3:2 - 4:3

Question

I know this is really basic. But it's about time I understood. So far for years I've been winging it. Now I'm interested in getting the best clear graphics from Motion to FCP. If I'm shooting regular mini DV tapes with an anamorphic adapter, so it's I believe 16:9. Then if I want to add graphics from Motion, what should I set the project preferences to? 4:3, 720x480, 720x486, 3:2, 640x480, etc. etc.
And then when I export it from Motion, should I go into the advanced settings for "Compression Settings" and choose "animation" or "DV/DVC-NTSC" and 16:9 or,.. I'm just confused.
And why is 4:3 what ever other program has a preset, but when you do it in FCP it switches coordinates to 640?
What is NTSC - CCIR 601 in FCP? Why in FCP is the their a main setting NTSC DV 720 x 480 and it's (3:2), and when you choose (4:3) the coordinates change to 640x480? NTSC - CCIR 601 Sq. (4:3) 720x540?
What the heck is going on, why are all these popular programs calling it something different?
I would love it if someone who works in Motion (combination graphics and video integrated projects) and exports to FCP all the time, could send me their normal routine for NTSC DV Anamorphic miniDV projects. Too MANY CHOICES.
I appreciate it.

Answer 1

This is what was posted on the Final Cut Pro forum:
"The seasoned pros on this forum recommend using the standard 720 x 480 for exporting standard video - especially if you are planning for it to be viewed on a home TV set. I have found that I can view the same exact DVD burned from my 720 x 480 video on our good old standard TV set, and it is normal...BUT when I take the same disk to my next door neighbor's with a wide screen high def plasma TV, the TV automatically stretches it out to fill the screen. 16:9 will be overtaking 4:3 on home TV sets, for sure (go look at what TVs are for sale today in a Walmart store!), but until all the old square-ish TV sets and monitors are retired, it seems we have to deal. "