help for firsttimer mpeg to vcd

[zappfra]

I need some advice/help with mpeg to vcd.
1. Firstly the cheapest and/or best programme to use (Is there such a thing as a freebie)
2. Do all mpegs need to be burned onto cd-r at the same session.
3. Is it a good idea to join mpegs together and burn as one track or as seperate tracks.

[aldus4]

In reply to your questions:

1.) Load of freeware programs obtainable in the tools section of this website. Panasonic MPEG Encoder is often said to be the best (my favourite as well, but costs $$). TMPGEnc, is second best and free.

2.)CD-R's after burning are usually closed i.e. finished.

3.)You can keep them seperate or join them - up to you. Would however say it's better to leave them seperate, then you can skip forward to the next clip. You can join them in the burning/authorizing program itself by making the pause between them 0 (zero) secs.

[zappfra]

thanks for the assistance. will the TMPGEnc do the whole job of transferring and burning mpeg to vcd on the cd-r.

[DVantrease]

TMPGEnc will only convert your video to mpg format. You'll then need a seperate program (like Nero) to actually burn the VCD. I recommend Nero because it has to support burning in VCD format.