Why is my 960x720 (4:3) video showing with black letterbox bars at left & right???

I am trying to edit 960x720 (that has the 4:3 aspect ratio look) in FCPX but keep getting a 16:9 look as output when I "share" it. Can someone assist me in understanding where I am going wrong.

My steps:

[1] Recorded off iPad via Reflector => 960x720, AAC, H.264, HD(1-1-1) [no black edges]

[2] Import to FCP (transcoded) => 960x720, Apple ProRes 422, Lenear PCM, Timecode, HD (1-1-1) [no black edges]

[3] Create Project: 720p HD, 960x720, 30p (Apple ProRes 422)

[4] Put clip from [2] onto timeline ==> Get Black Edges (i.e. on left and right)

QUESTION 1 - Why is this if I set in [3] the video to 960x720, which matches that from [1] an d [2]?


[5] Share to Apple Devices 720p, with resolution 960x720 => has Black Edges

QUESTION 2 - Same as Q1 really

Post screen shot of this: Import to FCP (transcoded) => 960x720, Apple ProRes 422, Lenear PCM, Timecode, HD (1-1-1) [no black edges]
and post screen shot of this: Put clip from [2] onto timeline ==> Get Black Edges (i.e. on left and right)

Hi Tom - here are the two snapshots (hopefully this was what you were after).

The problem is 960x720 is an HD anamorphic format. Unfortunately what's been shot is not HD, not widescreen, but 4:3 square pixels. This would require a custom project size, or you could convert the media to standard definition using SD frame specs. FCP does not allow for custom project formats except using some workarounds.

Hi Tom,

So do you mean change the video to SD (PAL or NTSC) and try this? Would I lose some quality doing this? I should note final destination is uploading with as high as possible quality to youtube (not sure if this makes a difference to the answer)

I don't suppose there is a Mac app/tool that could easily "crop" off the edges? (just asking the dumb questions)

Else if the above is too difficult due to the nature of the formats, then reshooting the video using an iPhone 5 rather than an iPad may be required?

thanks
Greg

Going down to SD will reduce quality. Reshooting with a video camera would be best.

ok - thanks Tom

PS. As it is "videoing" a game being played on an IOS device I can't really video it as such (with using tilt and controls etc) hence the use of "Air Play" and "Reflector" to show a window on a Mac that can be recorded that emulates the device I'll try again with an iPhone 5 rather than iPad