4:3 clip to 16:9

[david_lexicon]

I have movie clips (Canon MV590) filmed in 4:3 but with 16:9 property ie enlongated if viewed by 4:3 screen. I have changed the Project Properties/Edit/General/Frame Type/Frame Based and the Display aspect ratio to 16:9.

When I drag a clip to the timeline, the 4:3 clip stays 4:3 even though the project is 16:9. In previous versions of Videostudio, the 4:3 clip enlongated will fit perfectly on the project size 16:9.

Can someone enlighten me?

Thanks.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi David

What version of Video Studio are you using.?

What earlier versions did you use?
You may have to go back to VS 8 where they may have been problems.


You said
When I drag a clip to the timeline, the 4:3 clip stays 4:3 even though the project is 16:9. (yes this is correct and as far as I know the same with the older versions)
In previous versions of Videostudio, the 4:3 clip elongated will fit perfectly on the project size 16:9. (if this was the case the video would be distorted, stretched horizontally)
The older versions up to 11 used a black background as the unused portions of the preview frame, this had the effect of hiding the actual frame.
Later versions X2 use a chequered / transparent look, this made it easy to see the actual frame.

[david_lexicon]

Hi Trevor.

I am using Pro X2.

In the Project Properties the Project template Properties are as follows:

PAL (25 fps)
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 576, 25 fps
Lower Field First
(DVD-PAL), 16:9
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
LPCM Audio, 48000 Hz, Stereo

Below clips for your info.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi David

If the video showing in the preview screen is of 4:3 aspect -- then what you are seeing is correct.

Right click the video in the timeline and select properties.
these should show as 4:3.

Why would you expect the 4:3 to fit a 16:9 frame???????????

[mitchell65]

Hi Trevor
I suppose David could put the 4:3 clip into the overlay track, right click it and choose fit screen then use the handles to stretch to full width of preview window. Will look odd though!

[david_lexicon]

Hi Trevor
I suppose David could put the 4:3 clip into the overlay track, right click it and choose fit screen then use the handles to stretch to full width of preview window. Will look odd though!

You got it right. I had to insert all clips on the overlay track and choose fit screen. It will not look odd, the video is 16:9 and fits perfectly.

I think HD camcorders 16:9 are nowadays standard and I guess have to purchase one in the nearest future.

Thanks a lot.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi David

Just done a google on your camera it seems as though it’s a Mini DV.
As such it produces Dv-Avi data recorded to tape.
Using Firewire and capturing to DV format should give you the correct aspect ratio.


So how did you capture the video?
And what are the properties of the captured video?

You can re-size the video in the top track by selecting the Attributes tab and the Distort option.
This will allow you to edit using all the functions, rather than the limited overlay options.

[mitchell65]

Looking at the image of the clip above, to my eye it looks as if the people in the background are a bit elongated. I reckon this might be a clip that was shot at 16:9 but captured to 4:3. Recapture to 16:9 may well solve the problem but we still don't know th properties of the clip!

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Thats what I thought John

[david_lexicon]

Looking at the image of the clip above, to my eye it looks as if the people in the background are a bit elongated. I reckon this might be a clip that was shot at 16:9 but captured to 4:3. Recapture to 16:9 may well solve the problem but we still don't know th properties of the clip!

The first time capturing was 4:3 and that is why I had problems. I captured another clip in DVD PAL HQ 16:9 and the problem was totally solved.

Thanks.

[mitchell65]

Hi David
Delighted it worked out OK in the end. Just one point, don't set too much store on the project properties, they have no real bearing on the final outcome, it is the settings when you save a video file or burn to folder or disk that matters.
Also you might consider entering you location (country will do). This helps, helpers, with time lag on replies plus knowing if you are in PAL or NTSC territory!

[david_lexicon]

OK. Will do