Multiple VCD to single DVD

[Ryan Kelly]

I was reading the tutorial on VCD to DVD found in this forum, but two of the tools used in the tutorial have gone MIA.

So here's the scoop: I have two VCDs of a single feature that I would like to join together and burn onto a single playable DVD. Tools I have at my disposal: ffmpegx and dvd2onex. I, unfortunately, cannot afford to shell out any more dough, so is there a free way I can do what I need to do?

Thanks.

[Case]

The registered version of ffmpegX will make a DVD out of VCD files with the svcdvd tool.

[ofbarea]

Donsload the demo version of TMPGEnc DVD Author and use it for your conversion. Just do your DVD before the test period expires.

*** EDIT: SORRY I just noticed that this post was in MAC forum. IGNORE THIS POST ***

[tomlee59]

There are several things you can do. Here's what I do (I'm sure more knowledgeable folks will chime in with better suggestions):

First, convert the .dat files to pure mpg files. You can use VCD Gear for that (the GUI version runs in Classic; the OS X version is a terminal-based tool).

Next, use MPEG Streamclip to join the mpgs together. Splice at keyframe boundaries, use "fix timecode breaks" option.

Then, demux into elementary streams, and resample the audio at 48kHz. Some DVD players will accept audio at 44.1kHz, but resampling to 48kHz doesn't take very long, and it will cause fewer incompatibilities.

Remux as DVD.

Author and burn.

[headless chicken]

I have the same issue (one feature on VCD which I extracted to two MPGs) with one modification: I have srt subtitles which I would like to incorporate into my DVD, preferably as switchable display versus hard-coded.

Can anyone tell me how I should proceed?

[terryj]

The only way to make switchable subtitles, rather than hard coded
will involve purchasing DVD Studio Pro to accomplish this.

Hard Coding can be done with ffmpegx, but to have them selectable
in a menu requires authoring this feature in the DVD Structure.

[headless chicken]

Thanks for the info, terryj.

Qualitatively, would I be better off incorporating/hardcoding the subtitles and turning the resulting files back into VCD, or should I merge the two files and make one DVD? I would like to minimize quality loss and maximize viewing resolution and clarity.

[lordsmurf]

You'd be better off simply using VMWare Fusion, Parallels or BootCamp, and doing this in Windows. This is one area where Mac simply sucks at video work.

http://www.digitalfaq.com/guides/video/convert-vcd-dvd.htm