Outputting a 16:9 MP4 in FCP at DVinfo.net

Shaun R Walker · May 3rd, 2009, 11:18 PM

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?

Nate Haustein · May 4th, 2009, 12:44 AM

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.

Liam Hall · May 4th, 2009, 07:22 AM

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

Shaun R Walker · May 4th, 2009, 06:36 PM

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

May 3rd, 2009, 11:18 PM	#1
Shaun R Walker Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Central Coast, NSW Australia Posts: 119	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?

May 4th, 2009, 12:44 AM	#2
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	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. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

May 4th, 2009, 07:22 AM	#3
Liam Hall Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: London, England Posts: 969	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 __________________ Writer-Director-DOP www.liamhall.net

May 4th, 2009, 06:36 PM	#4
Shaun R Walker Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Central Coast, NSW Australia Posts: 119	Thanks guys. I've got it sorted with your invaluable help.