Differences between VCD(MPG1) and SVCD(MPG2)?

[DVantrease]

What exactly are the differences between VCD/MPG1 and SVCD/MPG2? The 'What is SVCD' section doesn't clearly explain. I've been making only (X)VCD which I'm VERY happy with, because my Apex DVD player has a problem with FF/RW when I try SVCD. Yes I heard there are ways around it, but I'd still like to know what's different in MPG2. Resolution and bitrate wont matter, as I always raise these and make XVCD anyhow (usually 720x480 1800br). And from what I read, the audio is still the same (2-track stereo).

I did a test clip, converted at identicle resolution and bitrate, one XVCD/MPG1 and one XSVCD/MPG2, and on my TV I cannot tell a difference (except for the FF/RW issue). I'm tempted to stay with MPG1 unless I have a reason to switch.

[kitty]

If you'd like to read about MPEG - what it is & how MPEG1 is different from MPEG2 and more see

http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/frame/research/mpeg/mpeg_overview.html

[DVantrease]

Thanks, kitty. I started to read that, it's VERY detailed and technical. Great info, but beyond my experience. Can some 'dumb-it-down' for me? I mean, for the average viewer, is there a reason to switch to MPG2/SVCD if I've been satisfied with MPG1/XVCD?

[Baldrick]

The advantage for SVCD is that it is a standard while MPEG1/XVCD is not. But XVCD works on most VCD capabable players anyway so it doesn't really matter that much now...maybe for future DVD playback though.

[Baldrick]

Another advantage for SVCD/MPEG2 is that it supports interlace...good for TV,DV,Cam,SVHS all sources that are interlaced and if creating SVCD you don't need to deinterlace the source you can leave it as interlace and it will look ok on your tv anyway.

Read what interlace is here http://www.100fps.com/

[DVantrease]

Cool... this is good info! Thanks, I DO appreciate it!