Changing Aspect Ratio

[whaT2k]

I converted a dvd to 720x300 WMV format; using 1:1 ratio.

My computer is not very high-end so it takes a while to encode a video.
Is it possible to change the aspect ratio to 16:9 without spending a lot of time.

[mats.hogberg]

Depends what format you encoded it to. If mpg2 (for DVD) then yes. DVDPatcher is the tool.

/Mats

[whaT2k]

That;s the kind of tool I need.
But, my video is encoded as WMV.

Anyone think it could be done using .avs script.

[jagabo]

Anyone think it could be done using .avs script.

Of course you can change the frame size with an AVS script but that would require recompressing the video. I don't know of any tool (like MPEG4Modifier for Divx/Xvid AVI files) that can change the DAR (Display Aspect Ratio) of a WMV file. I don't know that WMV even supports DAR.

[Alex_ander]

If you want it to play as 16:9, you can force this in BSPlayer or Media Player Classic, but unlikely there's a way to do it without re-encoding, just by patching the header. In case of MPEG2, patching actually doesn't modify the encoding, it's just a trick to get it into an authoring application and then it is patched back to restore the correct file's metadata.

[mats.hogberg]

it's just a trick to get it into an authoring application

No, changing the AR flag (which is what I'm talking about) is no trick - it's the "real thing" as this is the way mpg2 AR is set. Changing resolution in the header to something different from the actual frame size is a trick use to fool authoring apps, but that's a different story. Not that this affects this issue. I also think you'll have to reencode, if your destination format is WMV as I'm not aware of any AR flag in WMV. Like AVI, square pixels is assumed. (Even if AVI can have non square pixels)

/Mats

[whaT2k]

movie examples

I have created three WMV files using TMPEGEnc Xpress.
They are each 5sec; 500kbps; 720x300;
According to MediaInfo They all have Aspect Ratio "2.35:1"
but they don't; and some how Windows Media Player can apply the correct Aspect Ratio

[celtic_druid]

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=116761

[manono]

I don't get it. They're all the same. They're all 720x300. They're all 2.40:1 (close enough to 2.35:1). They all play properly. So tell us again why they're named differently? What differentiates them?

[jagabo]

I don't get it. They're all the same. They're all 720x300. They're all 2.40:1 (close enough to 2.35:1). They all play properly. So tell us again why they're named differently? What differentiates them?

They play with different aspect ratios on my computer.

[manono]

Oh, that's good to know. Thanks. So there is method in his madness. I was using WMP 8.0 (use a crap player for a crap codec) and they all play the same. Which player plays them in the different ARs? My MPC won't open them. Maybe because I refuse to update WMP/WMV.

[celtic_druid]

With mplayer they all get resized to 720x540. They all appear to resize correctly in MPC.

[whaT2k]

thankyou celtic_druid.

WMP11 and Windows Media Center are the best players.
but mainly because xbox 360 can play WMV with no problems.

[whaT2k]

2.35:1 looks awsome on my home TV
the reason i wanted to change it was becasue i have 4:3 tv at work

i play the movies using the Archos604;
and i guess it can't read AspectX,Y properties in the meta data header
i'm having the same problem as manono on the Archos

[mats.hogberg]

i play the movies using the Archos604;and i guess it can't read AspectX,Y

That's the problem - many players (both hardware & software) ignores (probably doesn't even bother to look at) AVI AR, but asumes square pixels. That's why it's best do encode at the correct AR with square pixels.

/Mats