VCD and SVCD picture size all wrong, help!!

[peejay]

I can capture and display PAL VCD and it looks fine, a size of 352 x 288 pixels which seems to be the right aspect ratio.
When I do the same for SVCD it has a size of 480 x 576 pixels and the video is too narrow for the height ie the picture is squashed even though I have Preserve aspect ratio on. I have tried with a few different programs, Ulead Video Sudio etc and they all do the same thing.
Why is SVCD a different size and how can I make the picture look right again?
Thanks,
Pat

[gll99]

Have you actually played this on a standalone player or just on your PC.

[peejay]

I have only played it back on my PC, is that the problem?
Pat

[vitualis]

Yes.

For S/VCDs, the aspect ratio is independent of the pixel resolution.

So regardless of the fact that neither 352x240/288 or 480x480/576 in square pixels is 4:3, on a TV with a stand-alone player, it will be displayed in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

To display your S/VCDs properly, you will need to use a player that understands aspect ratios -- i.e., I strongly suggest that you watch your VCDs with a software DVD player rather than WMP.

Regards.

[BJ_M]

or play them on your pc with windvd or powerdvd or cineplayer as these will display them correctly ..

[peejay]

Ok, thank you both, will give that a try.

Pat

[peejay]

Can I ask one more "dumb" question?
If I want to save the video file as SVCD, (I am converting home movies from videotape) should I save in the same resolution as SVCD ie 480x576 or doesnt ti matter?
Thanks,
Pat

[BJ_M]

save as what ?

[mats.hogberg]

You can't save a file as (S)VCD, as this involves how files and folders are layed out on the CD. But you can save as a MPEG file, that can be used for producing a (S)VCD.
In the latter SVCD case, 480 x 576 is the PAL resolution for the video (see WHAT IS top left).

/Mats