VideoStudio 9.0 - Please Help with 16:9 Aspect Ratio

[trenery]

There are loads that are not encypted. The Borrowers is not and this is the one I am using as the test.

Thanks

[trenery]

Right, I have done loads of tests on this and spent hours on it. My initial problem is that the VOB files generated by my Sony camcorder were being imprted into VS9 as 4:3 and not 16:9 (as recorded)

I have found that even some shop brought wide screen (16:9) DVD's are also imported by VS9 as 4:3.

Importing incorrectly means that the final 16:9 output movie is squashed and has black borders left and right as well as top and bottom. A widescreen movie should only have black borders top and bottom.

I am sure that the problem is a bug in VS9. It seems to make a mistake on some DVD VOB files and does not detect the correct aspect ration in the attributes.

I can also confirm that Nero Vision Express 2 also makes the same error on the same films. However, I have just installed Nero Vision Express 3 and the problem is fixed. Now, all my 16:9 camcorder video VOB files are imported as widescreen.

I like Ulead so I hope this issue gets resolved.

[erock1]

That's because VS 9 does not -- and for that matter, no other program of similar cost -- handles 5.1 Dolby audio. That is only done in much more expensive and sophisticated programs, and even then, they are not numerous.

I have been able to get past all the initial problems that I had after I started using Image Mixer (the software that comes with the Sony DCR-DVD403 camcorder) to extract the videos.

Also, I haven't had any problems with regard to the sound being down converted to 2-channel audio. When I played back the DVD on my HT system, my surround sound processor seemed to pick up Dolby Prologic signal. I check again and see if it does Dolby Digital.

Viji

Viji
sorry I can't help with the aspect ratio problem but I just thought I would contribute to the Dolby audio issues. Ken is correct with regard to Digital Dolby 5.1 audio. While VS9 can and does support Digital Dolby (AC3), it is strictly 2 channel Dobly. VS does not support 5.1 channel. The proof for you is in your HT system's processor display. You indicate that the audio is a "Dolby Prologic signal." The use of Prologic by a proceessor is used only when a 2 channel audio signal is detected. It doesn't matter if the signal is Digital Dobly 2 channel, LPCM 2 channel or stereo 2 channel. The Prologic processor ehnances 2 channel audio with whatever DSP settings you have setup, Simulated Surround, Stadium, Theater, Movie, etc.

Here is a complete rundown of Pro Logic and its advancements

Dolby Pro Logic®
Pro Logic processing can be found on almost all home theater receivers. It delivers 4-channel playback of Dolby Surround-encoded stereo sources (primarily VHS tapes and stereo TV broadcasts). Pro Logic includes a center channel for on-screen sound; front left and right channels for sound that moves with the action; and a limited-bandwidth mono surround channel sent to the left and right surround speakers to provide ambience and sound effects.

Dolby Pro Logic® II
A big improvement of the original Dolby Pro Logic processing, Pro Logic IIx gives Dolby Surround-encoded sources a three-dimensionality that approaches the realism of Dolby Digital soundtracks. Pro Logic II transforms any Surround or stereo source — including music — into full 5.1-channel sound. This includes full-bandwidth stereo surround channels and a subwoofer channel.

Dolby Pro Logic® IIx
The newest addition to the Pro Logic family was designed with today's 7-channel receivers in mind. Pro Logic IIx processing can transform Dolby Surround and stereo sources into enveloping 7.1-channel sound, complete with four full-bandwidth surround channels. (When used with 6-channel receivers, Pro Logic IIx yields 6.1 surround sound.)

I hope this helps,
Erock