the video that was "normal" looked just fine when burned.

Would I be able to edit directly from the RAM disc?

[Razor66666]

You should be able to off load your file from your RAM disk to your computer or import from that disk.

Should be just rock and roll from there.