Conversion to allow 16:9 on google video. Anyone know how to do it?

When uploading my videos to google video that were recorded on my camcorder in 16:9 mode, they get converted to a squashed 4:3 aspect ratio that includes the black pillars on the right and left sides of the screen. When playing the movie clips on my computer, I always see the correct widescreen format displayed. I'd like to upload my 16:9 clips to google video and still retain their aspect ratio. Does anyone have any experience in doing this? I'm a bigtime noob when it comes to video conversion, so if you know of a method I'd appreciate it if you'd include the name of the software you'd suggest I should use... Thanks

A 16:9 clip uploaded and squashed to 4:3 by google:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2215290547107671756&hl=en

A 16:9 clip on google video showing that google video can accept 16:9 videos:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2376568701388728852

Thanks

 

You did not mention what format or AR you are using. Try a 853x480 MPEG2.