Is there a universal DVD Format like there is for VCD/SVCD?

[Shannafey]

With the recent release of the Columbia superbit DVDs, I started to ponder some questions, I hope you in the forum can help me answer.
1) Since the new Superbits are obviously higher bitrate, is there not a format for DVD like there is for VCD and SVCD? In other words, there is a standard template for those other formats, but is there one for DVDs, or can they be burned at any bitrate, resolution, etc.
2) I have been burning VCDs for months, with many thanks to the kind people of this forum and their much appreciated help. My DVD player (Pioneer DV-333) will read almost anything I put in it, but even though I can get better quality, I stick with VCD because I like the fact that it can be used in any machine that is VCD compatible, and it is easier when making copies for family and friends. In going with that same philosophy, when DVDRs are dirt cheap next year, will I be able to transfer my collections to DVD?Will I be able to put a bunch of those movies, TV shows, home movies etc. on 1 DVD to save space? If so, what format? Will I be able to put the .dat files on? Will I have to convert them? When I have a movie on 2 VCDs, will I be able to merge those .dat files? I think you get what I am trying to say. I know I will always have them on VCD, but space is always an issue for me, and that is one of the reasons I started transferring the VHS tapes to VCD, that and preservation, of course. If anyone has some answers, please let me know. Thanks for everyone's time.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Shannafey on 2001-12-04 13:42:34 ]</font>

[Daywalker]

Shannafey,

I had some of the same questions you did before I purchased the Pioneer DVR-A03. Using authoring packages like SpruceUp, DVDit, etc., I have been able to author DVD-Rs. Also, with a suggestion from Alkie to re-encode the audio, I finally found a way to author VCD quality content with re-encoded audio to a DVD-R which will play in my APEX standalone. This has really been a godsend since I can pack 3-4 movies with menus and stills and enjoy them on my standalone. My next goal is to author my Star Wars eps 4-6 VCDs onto a DVD-R. If I remember correctly, that set cost me about 30 dollars or so. Anyway, if you have any questions, feel fre to send me an e-mail. Laters.

[Shannafey]

I know more of you know the answer to this question. Please help!!

[AmirKhan]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-12-04 09:48:29, Daywalker wrote:
Shannafey,

I had some of the same questions you did before I purchased the Pioneer DVR-A03. Using authoring packages like SpruceUp, DVDit, etc., I have been able to author DVD-Rs. Also, with a suggestion from Alkie to re-encode the audio, I finally found a way to author VCD quality content with re-encoded audio to a DVD-R which will play in my APEX standalone. This has really been a godsend since I can pack 3-4 movies with menus and stills and enjoy them on my standalone. My next goal is to author my Star Wars eps 4-6 VCDs onto a DVD-R. If I remember correctly, that set cost me about 30 dollars or so. Anyway, if you have any questions, feel fre to send me an e-mail. Laters.

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>

Want to share that info (or even a guide) on how you did it with the rest of us?

[Jestorius]

If the audio is still 48khz and a video is mpeg1(vcd) than you can author a DVD with menues.