Converting net videos to mpegs for the MVP

[Dave72]

So I have this app that scans folders and converts various video files into mpeg format for my MVP.
Recently I rewrote it to handle aspect ratios properly for display on my SD tv.
Any files that come in larger than 640x480 get converted down, and if their aspect ratio is something other than 4:3, the mpeg gets padding. This is working good.
However, files that are smaller than 640x480 seem to be hit and miss.
My script lets them thru 'as is' if the aspect ratio is correct (4:3).. it pads if other than 4:3.
Some 4:3 videos play on the MVP fine (full screen).. I think one example is a 320x240 file.
But then a 480x360 (also 4:3) plays in the top portion of the screen, instead of filling it out. My script didnt pad it at all, since it was 4:3 and under 640x480.

I think Im lacking some understanding of how the MVP or my TV handles different resolution sources.
I could indeed pad these smaller sources into a 640x480 file, but then it would be very small screen at the tv. I think Id rather let them play full-screen if possible.

Thoughts ?

[mvallevand]

"Standard" mpeg resolutions will typically stretch by hardware, others are tricky. I got these DVB standards from Wikipedia

* 720, 640, 544, 528, 480 or 352 × 480 pixel, 24/1.001, 24, 30/1.001 or 30 frame/s
* 352 × 240 pixel, 24/1.001, 24, 30/1.001 or 30 frame/s
* 720, 704, 544, 528, 480 or 352 × 576 pixel, 25 frame/s
* 352 × 288 pixel, 25 frame/s

Martin

[Dave72]

Thanks for that info.
I had not thought of the fps in this converter.

I think Im gonna make a little 5 second clip and duplicate it into all sorts of resolutions (and fps), put it into a folder, then 'play all'.
Ill post back here when done.