2 newbie questions-cut before converting or after? bitrate?

[jr!]

hey all-I'm a newbie here, just got my dvd player on the weekend.
I have 2 questions.

1 have some moveis in .avi format I'm looking to burn as vcd's.
my questions are:
1) is it best to cut the files to fit on multiple discs BEFORE converting from .avi to mpeg using TMPGEnc, or after?
I'm thinking before is the correct answer...but I dunno...

2) what's the best bitrate to use? Can it be too high, or should I just select a high # like 2500 or something??
thanx!!

[Tommyknocker]

Cut the files while they are in Virtual Dub. Then frameserve to TMPGEnc, using the appropiate template. If you have blocky video, try the soften block noise to raise your frame rate.

[Craig Tucker]

If you want to make standard compliant VCD's the bitrate is set at 1150kbps.

Craig

[jr!]

What if they're not movies I'm ripping, and therefore not using Virtualdub, I just have an .avi file.
thanx for helping out a newbie!

Cut the files while they are in Virtual Dub. Then frameserve to TMPGEnc, using the appropiate template. If you have blocky video, try the soften block noise to raise your frame rate.

[KingJohn]

hey all-I'm a newbie here, just got my dvd player on the weekend.
I have 2 questions.

1) is it best to cut the files to fit on multiple discs BEFORE converting from .avi to mpeg using TMPGEnc, or after?
I'm thinking before is the correct answer...but I dunno...

What every YOU prefer !, you could also use the source range in TMPGEnc on the full size movie AVI's

2) what's the best bitrate to use? Can it be too high, or should I just select a high # like 2500 or something??

Yes select 2500 or something, but it wont be a VCD ,
and it "Might not play"

Use a VCD template in TMPGENc and change nothing