VCD PAL (25fps) to VCD NTSC (23.976 or 29.97)

[Machine514]

OK, I am working on converting some VCD PAL (25fps) videos to NTSC (either 23.976 or 29.97fps). I have done conversions from 25fps to 29.97fps in VCD quality videos and the videos are sped up and look like crap because of the speed (video quality is the same).

Without a doubt 23.976 with a 3:2 pulldown to 29.97 is the best choice (I have also done this plenty of times and it works great with SVCD videos).

I would like to hear from some people on what I can do to complete this conversion.

1. I can convert 25 to 23.976 VCD but can not do the 3:2 pulldown. Is this right or am I doing something wrong? Can you patch a VCD at 23.976fps, to look like a SVCD @ 23.976, put the pulldown on it and then "un"-patch it after it has been authored? Seems like something that would work.

2. Anyone have any good experiences with this?

Once I square away with this, I will write a guide, just like I did for the SVCD conversion (https://www.videohelp.com/forum/userguides/166237.php).

Thanks all!

-Machine

[bugster]

VCD is mpeg-1 which does not support interlaced video or 3:2 pulldown. SO convert your 25fps VCD to 23.97fps, this rate is valid for VCD.

[Machine514]

VCD is mpeg-1 which does not support interlaced video or 3:2 pulldown.

That makes sence. Thanks!

SO convert your 25fps VCD to 23.97fps, this rate is valid for VCD.

Ok so it will work for VCD's, but what about for importing into an authoring program such as Maestro to burn to a VCD-DVD? Should I try it again? Do you know any authoring programs that accept 23.976 as a frame rate? Anyone have experience with this?

-Machine

[bugster]

Ahhh, VCD-DVD is slightly different. DVD does not support 23.976fps, you MUST use 29.976fps for mpeg-1 (NTSC). SO to convert PAL VCD to NTSC VCD becomes more difficult and involves re-encoding.

This is an idea, not something I have done myself.

Open the PAL mpeg in virtualdub. On the video menu, change the framerate to 23.976fps and set to direct stream copy. On the audio menu set no audio. Now frameserve this to TmpGenc and encode video only, mpeg-1, NTSC-VCD resolution. Set bitrate about 1400Kbps CBR and framerate 29.97fps. Make sure 'do not framerate convert' is NOT set. This should result in a valid mpeg-1 for DVD. The higher bitrate is need to compensate for the extra 6 frames per second you have to generate. It may be slightly jerky, depending on the type of action (long slow pans are the worst).