I admit..I'm confused re: aspect ratio

[take2visualmedia]

Project shot DVCpro 50 in 16:9. I output to both a wide screen LCD and a 4:3 CRT to monitor.

Looks fine on 16:9 but stretched vertically on 4:3. If I set the distort setting to -33.3 I get a good look on both with black bars. This is going out for broadcast via BetaSP and I'd like viewers with 16:9 to get the full picture while 4:3 viewers shouldn't get a stretched picture...I'm sure I'm missing something here....

 

[CaptainMench]

BetaSP is an analog format. SO I suggest you put it into a 4:3 sequence and set the distort to -33.33.

If you were going HD I'd have a different answer for you. You must assume that the broadcast folks will be uprezzing it for their HD feeds and that the normal feed will be 720x480 with the top and bottom cut off.

So... create a new DVCPro50 sequence that is 4:3 and NOT anamorphic. Drag your 16:9 sequence directly into that and make sure your aspect is correct in the distort thingie of the motion tab.

Then export to Beta.

Good luck,

CaptM

 

[mikkowilson]

You can only have one format on a tape at a time. There is no solution that will *always* work *every* situation perfectly.

If you provide 4:3 (be it full frame, or letterboxed material) to the broadcaster. It will eb correct on 4:3. Chances are that in any upconversion to HD; the broadcaster will simply pilarbox the 4:3 content.

The broadcaster *may* be able to accept 16:9 SD ("anamorphic" "squeeze"), if this is the case it'll be correct on HD, and they will chose weather to letterbox or center-cut the 4:3 SD broadcast.

If you could provide a HD version (even if it's just your upconversion) to the broadcaster, then the same would apply. It would allready be correct in HD, and the broadcast could either letterbox or center-cut on their downconversion to SD.

You might be able to request how the broadcaster handles any aspect ratio conversion, you may not.

Best option is to call the broadcaster in question and ask them your options and their advice.


- Mikko