questions about vcd encoding and quality

[forkies]

I have a bunch of avi files that I want to create vcds from. I use the preset "(VCD) NTSC" and have a couple of questions. Here is the info about the original:

VIDEO: [DIVX] 608x336 24bpp 23.98 fps 913.5 kbps (111.5 kbyte/s)

I leave all the settings of the preset as they are (changing only framerate to NTSC FILM) and get crap. The encoding isn't very good, and there are some grid-like artifacts or something. The only good thing about it is that it adds black bars to maintain the correct aspect ratio.

If I change to use ffmpeg for encoding, leave the aspect ratio at 352x240, change the frame rate to NTSC FILM, use "High Quality," I get quite good results. There are still some grid things here and there, but otherwise it's nice. HOWEVER, it is not the correct aspect ratio and there doesn't appear to be any setting to take this into account.

1) why does mpeg2enc suck so much compared to ffmpeg?
2) what is up with the grid things?
3) is there a way to encode a vcd with ffmpeg and maintain the aspect ratio of the original?

I have included a picture of the results, first is mpeg2enc, second is ffmpeg.

[forkies]

Any suggestions?