I have encoded downloaded divX files, video captures from VHS, video captures from SatTV, and home movies in DV format. I always use Source_Anamorphic=false, and everything turns out great.

I'm just curious... can someone tell me when I should ever use Source_Anamorphic=True?

Thanks,
Icarus

I think that should be used when the source is widescreen format. I don't know how it works with letterboxed films though. Basically it's just to keep the correct aspect ratio (no egg heads etc.)

Very simple: when your source is a DVD that is indicated as "16:9 anamorphic" on the cover.

Hypothetically, what if I am encoding a divX avi that comes from an anamorphic DVD source. How would I know by looking at the divX file whether or not I need to encode as anamorphic? OR, since it is a divX file will it NEVER be anamorphic?

Thanks,
Icarus

Usualy people that encode divx never did it as anamorhic.

An anamorphic material is easy to identify : your player tells you that it has a 4/3 image ratio but when you play it, all the people are "streched" (giving them a "conehead"). And magic : if you force the player to adapt the ratio to 16/9, all people in the film turn to normal.

That is was anamophism is ! Encode a 16/9 picture into a 4/3 image ratio by steching it vertically. It is used basicaly on movie in theater to use all the area on the film.