file extensions. Are MPEG's VCD's by themselves?

[mkgregor]

I downloaded a couple of files that were listed as VCD Format, Disk One - and Disk 2. When the downloads were completed, i saw that they were just .MPG's. They play fine on my computer with just a double click in the default windows player. I have read before how to play a VCD, and there is supposed to be a "MPEGAV" folder, and a .dat file, etc...
My question is this: can i just burn these mpegs to a cd and play them on my DVD? I understand that VCD's are just Mpeg1's, SVCD's MPEG2'S etc,...
After all, MP3's play right off the bat.
If they cannot play, would I somehow have to convert it to a VCD format?
It seems odd to convert an MPEG to an MPEG.
Also, if i have a .MPG file, how can i tell if it is an MPEG1, 2, 3...

Sorry for the wordiness, but I dont know which way is up here.

Thanks, MKgregor

[KingJohn]

If the mepg's are listed as being VCD format, you only need to drop them into a VCD authoring program to make the VCD

When you use an authoring program, it will rename the mpeg to .dat and add/change its hearers no conversion is done, unless the mpeg is not fully compliant.

Authoring programs like Nero (VCD) Video Pack 5, Easy CD creator (VCD creator) will all tell you if the mpeg is not correct, TMPGEnc will also show you its spec.