Questions on TMPGENC and VCD/SVCD Generally

[RonnyK]

Hi,

This is a great site with helpful, informative people contributing to the forum. Hopefully you can provide a newbie with some answers!

1. Is there a fps or resolution threshold beneath which one should not really consider creating a SVCD and stick to a VCD (in other words, at what point does it not make sense quality-wise to use the extra discs and take the extra time to make a SVCD over a VCD)?

2. I have the movie Frailty that I obtained in two (I believe AVI) files. They play fine in Windows Media Player. I tried an MPEG2 conversion under TMPGENC but the resultant file plays only audio, no video. I didn't bother burning the file to SVCD, assuming audio-only would also be the result (correct assumption?). What am I doing wrong? I also assume that because the original files played on the computer okay, I must have the appropriate Codecs (e.g. Divx), correct?

3. When is it necessary to separate the video from the audio using virtualdub or similar programs? Always?

Thanks for your help!

[Dave B]

1. Is there a fps or resolution threshold beneath which one should not really consider creating a SVCD and stick to a VCD (in other words, at what point does it not make sense quality-wise to use the extra discs and take the extra time to make a SVCD over a VCD)?

In the normal run of things, you should keep the FPS and resolution at a standard (e.g. NTSC Film or PAL) and it shouldn't be changed. SVCD vs VCD is purely down to personal preferance. SVCDs should only be considered if you have decent source material (e.g. a DVD rip) and a compatible player.

2. I have the movie Frailty that I obtained in two (I believe AVI) files. They play fine in Windows Media Player. I tried an MPEG2 conversion under TMPGENC but the resultant file plays only audio, no video. I didn't bother burning the file to SVCD, assuming audio-only would also be the result (correct assumption?). What am I doing wrong? I also assume that because the original files played on the computer okay, I must have the appropriate Codecs (e.g. Divx), correct?

Follow the DivX to VCD guide here
http://www.vcdhelp.com/divxtovcd.htm

Yes you have the correct codecs, you probably haven't installed the vfapi plugin. It is available from the official TMPGEnc site.

3. When is it necessary to separate the video from the audio using virtualdub or similar programs? Always?

It is often not necessary but it is recommended for most encodes. By uncompressing the audio there is less chance of incompatibilities and audio sync problems.

[SanderMan]

I tried an MPEG2 conversion under TMPGENC but the resultant file plays only audio, no video.

You probably don't have an mpeg2 codec installed on your system. Install a software dvd-player or the mpeg 2 codec. (find it on the tools page).