How do you import HD (1248x702 - 720p60) files into an SD 30i project and maintain the dimension? Every import setting I use resizes the clips to 720x480.

Yep, that's how an Avid works. If you simply want to regain the 16 x 9 aspect, drop a 16 x 9 reformat effect on the clip in your timeline. 

Another option is to import using the "Maintain and resize Square" option.

I was afraid of that. Problem is...resizing a clip to 16x9 that was just resized FROM 16x9 dregrades the resolution of that clip causing pixelation...and "Maintain and resize Square" doesn't worker either...still squishes the clip to fit the frame. Luckily I've got Premiere Pro CS3 on the same machine. I'm planning on the upgrade from AXP to MC...perhaps this has been addressed there?

Ok, if the Maintain and resize does not reformat the video to 16 x 9, that means it's 4 x 3 anamorphic to start so, you are left with the reformat effect.

Media composer works the same way.

sebrame:

resizing a clip to 16x9 that was just resized FROM 16x9 dregrades the resolution of that clip causing pixelation

The pixelation you're seeing is likely the result of downconverting HD material to SD and has nothing to with the aspect ratio.

Correct, it's not the aspect ratio per se, but the resizing of a image to a larger aspect ratio, thus losing resolution and therefore detail. The same as if you imported clip recorded at 4 x 3 into a 16 x 9 project then stretched the image to fit the frame, you'd pixelate somewhat because you are increasing the clips frame size w/o adding data. The software fills in the unknown areas with duplicate pixels..or interpolated ones.

You can use AVID FX to do the Pan and Scan you want on these images without losing resolution if you happen to have that software.

BLKDOG:

that means it's 4 x 3 anamorphic to start so

Nope, they were shot with a HVX200 at 16 x 9 native. I got them in Raylight DVCPRO HD format. Not sure if Raylight is the native codec for that camera, or whether these clips were exported from FCP. If Raylight is the HVX200 codec, then I may have copies of the originals from the P2 cards.

Ok, I don't know how the raylight conversion was set but, if you have your import set to maintain and resize square and you get a 4 x 3 anamorphic image, then that's the aspect ration in which the file is saved. By using that import method, you are telling the Avid to maintain the original file's aspect ratio and fit it into a 4 x 3 frame. If was 16 x 9, you would get a 16 x 9 letterbox out of it.

BLKDOG:

You can use AVID FX to do the Pan and Scan you want on these images without losing resolution if you happen to have that software.

Unfortunately, I'd still have to resize the 4 x 3 image to 16 x 9 and lose detail in order to use this. Probably going to just switch the project over to Premiere Pro CS3 since it's able to import the clips normally. After Effects is another option...

BLKDOG:

if you have your import set to maintain and resize square and you get a 4 x 3 anamorphic image, then that's the aspect ration in which the file is saved.

QT's Movie Inspector reports the folowing about each clip...

Format: DVCProHD 720p60 1248 x 702, Millions

Normal Size: 1248 x 702

Current Size: 1248 x 702

Indeed, when I import the same clips into either AE or Premiere, they come in at 1248 x 702.

And you are importing into an SD project? The only reason I know of for this to come in Anamorphic with this import setting is in an HD project.

BLKDOG:

And you are importing into an SD project?

Yes.

Then I don't know what to tell you man. I just imported 4 clips with he exact same frame size and , using the import selection I described, all 4 came in perfectly letterboxed and looking very nice.

BLKDOG:

all 4 came in perfectly letterboxed

I'm not wanting letterboxed. I want the image to import and maintain it's frame size so that it extends beyond the edges of the 4 x 3 project size. From more studying I've figured out that Avid wont do this. You can't mix different frame sizes in a project. Avid always creates media at the project's size.