I shoot 1080p and downconvert to SD by rendering to MPEG-2 DVD architect NTSC 24p widescreen. I've noticed that when played on a 4:3 TV, the sides are cut off a little. I know that I'm making the video for widescreen, but how is it when you buy a DVD you don't have this issue when played on either setup?

Your aspect ratio should be 720 x 480....you probably are using the wrong setting and need to change it. Otherwise I'm at a loss...probably something obvious...hasn't happened to me...hope that helps.

But why not make it widescreen SD since most people are watching on a widescreen TV?

...if you're using Vegas 9, on Project Properties just be sure to "mark": Adjust source media to better match project or render settings..... and make the render to DVD arch mpeg2 widescreen... earlier versions of Vegas doesn´t have this option and you have to make another workaround ... hope this is not your case...

good luck

Thanks for the reponses guys. I use Vegas 10 and I just noticed that it's checked automatically. I never seemed to care much for those settings because I heard that it's for preview and rendering settings take priority.

So most people are just rendering to 720x480 with PAR of 0.9 rather than 1.21 widescreen? I just thought it to be a waste to not give them the benefit of widescreen.

Personally, I do not turn out anything but widescreen any more.

Can I ask what your rendering out to Jeff? When I select the DVD Architect 24p widescreen preset, I've noticed that some of the side are cut off on a 4:3 TV. Like when a line of people getting there pic taken and the outide people are cut out. Perhaps most people don't notice this and I've never had anyone complain. I was just curious what other people are rendering to avoid this. It plays perfect on a 16:9.

Same dimensions as you. I understand the issue now, I think. Your not doing anything wrong...I think what your seeing is normal. When editing you have to be careful to leave a margin on the outside edges if it's going to be seen on 4:3 tv. Otherwise tell your customers to watch it on a widescreen tv for the best result. problem solved.

Thanks Jeff. :D

You're welcome...misunderstood original post.

As someone pointed out in another thread, much more clearly than I can explain it, widescreen tv will also cut off a bit.