fce 4 export questions

[ercw]

I just got FCE 4 and I need some kind of general help that might save me lots of rendering experimenting time.

-My footage is 1080i or 24p (Canon HV-20)

Whether I render for youtube or DVD , I want the aspect ratio to be correct.
(I dont care about the black space above and below the image)

would it be better to render in 720p ? I already understand the difference between using "make a QT movie" and "use QT conversion"
Until I get an HD Dvd burner, I'd like to get the best quality for regular SDV playback on a regular TV and obviously the best settings for rendering for youtube.

I know it's a loaded question but if any of you more experienced folks outhere want to throw me a bone with your advice, I would be more than greatful.

Thanks

 

[ppc_michael]

Usually what I do is edit in the native format/resolution, then I create a sequence with the settings I want to convert to and drop the native sequence inside of the new "lower-rez" one. That takes care of much of the conversion, including the aspect ratio (assuming you want letterboxing, which is bad practice for DVDs but fine for YouTube).

 

[ercw]

letterboxing, which is bad practice for DVDs but fine for YouTube).

Thanks , that's good advice. Now, what do you mean by letterbox for DVD is bad practice?