How do I convert an NTSC DVD to PAL VCD?

[kahtty]

Hi,

I need to convert an NTSC DVD to PAL VCD. Can you tell me how to do this?

I normally use SmartRipper, DVD2AVI and TMPGEnc.

Thanks.

[stanwebber]

technically speaking, there is no such thing as a pal vcd. vcd 2.0 officially supports 23.976, 25, 29.97 frame rates(older vcd standards support 29.97 only). if a player supports vcd at all it is required to play ntsc video no matter what so converting to pal is exercise in futility

[Psycho_Dad_Rules]

Technically speaking there is indeed a difference. PAL VCD's use frame rate of 352x288 x 25Fps an NTSC use 352x240 x 29,97Fps. Both have the same Bitrate, but PAL uses a larger screen (50Hz standard) than NTSC (60Hz (Stretched on PAL display) standard).

But this is besides the point. Converting from NTSC to PAL can be done but isn't advisable. I've been trying to do this some time ago using different methods, but never without some nasty side effect. It's very difficult to convert from 29,97 frames to 25 frames per second. When you encode this way using the different programs there are out there to do this, the movie always skips after conversion. This is the result of the frames which are dropped during conversion.
A way to convert without the frame drops is to "Stretch" the movie so if a movie takes 1 hour @ 29,97 Fps It takes 1h12m @ 25Fps. You will have to downpitch the audio etc, etc, but this is not something i would like to do to a movie....

Greetz,

pSyChO dAd

[kahtty]

Cheers for the reply:

OK, just another question, if I rip the NTSC DVD using SmartRipper, DVD2AVI and use the VCD (NTSC).mcf in TMPGEnc, will I be able to play the VCD on a DVD Player (PAL region) or does it have to be a multi-regional one?

Thanks.

[Craig Tucker]

VCD's are not region specific, so it will play on any region player.

Craig

[kahtty]

So if I load the VCD(NTSC).mcf when encoding, I will be able to play the VCD on my PAL DVD player?

[OH]

So if I load the VCD(NTSC).mcf when encoding, I will be able to play the VCD on my PAL DVD player?

Yes if your player/tv supports NTSC playback.

OH

[Truman]

yes and no.
http://www.vcdhelp.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=78178

[Psycho_Dad_Rules]

That's a bit much reading material.....

Theoratically, when you play a NTSC (S)VCD on you DVD player, it should work just fine. BUT.... one of two things you need. When you do this, your DVD player will output a NTSC signal. When played on a PAL only tv, the picture will become stlightly unstable and probably black and white. This can be solved by either: checking if your dvd player can be set to output a PAL signal only (It converts the NTSC signal to PAL) or play it on a NTSC capable TV.

Greetz,

pSyChO dAd