what is the best way to convert from ...

[icematt]

what is the best way to convert from MPEG-1 to MPEG-2?

[ZippyP.]

TMPGEnc can do it, but the real question is why? Re-encoding only results in quality loss.

[icematt]

If it is in MPEG-1 format, does that mean it is ready for VCD?
and MPEG-2 format is for SVCD??
I am trying to burn a movie and this is why I wonder
Thank you

[SaSi]

VCD does require MPEG-1 and SVCD does require MPEG-2, but that's not the end of the story.

VCD requires MPEG-1 with a specific frame size (352 x 240-NTSC x288-PAL). The bitrate must be constant at 1150kbps and the audio must be MPEG-1 Level II.

If you produce the MPEG-1 file yourself (e.g. with Tmpgenc) then you might want to use the VCD template to start with to make sure the format is correct.

I would use Nero to create a VCD, drop the MPEG-1 file and see. If Nero complains that the file doesn't have the correct format, then the file will need re-encoding.

[ZippyP.]

If it is in MPEG-1 format, does that mean it is ready for VCD?
and MPEG-2 format is for SVCD??

Yes, but not all mpeg1's are VCD compliant and not all mpeg2's are SVCD compliant. You have to have VCD and SVCD compliant resolutions and bitrate as well. That's why you hear about XVCD and XSVCD which are mpeg1's and 2's but the resolution and bitrate are not "in spec.' Mpeg1 and mpeg2 in certain resolutions are DVD compliant as well. Look in the "What is" blue section on the upper left for definitions of the VCD,SVCD and DVD.

Avicodec is good for identifying mpeg1 and 2 files.

If you re-encode a low resolution VCD up to SVCD spec you will not be gaining anything, in fact you will be losing. You cannot gain resolution going from a low res source to a high res output, the resolution has been lost. The re-encode will probably make it worse, it cannot get any better. If that is in fact what you're trying to do.

[ZippyP.]

I would use Nero to create a VCD, drop the MPEG-1 file and see. If Nero complains that the file doesn't have the correct format, then the file will need re-encoding.

Sasi beat me to it!

Like I said, Avicodec can help identify your mpeg as well,