Aspect ratio keeps switching on DVD playback

[malc1003]

Hi,

I use VideoStudio Pro x3 and am having a problem with aspect ratio switching on DVD playback.
All the video source files in the project have the same properties:

Frame Width: 704
Frame Height: 576

The project properties are set to 16:9 and I have followed the Guide on Widescreen overlays.
The preview window always displays in widescreen no problem.
After creating a DVD via the DVD creator, when I playback the movie it switches between 4:3 and 16:9 sometimes within the same clip but always at the same places.

Thanks

[Ron P.]

I've been noticing a similar problem when rendering some video from my Canon FS-300. It records to MPEG-2 and the bitrate is pushing the top end at 9600kbps. At first I thought the problem is due to the high bitrate, but now have found that not to be the case. From tests I've narrowed it down to Smart Render.

Try rendering a short clip not using Smart Render and see if the problem persists.

Tests Performed

The tests were done using 4 video clips recorded from my Canon FS 300 camcorder. The properties of those clips are;

NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Upper Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 16:9
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 9600 kbps)
Audio data rate: 256 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)

The only editing done to these clips were Cross-fade transitions added to the beginning, ending and between each clip.

First clip rendered using the Same as First Clip setting. The resulting video file played back using Media Player Classic Home Cinema, showed heavy pixelization around the transitions. Playback using Windows Media Player showed a constant switching in aspect ratio from 16:9 to 4:3, and seems to be occurring at the transitions.

Next I choose to lower the bitrate from 9600kbps to VBR 8000kbps, again with Smart Render. The resultant clips playback in Media Player Classic Home Cinema, did not have the heavy pixelization, however had stuttering at the transitions. In Windows Media Player, the same was found, without the switching in aspect ratio. So this appears to have at least cleared the aspect ratio problem to a degree, but still had a problem at the transitions.

Finally rendering a video clip, with the lower bitrate of 8000kpbs, and using CBR instead of VBR, and not using Smart Render, the resulting video clip played back smoothly in both software media players. No juttering, no aspect ratio problems.

So it seems in my tests Smart Render has reverted back to the days of VS 9, where it caused more problems than it's worth. Whenever it is used problems are introduced, and really evident around transition points.

[malc1003]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the prompt suggestion, however "Smart Proxy" is not currently enabled anyway (I'm dealing with SD files).

[Ron P.]

I edited my previous post with the findings of my tests. They are not related to Smart Proxy, but to Smart Render.

[malc1003]

I can't find an option for "Smart Render"

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

X3 does not come with a suitable on board burner module so you have to complete the project by Share Create Video File. The default DVD Factory Pro 2010 is quite poor, and that’s being polite.

Corel provides DVD Movie Factory 7SE as the preferred burning program.

Can you confirm that you are using DVD MF7se.

However you should complete the project by Share Create Video File, choosing one of the options, “Same as first Video Clip” should be suitable.

From the following window choose "Options " de-select Smart Render

Does the resultant video file show this aspect problem?

[malc1003]

Hi,

I was using the DVD Factory Pro 2010 but I followed your instructions to create the video file and then unselecting the "Smart Render" under the Options.
Unfortunately the aspect problem is exactly the same.

Ron,

I tried using a CBR of 8000 and disabled Smart Rendering and guess what.....it worked.
Thanks so much for your help !!