reuse of DAT files for VCD creation

[mikehadj]

I have some backups of mpg1 files that I used for some VCDs. Trying to create a new VCD with them with ULEAD DVD workshop, it takes too long to do it and it gives me some errors (stops the creation of the vcd). I'm wondering if I can use the DAT files of my old vcds in DVD workshop in order to have a quicker creation of my new vcds.

[Craig Tucker]

If you want a 1 to 1 copy, just use disc copying software such as nero or clone cd. If you want to change the content of the VCD's in anyway you can use vcdgear to extract the mpeg to your hard drive from the dat file on the cd. Or you can simply copy the dat file to your harddrive and remane it to *.mpg.

Craig

[keithsebastian]

DAT files are nothing but Mpeg1 files with extra header info.
DAT files can be converted to Mpeg1 using vcdgear.
Try it. It takes the same amount of time as copying the
file - a few seconds.

In your case, why don't you just do a cd to cd copy, or
use Nero to make a vcd from the dat file.

[Craig Tucker]

Did'nt I say all that ?

Craig

[mikehadj]

What I'm trying to do is use the same files with new menu. The problem is that as an mpg (my original backup files) it takes too long to make the vcd. Does it mean that reencodes the files ? or what ; and will it take less time if I use the DAT files than the mpgs?

[mats.hogberg]

The problem is that as an mpg (my original backup files) it takes too long to make the vcd

It shouldn't. What do U use to author the VCD? Sounds like Nero to me, and Nero seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to reencoding.

/Mats

[mikehadj]

I'm using ULEAD DVD workshop

[mats.hogberg]

I'm using ULEAD DVD workshop

...which I haven't used, but previous experience with Ulead products tells me that reencoding is not that intuitive to get rid of. Once you have the MPEG file, you can safely use that as your backup. Then use VCDEasy (or VCDImager and any other CD writing s/w) when you want to create another VCD.

/Mats