IMAGE FORMAT CONVERSION

An image conversion unit ( 400,700 ) for converting an input image with an input aspect ratio into an output image with an output aspect ratio being different from the input aspect ratio, is disclosed. The image conversion unit ( 400,700 ) comprises segmentation means ( 402 ) for segmentation of the input image on basis of pixel values of the input image, resulting in a first group of connected pixels forming a first input segment ( 310 ) which represents a first object and a second group of connected pixels forming a second input segment ( 306 ) which represents a second object; and scaling means ( 404 ) for scaling the first input segment ( 310 ) in a first direction with a location dependent scaling factor into a first output segment ( 320 ) of the output image and for scaling the second input segment ( 306 ) in the first direction with a constant scaling factor into a second output segment ( 316 ) of the output image.