I have some NTSC SD 720x480 DVDs that I need to convert from tangible DVDs to videos that can be purchased and downloaded, just as individual MP4 files. For the final files, what should the frame size be? 640x480? 656x480? Keep it at 720x480? I hate to make it any smaller than necessary...
My guess for the best and fastest way is to use Handbrake.
Work in batch and convert to 720x480 square pixels and if the DVD is interlaced use the deïnterlace filter of Handbrake. Output MP4.
Yes, I am going to use HB, frame served from Vegas as I have to do some color and sound correction to improve the original DVD. 720x480 in square pixels becomes 640x480, correct? Or are you saying to keep it 720x480? More specifically, what would you specify for these settings in HB?
Sorry, if you frameserve it from Vegas I cannot help you.
I live in PAL country😁
DVD uses a different PAR with 4:3 and with widescreen. So, determine what the PAR of the DVD original is, and calculate the intended screen dimensions from that. Use those dimensions as your VP project dimensions and render to them, as well.
In the former Handbrake version you could customize the PAR for the render output.
I cannot find that option in the new Handbrake version anymore.
The popup helpfile at Anamorphic list still the option, but the option itself is gone.
Maybe the workaround of Red Prince works.
I figured it out finally. You have to set Anamorphic to none and that will set the PAR to 1x1 automatically. You can't use the Automatic setting because then even if set to 640x480, the picture will be stretched out wide.
I figured it out finally.
Good. 🎥