• Apple Final Cut Pro Legacy

  FCP 5.1 REFUSES to let me export in 1440×1080. Messes up Aspect Ratio. Always Exports 1920×1080

  Posted by Allen Ramenberg on May 6, 2009 at 2:03 pm

  THE PROBLEM

  I shot this video in HDV, 24p on a Canon XH-A1.
  The native import format was 1440 x 1080 (16:9)
  Pixel Aspect ration was 1440 x 1080
  Native compressor was HDV-1080p

  I set the sequence settings to match. Everything looks FINE in Final Cut. Except that the image is bordered on the sides with vertical black bars. But the aspect ratio looks fine. I do not look skinnier or fatter. I think…

  Now here’s the problem. When I export, whether I use “Current Settings” or HDV-1080p, or a custom setting that exactly matches the sequence, IT ALWAYS comes out as 1920 x 1080 and completely smooshes everything in the middle of the frame. I look taller and skinner, but kind of ghoulish.

  I’ve tried exporting QuickTime, QuickTIme Conversion, and with Compressor.

  Always smooshed.

  Am I missing a CODEC?

  I’m on FCP 5.1, but I have Express 6 installed on my machine (which may have loaded more CODECS on). Weirdest thing, this file that I’m working on REFUSES to open in FCP Express.

  Do you have a pro FCP setup that can do this? Maybe mine is too old and frail for HD.

  Help a brutha’ out. Sincere THanks.

  Aaron Neitz replied 17 years, 4 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
• 1 Reply

• 

  Aaron Neitz

  May 6, 2009 at 10:25 pm

  I’ll be honest: I don’t know squat about HDV. However can surmise:

  i imagine it’s like DVCPRO-HD. In order to keep data rate down, HDV films in 1440×1080 anamorphic: it’s MEANT to be stretched sideways to fill 1920×1080. So when you see it in FCP with black bars on the sides, something has been set wrong. You’re seeing yourself skinner (sorry! tough breaks!)

  Again, I’m just guessing. A good way to confirm if your aspect ratio is correct is to create a circle and rotate it: if it wobbles then something is off.

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