ffmpeg command line value for SUPER “Stretch it”

[Michael Rampe]

Hi Dorian,

Glad I could be of help.

[Dorian Stage] “For whatever reason, SMPlayer doesn’t like the ffmpeg outputs.”

In my experience, the problems with playback/display usually reside with the player, not the file.

[Dorian Stage] “However, CorePlayer in the phone plays the anamorphic output correctly with the default aspect ratio (Auto). It messes up though with the letter-box output playing it by adding its own black bars on top and under those encoded in the movie. It plays correctly if the aspect ratio is chosen from the menu (either Square or 4:3).”

Hopefully, one day soon, anamorphic issues will be a thing of the past. That is why all the main HD formats are square pixel 16:9. (1920×1080 or 1280×720) Until then, if you are having issues, square pixel is always the safest choice.

[Dorian Stage] “Now that you’ve explained the magic of anamorphic encoding, I believe the 3GP container has problems with the aspect ratio. 3GP video”

It is what I have been suspecting the whole time.

[Dorian Stage] “I don’t expect a free command line utility like ffmpeg to rival one of the best commercial encoders”

Just because it is free, doesn’t mean that it is not as good. Remember, many commercial encoders rely on ffmpeg, libx264 and other open source libraries for their core functionality. They are charging you for the GUI which in my mind usually limits the possibilities of many codecs. (As you found with the SUPER limitations on frame size.) And yes, I know SUPER is not commercial, just an example of GUI implementing restrictions.

[Dorian Stage] “but I’m kind of curious why ffmpeg outputs are not as correctly readable as those from TMPGenc. What do you think?”

I am curious as well. The best way to be sure of the differences is to use a utility to compare the container flags of the two outputs. I use Dumpster on Mac which shows all of the “atoms” of QT and mp4 containers and essence. There must be something similar on PC for AVI and 3gp files.

And finally, always work to your target format/device. If it is for the NokiaN95, it only matters how it looks on that device. Ignore the other players results as they are unimportant for the NokiaN95.

Michael

[Dorian Stage]

Thank you very much Michael, for your time and very valuable help!

Dorian