Why can't I export 2.35:1 to H.264 from FCP?

[jbednarski]

I've tried to find an answer for this in past posts but can't seem to. I shot 16:9, 720P 24 on my HVX, imported it into FCP 5.1.2 and used either FCP's matte widescreen or Nattress to get a 2.35:1 mask. Every time I try to export to H.264 it gets squeezed. I've tried just about every aspect ratio/pixel setting and it still happens. It works fine if I export to DVCPRO HD720p 60. haven't tried other codecs yet. I did try it with a clip that I downloaded from the web (Quicktime), masked the same way and it worked fine to H.264. So what gives? I have the clip on my computer at work so I don't remember if it was 4:3 0r 16:9 (I think it was 16:9) but I'll check this tomorrow. Still wondering why this isn't possible.

 

[bbalser]

If you want true anamorphic, you can't do "letterbox". Letterbox puts black bars on top and bottom of the image in a 4:3 apect. If your SOURCE is true anamorphic, use 16:9 and not letter box for your settings.