Want MGI's bells and whistles, but quality a must...

[Deckedout]

I've made video slide shows using MGI VideoWave and they look great on the monitor. I've even sent them to video tape using a media converter and the quality is great. When I put it on a VCD, the quality is lousey. The blockiness and flickering are terrible. I would love to know if there is a program that has the same bells and whistles (ie transitions, text, special effects), but produces a quality vcd. I'm using a PC. Thank you for any suggestions. I'm really frustrated.
Vicki

[kitty]

Sounds lik it is encoding poorly - what VCD software are you using? Settings?

[Deckedout]

I'm using MGI VideoWave 5's feature to burn to a VCD. I've used MPEG1 and MPEG2 (the second is what I then taped to video). I'm not very familiar with other software, however I did recently download the freeware version of VCDEasy. I haven't tried anything using that yet. I have MGI down pretty well. I love all the features, but what good is it if the VCD isn't worth watching??? Thanks.

[kitty]

Vicki - I think the encoder for that package isn't very good.

You should consider the following:

Output the movie from MGI into a AVI. Use the best quality settings and a good codec. Indeo 5 at max quality should work. The resolution should be 352x240 NTSC VideoCD (352x288 for PAL/Europe) or 480x480 NTSC SuperVCD (480x576 PAL/Europe)

Get the free TMPGenc MPEG encoder www.tmpgenc.net
Use the Wizard to convert to the proper VideoCD or SuperVCD

You can use VCDEasy to burn the disc if the CDRDAO utility in VCDeasy recognizes your burner. A package like Nero does a great job.

Your video should be highly watchable now

[Deckedout]

Well Kitty, I'm trying all the things you told me to try....I'm just a bit slower than I'd like to be....there's so much more to learn about. It doesn't help that each of these programs has so many things to choose from. I just wanted you to know your suggestions are being worked on. I have a lot to learn!!! I appreciate your help and I am determined enough to somehow make this work. I'll let you know how things are going (and I'll probably have a few more questions to submit too)....just in case others are as green with this as I am. Thanks again!
Vicki

[Deckedout]

Well, I did it! I just took care of the basics, and didn't read into more than I needed to. The VCD actually has a pretty descent picture on the TV screen. Kitty, thank you for your suggestions and for sharing your expertise! I'm really glad it works!!!
Vicki

[kitty]

I'm always glad to help out a lady! And to get video from a PC onto a plastic platter and onto a TV screen.

Da Kitty (Me-owwwww)