Aspect ratio of NTSC monitor display

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Level 7

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Aspect ratio of NTSC monitor display

We're working on a FCP 4.5 project that's shot 16:9, and displays with the correct widescreen aspect in the canvas window (so long as pixels are displayed square). However, when I run mirrored video through a Sony DSR11 deck to an NTSC monitor, the picture appears stretched vertically (to fill the screen). How can I correct the aspect of the display in the monitor?

Thanks

Matt Clifton

2.5GHz|3.5GB G5, 1.5GHz|512MB PB12, iSight, 4G iPod, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jan 12, 2007 7:49 AM

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Answer 1

loyed256

Level 4

2,265 points

Jan 12, 2007 9:04 AM in response to Matt Clifton

Does the display have a 16:9 button? If so then push it. If not the some decks will letterbox the signal and display it as a letterbox on a 4:3 monitor. I have a Sony DSR 50 that does this. It is dependent on the first clip in the sequence, whatever format that is is what it does for the rest of the sequence.

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Answer 2

Matt Clifton Author

Level 7

29,981 points

Jan 12, 2007 9:25 AM in response to loyed256

It doesn't have a 16:9 button - it's not a particularly high-end monitor. I don't think the deck has the option either. I think we'll live with it, since we're converting to an Avid sequence soon anyway.

Thanks anyway

Matt

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Answer 3

loyed256

Level 4

2,265 points

Jan 12, 2007 10:05 AM in response to Matt Clifton

I don't think it's an option on my deck either as it's more of an autodetect thing. The other question is it true 16:9 or is it anamorphic. If it's anamorphic then it needs to be stretched as opposed to true 16:9 which is what the deck detects and the letterboxes.

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Answer 4

Jan 12, 2007 10:16 AM in response to Matt Clifton

All a widescreen button does is adjust the V height of the display. You can do that yourself on any video CRT. If it isn't on the front, then it's probably a screwdriver hole in the back. If it isn't there and it's a broadcast monitor, then it may be in a menu. Take your ruler out and adjust it until you get a 16:9 ration.

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Answer 5

Jan 12, 2007 11:07 AM in response to Matt Clifton

What you need to do is drop the sequence in to a 4:3 sequence which will create a nest that is letterboxed.

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Answer 6

loyed256

Level 4

2,265 points

Jan 12, 2007 11:19 AM in response to Steve Braker

Now there's a video hack! Good tip.

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Answer 7

Jan 12, 2007 12:34 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

If I read right the poster is working anamorphic and wants to monitor it properly. Anything that creates a letterboxed display on 4:3 (including a deck conversion will not be monitoring the true signal. It will be a downrezzed and substantially mashed version.

If you need to truly monitor anamorphic output, just "anamorph" the monitor - see above.

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