Whats better joining avi or mpegs after encoding

[saurabh_fzr]

Hi
I have 4 avi files (captured thru DV cam using Scenalyzer) each of around 10 minutes duration. I want to make one continues vcd out of that.
What should be done
1. Join the avi files then encode it to a single mpg OR
2. Encode them separately and then join the four mpgs OR

is there any other better way of doing that.

i use TMPGenc for encoding VCDeasy for authoring and Nero for burning.

what r good tools for avi or mpg joining

[mats.hogberg]

Join the AVI's. In fact, you don't have to join at all, just load the first in VirtualDub, then the rest with Append video segment. Frameserver (as one chunk) to encoder.
You can also encode them as separate mpegs, then author them (if you're aiming for some kind of disc based video (VCD/SVCD/DVD)) as one title.

/Mats