4:3 footage stretched on a widescreen TV

[metice]

I want to make a DVD which has been shot in DV (4:3) so that it plays in the correct aspect ratio on both widescreen and older 4:3 TV's.

At the moment, I use FCP & DVD studio Pro but the footage gets stretched when played on a widescreen TV. What can I do to ensure this doesn't happen, whilst also retaining the correct full screen picture on a 4:3 TV? I don't want the user to have to change any of their TV settings.

[Jim Brennan]

They may not have a choice. Most WS TV's have an aspect ratio option. If that is set to a widescreen setting, any 4:3 footage will be stretched. But most people that have WS TV's are used cahnging that (or living with stretched footage) since so much TV is broadcast 4:3.

[Cranky]

If you have shot in 4:3, then master in 4:3. If the DVD mastering app is good enough it will set "4:3" flag in the video, then if the DVD player is set up so that its output device is 16:9, then the player will correctly display 4:3.

Many other variables in play, like TV settings, DVD settings, and various stretch modes. You cannot do anything about it. Your best option is to deliver an honest 4:3 and to let to the users to use whatever stretch modes they like.

You can chop off top and bottom and master as 16:9, of course...

[metice]

Thank you so much for your prompt advice