Aspect Ratio resize limits (AVI -> DVD)

[scribbler1382]

Hi, all. Hopefully a simple question.

If I have an odd-sized AVI (say 352x198 at 29.97) is it better to resize (and letterbox) it during MPEG-2 encode to half-D1 or full-D1? And, just to make things interesting, what about 704x480?

Letterboxing to half-D1 gives this thing MASSIVE letterboxing. Using 704 was better for letterboxing, but the quality looked degraded.

Any help appreciated.

[johns0]

It would be better to encode at 352x240 mpg2 with a bitrate of about 2000kbps,resizing to a larger resolution will reduce quality.

[scribbler1382]

Do you mean 352 by 480? This is a DVD and 352x240 is only VCD resolution.

[Baldrick]

www.videohelp.com/dvd#tech

[scribbler1382]

Oops... Thanks for your help, guys. I actually had that resolution list printed out and under my elbow, but obviously it was too much effort for me to turn back two pages and read the stupid thing.

Cheers,