DV pixel aspect ratio

[dr_stupid]

Hi - these concepts have probably been explained previously, but I searched and can't seem to find the answer to the specific questions I have...

I'm still using Premiere 6.0, and am stuck with it for the time being. I am trying to shoot in 24p normal in widescreen squeeze mode. With 6.0, I'll be stuck editing on a 60i timeline (30 fps drop frame). I will need to incorporate some photographic stills in my project as well. My question is how best to set up the project in premiere, and how to export it appropriately when the time comes.

It seems like my options for project settings would be:

1) "DV widescreen" project preset, which has the DV pixel aspect ratio and a 16x9 resolution,
- or -
2) "Video for Windows" project preset with a 1:1 pixel aspect ratio, customized to a 16 x 9 resolution (720 x 405, I guess).

The DV/0.9 pixel aspect ratio is appropriate for the video footage (which I would import as DV widescreen, because that's what it is), but then what happens when I import VGA stills with a 1:1 pixel aspect? And then what format do I want to export to, i.e. DV or Video for Windows (I usually use a PICVideo MJPEG codec), and what pixel aspect ratio? How would this potentially alter either the video or the stills? Either way, one is going to get converted to the other, right? My ultimate goal is to convert to MPEG/DVD...

I've tried to do some searching on pixel aspect ratios, but a lot of the discussion I found seemed to get over my head. I'd really like to have a basic understanding of the issues if anyone can help me. I feel like I am missing a really fundamental concept. Thanks in advance!

[dr_stupid]

On a related note, I've considered upgrading to PPro 1.5 or switching to Vegas, but they are problematic for money / time reasons right now (money for either, time to learn Vegas...)

I just want to make sure I understand the pros/cons involved in this decision. Aside from whatever improvements, bells and whisltes come with the newer programs, the fundamental difference would be in having the capability for a true 24 fps timeline, right? And the only real significance of that is that it allows the 24p footage to be reconstituted from the 60i recorded on tape back to the original full progressive frames, right? So the million dollar question -- how much difference does that actually make? Is the difference in "the look" (e.g. the emulation of film) or in the quality of the image (e.g. resolution, interlace artifact, etc.)?

I am not planning to convert to film -- just sticking with DVD. It will be displayed both on televisions, and projected from a computer. I guess true 24p would let me make a progressive DVD, but again, how much more bang does this give me for my hard-earned buck?

Thanks for listening!!