Photoshop pixel aspect ratio

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Level 1

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Photoshop pixel aspect ratio

I'm currently working on using a photoshop file as a layered menu in DVD SP but having some problems getting good quality. As i understand it the problem is in the pixel aspect ratio. I have created the menu graphic in Photoshop at 1280 x 720 and then I down convert and save it at 720 x 480. the image looks great on a 4:3 menu but when I try it with a 16:9 menu DVDSP doesn't stretch it and it becomes pixilated. i've tried saving it as 853 x 480 which fits the 16:9 menu but then DVD SP down converts the image to 720 x 480 before stretching it causing more pixilation. it seems that no matter what the pixel aspect ratio in PS, DVD SP regards the pixels as square. Ideally I would want to be able to use the 720 x 480 photoshop file in a 16:9 menu to aviod any resizing in DVD SP as it is terrrible at it. Is there a setting somewhere that I am missing? Thanks for any in site.

Posted on Aug 4, 2009 4:06 PM

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Answer 1

ryangall7 Author

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Aug 4, 2009 4:09 PM in response to ryangall7

update: this seems only to be a problem when using layered menus

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Answer 2

Aug 5, 2009 6:08 AM in response to ryangall7

Well there are a whole host of reasons to avoid layered menus, but back to the subject. Photoshop has Presets for 4:3 and 16:9 screens. Use those, do not create your menus at 1280x720. Do not use the same photoshop file for both 4:3 and 16:9 menus. As an added benefit the Presets will add guidelines showing you the title safe areas of your screen.

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Answer 3

Olse

Level 2

210 points

Aug 5, 2009 1:40 PM in response to ryangall7

A file created as 1280x720 and then scaled down to 720x480 should be displayed perfect in DVDSP as 16:9 (NTSC). Sure you're not in PAL country? If yes, use 720x576 when scaling down.

PS. As Shawn said: avoid layered menus.

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Answer 4

Socsnail

Level 1

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Aug 5, 2009 5:11 PM in response to Shawn Birmingham

Hi there, I'm wondering if you could help with a tangential issue? I've previously worked with Photoshop & AE, creating comps at 720x540, for use in AE, then nesting the comp for output at 720x480. This time, I'm working with Premiere Pro, AE, and Photoshop and I'm a bit confused on the pixel aspect ratio using all three programs. I read on an Adobe forum that my PS comp should be 720x534, but do I keep the PAR SQ pixels? or choose the D1/DV NTSC (0.91) preset? Ideally, I want to assemble stills & clips in Premiere, then use AE for animation & FX, then back to Premiere for output to Encore. The end result is a DVD project (Menu and film). Any advice? Thanks so much!!

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