aspect ratio squeezes when importing 720×486 .mov

[Michael Sacci]

4:3 and 16:9 are the same resolution, they just have a different shape (aspect) to the pixel. Make sure the clips and the sequence have “anamorphic” checked and the footage will display as 16:9.

No need to use compressor for this.

[Marjorie Alexander]

The original clip, 720x 480 (486) isnt 4:3…is it? 4:3 would technically be 720 x 540 right?

Either way I did check anamorphic on the clip which then squeezed it too much in the other direction. Is there no way to set the clip and sequence so I see it in exactly 720 x 480?

I also did change the sequence preset within the A/V Settings which didnt seem to make any difference one way or another. I tried multiple anamorphic settings there. None, changed anything.

In my last two years of using FCP I’ve never encountered an aspect ratio issue when importing any files so this is kinda driving me nuts.

[John Pale]

[Marjorie Alexander] “Hello, I am importing .mov files (originally shot on 35mm and given to me in QT by the colorist) with the following specifications but the aspect ratio keeps squeezing down to 4:3 when I view it in FCP 6.”

Can you post a still?

I am guessing since it was shot on 35mm film, its either 1.85:1 or 2.35:1. You can have Compressor (using the Geometry Pane) letterbox this correctly in a 16:9 or 4:3 frame size, depending on what you want.

[Marjorie Alexander]

Here is the original file playing in QT.

Here it is in FCP imorted and viewed with default settings.

Here it is in FCP imorted and viewed as anamorphic.

…all forced to be equal in height so you can compare width. Although I did notice the original QT frame cuts off a bit of the top and bottom when I compared that to the original FCP import. Does that mean the imported version is the real aspect ratio and QT is squeezed? I’m so confused…

[Rafael Amador]

[Marjorie Alexander] “The original clip, 720x 480 (486) isnt 4:3…is it? 4:3 would technically be 720 x 540 right? “
This is like that for Squared pixels.

[Marjorie Alexander] “Does that mean the imported version is the real aspect ratio and QT is squeezed? I’m so confused…”
Ye marjorie, is like that.
QT Player do not understand about “pixels aspects”. By default display everything as Squared pixels distorting the picture.
Rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[John Pale]

Can you upload one of the actual QT files to my iDisk? I think I know the answer, but its tough to tell precisely from the images you posted. Do you have one that has a person’s face or something that will more obviously indicate the degree of stretching going on..

The image appears to be natively neither 4:3 or 16:9. It is likely a film aspect ratio that needs to be letterboxed to be displayed correctly.

e-mail me at pale.edit AT mac.com for instructions, if you want me to look at it more closely.