Keeping widescreen aspect ratio when burning

[ucsbgaucho]

Are there any plugins out there for use with SpruceUp DVD or Prassi PrimoDVD to keep the widescreen aspect ratio of a burnt dvd? The problem is the original was in the widescreen format but the copy is now stretched vertically to fit my 4x3 tv.... is there a way to keep the anamorphic aspect ratio so that it will look the right way on a standard tv?

[asifanwar]

Here is how I keep the widescreen ratio:

1. rip the DVD using SmartRipper as usual
2. use DVD2AVI as usual (ForceFILM)
3. drop that into TMPGenc, using the following settings
a) video only
b) in the VIDEO tab, use 720x480, 4:3 display
c) in the ADVANCED tab, use 16:9 display, full screen (keep aspect ratio)
4. Then save the TMPGEnc project as something like TMP.tpr
5. use VFAPI to create a fake AVI of the tpr file
6. drop THAT AVI into CinemaCraft Encoder and use the "SAR1:1" setting for the aspect ratio. I use Robshot's method for CCE encoding
7. I encode at about 3800-5500 bitrate and it comes out as a widescreen movie which is IMPERCEPTIBLE from the original!

I use SpruceUp to author and use Nero to burn the VIDEO_TS folder to a DVD-R disc.....

Basically TMPGEnc is doing the widescreen bit and passing the image parameters along to CCE which actually encodes (SAR simply takes the 'source aspect ratio')

I have a 4:3 TV so I cannot comment on the suitability for true widescreen TVs. I hope this helps.

[The_Flash]

SpruceUp only supports 4:3 output. So even if you put a 16:9 source into it, it will generate your title set in 4:3. You can still author with SpruceUp however, and then use ifoedit to change to 16:9. Make sure you check "automatic" letterbox, too.