Same old question... Getting blocks when burning a VCD

[MovieStar411]

Hey gang,

I know this has been asked many times before but none of the suggested 'fixes' seem to work for me so I thought I would ask for myself and list what I am doing.

I am trying to make VCDs of some of my favorite shows and edit the commercials out. I am first recording the show with commercials on a Terapin system. Then I am converting the .dat file to .mpg with TMPGEnc 2.54.37.135. I also edit the commercials out with the same TMPGEnc software. The mpg file is still in great quality at this point but when I burn a VCD from it using Nero 5.5.8.2, I get blocks and the video freezes for a couple of seconds every once in a while. Aside from these two things happening, the video and audio are in good quality and still in sync.

I have tried burning the VCD in all speeds (4x, 8x, 16, and 24x). I am using a HP Pavilion 751n computer with the factory installed CD-writer. Office Depot brand CD-Rs but I have tried using Terapin brand and a couple of others with the same results.

Like I said, the .mpg is in perfect shape before the burn but the VCD just is not coming out right. Any ideas?

- Bryan

[Ratmith]

hey bud,

well i have a suggestion. it has happen to me over the years a bunch to. the only thing i have found out that is constant everytime it happens is the disc is dirty. i mean even a fingerprint can cause it to screw up. i always wonder why i would watch a movie once then the next time it would be all blocky. so dont know of this helps but give it a try. even though a disc is brand new it may have some kind of a blemish. Also dont burn over 8x. i have had very good luck using that speed. sure you have heard this before but good luck.

Rat

[Executioner]

Couple of suggestions:
1. Try authorizing with VCDEasy instead of Nero.
2. Try the STI brand of CD-R's from Curcuit City. These have a higher reflective coating than most other brands, and even work in my very picky Sony DvD player.

[MovieStar411]

I made a VCD with VCDEasy just now and it is still got a few blocks every so often, but it is much better than Nero was doing. I also checked to make sure that the CD was clean and no visible scratches on it.

I was recording on the VCDEasy in x4 speed but will try doing one in 1x speed when I have time tomorrow. I doubt that will help any but its worth a try. If anyone else has any more ideas please let me know.

Thanks for the help guys!

- Bryan

[strpyw]

I know exactly what is wrong.
In Mac OS, there used to be a program called astarte cd copy.I put my terapin cd for it and it showed disk reading error all over the place.
Apparently a terapin generated vcd is not the same as a pressed vcd for
duplication.
To achieve editing a tv show then burn with terapin, you will have to use the computer to edit the show first, then output to terapin.
With Mac, it is so easy in real time.
For the mac phobic , the alternative is to use replaytv type machine to record the show, edit on the fly while output it to terapin.
I have done it both ways.
With imovie, you can add titles etc to your own production.
It is therefore worth the price of a say, any Mac capable of running imovie.