Abstract: A mechanism for generating a 16:9 aspect ratio video image or other non-standard format video for transmission to an application expecting a standard 4:3 image. Software or firmware is inserted between the camera and the application. The image is cropped to obtain the desired aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3 is cropped to give 16:9). Black bars of pixels are added outside the cropped image to make it an actual 4:3 format. A pop-up assistant appears when the target application (e.g., an instant messenger application) is launched, with the assistant providing the controls for switching to 16:9 or other non-standard format.