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General discussion

Recording in 16:9 Question

Jan 26, 2006 6:57AM PST

I'm considering purchasing an Optura 600. My question is this: Should I record all of my videos in 16:9 format even if I don't have a widescreen television? In other words, what will happen if I try to play 16:9 on my non-widescreen tv? Many thanks in advance for you help.

Discussion is locked

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16:9
Jan 26, 2006 9:28AM PST

It is really up to you. Most camcorders will letterbox your footage once played back on a 4:3 tv as long as you use S-video. If not, it will look squished on your tv. If you have a 4:3 tv, why not record in 4:3.
If you are going to get a 16:9 tv soon, record in 16:9.
You can also letterbox your 16:9 footage on editing software if you plan to burn to dvd.

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16:9
Jan 26, 2006 9:42AM PST

Well, that was my next question. I DO plan on using editing software to create DVDs, etc. Thus, if I do record in 16:9, am I able to burn the discs in 4:3?

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16:9
Jan 26, 2006 12:28PM PST

Depends on the software, but you should be able to letterbox it.