Major Newbie Question - XSVCD Encoding Related & Misc.

[djembenut]

Greetings Fellas;

Alright here comes a major newbie question so bare with me.

First here's some background:

Recently I threw my self into the whole DVD-Ripping scene, so I've been endlessley trying
to learn and absorb all types of knowledge & information.

I've been to tons of websites...dvd-digest, vcdhelp, doom9 and etc., to name a few. I've must
have downloaded every codec, encoder, capture, dvd-ripping software there is...alongs with tons
of conversion guides and etc. I even have WinDVD 3.1.

Regarding hardware...I don't have a standalone DVD Player yet...but based on all the reviews I'm going to
buy the "Pioneer DV-333"...I hear it rocks!

I do have a Computer DVD-Player and for a graphics card I have a Matrox Millenium G400 MAX DualHead...which
gives incredible TV-Output by the way.

Anyway for my question:

I WAS going to ask for anyone's recommendations as far as creating SVCD's or XSVCD's from DVD-Ripped movies
to maintain the highest digital video/audio quality once burned onto a CD & played on a stand alone DVD Player.

Since there are/I have tons of conversion guides...can anyone perhaps comment or highlight on any particular
conversion guide relating to this...or maybe even give additional suggestions?

Since some DVD players support MP3...does anyone know if an encoded MP2/mp4 movie can be burned onto CD & played

on a standalone DVD player?

From what I've read...a VCD encodes in MPEG-1 a slightly lesser quality than VHS. I was a bit confused when it
came to SVCD since I heard it has better quality than VCD but still encodes in a MPEG-1 at some type of higher
bit rate.

However it seems that XSVCD encodes in MPEG-2 which would be of significantly higher quality.

So if you have any suggestions or comments...bring 'em on.

Peace fellas,

djembenut

djembenut@yahoo.com

[Kryptic7]

SVCD and XSVCD both use the MPEG-2 codec. VCD and XVCD use the MPEG-1 codec. That is why you can play VCD and XVCD using Windows Media Player but you must obtain DVD playing software to view the SVCD and XSVCD.

From what I have learned, MPEG-4 is Divx and cannot be read by a DVD player at all (as of yet).

A major drawback of digital video in my opinion is that there is no *best* program or method to use. What I have gathered is the best way to see what works best for you is to play around with the settings and view the final result.

For example, if you care about quality be prepared to use more discs. Similarly, if you care about drive space or number of discs, then be prepared to sacrifice quality.

I don't believe you can do the whole VCD with mp3 audio thing because then it's not really a VCD. XVCD occurs when you play around with the bitrate and stuff like that, but when you change the format itself it no longer is a VCD. No program (to my knowledge) will allow you to have a (S)VCD video with mp3 sound. Of course, I'm also learning myself so don't take my word for 100% certain.

Mike

[djembenut]

Thanks partner! I appreciate you clearing up that mess for me! Now that leads into a next series of questions...LOL:

1.) If SVCD is better why VCD then? Perhaps compatibility?

2.) If one where to purchase a DVD+RW couldn't you just
simply do somethign like "Copy Disk" like you would a
CD...in order to backup your DVD movies?

3.) Is there a difference between an MPEG-2 movie...and a
SVCD encoded in MPEG-2?

Thanks again,

dj