Encoding TV-Show: 855x480 or 720x405

[kalemvar1]

I'm planning to encode some old tv shows in widescreen and I'm asking what's the best display size to use, 855x480 or 720x405?

I tried both and I can't see any difference on my tv (50 inches), maybe you guys have some experience and can advice me witch size is better or more commun ?

Thanks

[LigH.de]

Neither is a "standard resolution". And even worse, both target resolutions have an odd value for one of its dimensions, and odd values often cause issues (most people will recommend you to round to nearest multiples of 4, if not even 16).

What was the original resolution they were recorded at? If they have been on a DVD Video once, usually the best decision is to not change the resolution, but add a flag to the copy that the player shall deskew the anamorphic video with the same amount as the original aspect ratio on DVD.

[lordsmurf]

I have no issues with 720x404 or 406 (not 405!)
Quality just isn't there, even on HD feeds, to warrant 720 or 1080.

[smrpix]

Lordsmurf is correct. Also, 852x480 would be the "best" dimensions if you go that route.

[kalemvar1]

Thanks for your answers

The source is 480x720 16:9, if I try to encode with these settings I'll get a 1.5 ratio which isn't good. I'm not sure about the flag LigH.de, is it possible to give a display ''code'' within the .mkv itself in order to get a fullscreen display like conventional DVD ? if yes, can you tell me about it ?

Thanks

[jagabo]

Aspect ratios can be flagged by the codec (for example, "--sar 32:27" in x264) or n the container metadata in MKV. As others have pointed out, not all players respect SAR or DAR flags. Encode any of these 720x480 samples at ~720x404 or ~852x480 and compare the results when watching full screen.

[kalemvar1]

Thanks jagabo,

I understand the idea and it's clear, I'm using TMPGenc Video Mastering Works 6 to encode my files, do you have any idea where I can use these settings within the software itself ? specially sar 32/27 ?

Thanks

[jagabo]

Sorry, I don't know anything about that software. If it uses x264 and allows you to enter extra x264 options the option I gave earlier should work.

[aedipuss]

my personal choice is to always keep the vertical resolution unchanged. most 16/9 encoded as 4:3 has had the horizontal squished and vertical left alone so just un-squishing the horizontal is how i fly.