What is the best re-encoding software for preserving aspect ratio?

I have 2 avi files that I want to re-encode. I have tried MainConcept Encoder in 16:9 mode but the resulting picture is still too stretched. So I need software that will allow me to set the AR to, say, 1.33:1, 1.85:1, 2.66:1 etc.

Can anyone recommend sw that will do the trick and that is relatively simple and intuitive to use?

 

VSO DivX to DVD.

 

If you used "Tmpgenc Pluss" you can set up the Video so it Looks anyway you want useing the "Video Arrange Method" settings and the "Clip Frame" settings.....

I generally use the Resolution/Aspect Ratio Calculator in "Gordain Knot" to calculate how to resize my Video files based on there resolution also if you set the "Video arrange Method" setting in Tmpgenc to "Full Screen(Keep aspect ratio 2)" setting it allmost allways does a Perfect resize of your Source File which keeping the source aspect ratio.....

Cheers

 

But do any do batch conversions?

 

Yes "Tmpgenc Pluss" has a Batch Convert feature....

 

Here is how to achieve proper AR in MainConcept (and batch encode). Get a resolution calculator: http://www.tomzavodny.cz/program/bitcalc/index_en.php is the one I use. Use the resolution calc on the right side, input your source resolution and select target resolution (NTSC, PAL), dvd = 720 x (480 or 576). This will give you a resize resolution which you can use in MainConcept's "crop and scale". Make sure "keep proportions" is unticked and encode as 4.3. To encode as anamorphic widescreen, follow above steps and increase height in "crop and scale" by 1.3 and encode as 16.9.