Outputting a 16:9 MP4 in FCP
 

I can't seem to output a 16:9 MP4 from an XDCAM 1440x1080 project in FCP. I have tried outputting from both FCP and Compressor, but each file ends up being 4:3 squished. For my own playback this is fine, I just stretch QT player, but my client needs to load the video onto their website, and so I need to supply the video in 16:9. Any ideas how I can solve this?

Go to File -> Export -> Quicktime Conversion

then choose MPEG-4. Choose options and under the video tab, go with these settings:

Video Format: h.264
Date Rate: 5000 kbps
Image Size: 1280x720HD

Leave Preserve aspect ratio unchecked and everything else how it is.

Try that, lower the data rate if you need to. You can also mess with audio and streaming settings on the other tabs, but choosing the image size as 1280x720HD should fix your aspect problem. You could also export at the 1920x1080HD preset, or do a custom export at 864x480.

What's confusing here is 1440x1080 is a 4:3 Aspect ratio, although in this case it is 4:3 Anamorphic because you are using non-square pixels.

FCP knows this too and automatically plays back in the correct display format, without you having to do anything. It's not altering the footage, it's simply playing back non-square pixels as square pixels.

When you export your movie choose an aspect ratio that is 16:9 and has square pixels and you'll have no problem.

16:9 = 320x180 = 480x270 = 512x288 = 640x360 = 720x404 = 1280 x 720 = 1920 x 1080

Thanks guys. I've got it sorted with your invaluable help.