Why Use 16:9 Anamorphic Video?
16:9 anamorphic video provides NTSC and PAL compatibility but removes the
4:3 aspect ratio limitation. Anamorphic 16:9 video is becoming less common as high
definition (HD) video becomes affordable, offering native 16:9 aspect ratio and higher
resolution. However, HD video will not completely replace SD video for many years,
so you may still find yourself working with 16:9 anamorphic footage on occasion.
16:9 anamorphic video is used for three main reasons:
 For widescreen productions using SD equipment
 For film transfers to SD DVD to maintain the original film aspect ratio
 To create SD footage whose aspect ratio is compatible with 16:9 HD footage or film
16:9 anamorphic (squeezed into 4:3)
16:9 anamorphic (stretched to 16:9)
Appendix D
Working with Anamorphic 16:9 Media
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