When I set the aspect ratio to letterbox by clicking Movie, Add new Movie, Widescreen 16:9. The preview shows the movie in widescreen on the PC. However upon playback in my dvd player / recorder it does not show as widescreen. Movies are displayed in ye olde pan and scan!

This dvd player / recorder plays back store bought dvd's in letterbox without being set to. It automatically detects letter box and sets it for me.