Exporting Custom Resolution Quicktime Movie with Custom Pixel Aspect Ratio

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Level 1

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Exporting Custom Resolution Quicktime Movie with Custom Pixel Aspect Ratio

I want to export some 16x9 sequences (and others) at different resolutions with different pixel aspect ratios.

I have tried exporting as a Quicktime movie, but I get a codec error (with my required H.264 & AAC audio).

I have tried exporting using Quicktime conversion, but there is nowhere to enter a custom pixel aspect ratio (if they added that as an option in “preserve aspect ratio”, that would be nice).

I have tried exporting using Compressor, but it doesn't seem to accept my setting of pixel aspect ratio (HDV 1080i 16:9)—at least when I play back the video it is not using wide pixels.

Thanks for any suggestions.

G5

G5

Posted on Jan 10, 2007 1:11 PM

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Answer 1

jimi5150

Level 3

544 points

Jan 10, 2007 1:41 PM in response to Mousinger

You could try exporting a quicktime movie first. Then, as long as you have quicktime pro, open the movie up in quicktime and do an export as a quicktime movie choosing the codec you desire. There is a "size" button that contains a "maintain aspect ratio" option. If you use a different codec, you simply have to calculate the resolution manually and enter that in the export preferences.

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Answer 2

Mousinger Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 11, 2007 9:14 AM in response to jimi5150

I don't have Quicktime Pro, but I also don't want to re-compress content, as that will reduce quality.

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Answer 3

Jim Cookman

Level 7

23,447 points

Jan 11, 2007 9:20 AM in response to Mousinger

What version of FCP are you using? If you did a proper install of 5, you automatically have QT Pro. With all other versions you have a key in your documentation to unlock QT PRo.

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Answer 4

Mousinger Author

Level 1

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Jan 19, 2007 8:22 AM in response to Jim Cookman

I do seem to have Quicktime Pro installed--at least there are some things that seem to indicate it (says "Automatic" where you're supposed to enter the key).

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Answer 5

Andy Mees

Level 6

12,610 points

Jan 19, 2007 9:49 AM in response to Mousinger

exactly how custom are these custom pixel aspect ratios ... is this an art project type thing where you are trying to override the natural aspect ratio of the video?

or is it anamorphic/non-anamorphic type thing where you want it to playback at 16:9 but is playing back squished into 4:3?

more details might make it easier to find a soultion.

it could be that all you need to do is edit the Movie Properties in Quicktime Player
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3722525&#3722525

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Answer 6

Mousinger Author

Level 1

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Jan 22, 2007 10:10 AM in response to Andy Mees

I would like to have arbitrary control of the pixel frame size on export as well as arbitrary control of the pixel aspect ratio. However, in this case I specificially want to export some video in a 4:3 pixel arrangement (such as 360x270) but have its display be 16:9 via non-square (i.e. 4:3) pixel aspect ratio.

In that sense, yes, I want to have something play back at 16:9, but at least some of my attempts to export video are squished at 4:3.

While it may be possible to adjust the display in the Quicktime Player, the AVC video syntax as specified by ISO and MPEG standards bodies allow the specification of the pixel aspect ratio (actually sample aspect ratio in the standard) within the bitstream, and when it is there, the latest versions of Quicktime will (from my experience) render the video with the correct aspect ratio.

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