720x480 aspect ratio 3:2 vs. 4:3 correct?
 

I have a question regarding 720 x 480 aspect ratio. I understand that this aspect ratio is a 3:2 aspect ratio. My question is that should 720 x 480 be left as a 3:2 aspect ratio or should it be changed to a 4:3 aspect ratio? If its left as a 3:2 aspect ratio how would it look on 16:9 displays compared to it being 4:3 aspect ratio?

Since most members are here and VH, I'll just share the discussion.

720x480 is square pixel 3:2 with 1:1 aspect ratio. Certain containers, such as lossless, lack both setting aspect ratio or flagging interlace. But that's a good thing, becase you cannot make a mistake. It's meant to be a "raw file" or sort (just with non-lossy image compression).

When containerized (MPEG, H.264 in MP4, etc), it needs to be set 4:3 and properly flagged interlace/progressive.

It looks stretched when viewed 16:9, and that's why HDTVs have the aspect button on the remote.

I don't like to pawn off to long threads on other sites (or even within this site) without some sort of summary. And sometimes folks dupe post on this site, unsatisfied with the answers they got elsewhere. That VH thread was (sadly, again) derailed by the peanut gallery, with too much snark, for what I consider a basic simple question with a basic simple answer.

Unfortunately, simple basic answers are not always accepted, That thread is an example of that.

Oh yeah, I know. I just want to prepare them for the rabbit hole they're about to enter, or even a shitstorm in some cases (ie, certain other sites, and/or with certain participants).

AR topics often have "the short answer" (TL;DR) and "the longer answer".

Short answer = "Do this, stop asking questions."
Long answer = little kid: "Why?"