Laserdisc vs VCD

[AwesomeDude]

I recently discovered that Laserdiscs were available in multiple sizes (12" etc) so since computer drives can only burn standard cd's, how do VCDs compare to the laserdisc format?. I always thought the terms laserdisc and videoCD were interchangable, but I'm having doubts now. Could somebody please clarify?

Also, if they are the same, were many laserdiscs released on standard CD sized discs?

Thirdly, since vcds can contain a stereo audio track, is it possible to convert this to mono and half the bitrate in order to fit more video on the disc while still staying within the vcd standard? Or if i'm ripping a DVD with a mono track, will this allow me to fit more video than if the DVD had a stereo track?

Thanks.

[Forum Troll]

The VideoCD FAQ:

https://www.videohelp.com/vcd

The Laserdisc FAQ:

http://www.oz.net/blam/LaserDisc/FAQ/

[lordsmurf]

Laserdisc = fairly high quality, high res analog video
VCD = low end (often considered crap), low res digital video

I have never heard of nor seen anything other than the huge LD size.

[vhelp]

My experience with VCD vs. Laserdisc quality..

VCD is much more blurrier due to the low resolution it outputs.. 352 x 240
which means when plaied on TV, and resized, things look blurry. Whereas,
w/ LD 's and to my knowledge, there really isn't any resizing (or much) and
the quality is as is - WYSIWYG viewing.

I've never seen and LD disks smaller than 12" in circle.

I can't see why anyone would want to conver stero to mono, not even
for size. You loose the more than just viewing.. now sound. I don't know..
but to each their own I guess

PROS:
Laserdiscs - are very good quality (comparitable to SVHS perhaps, when
used w/ good source)


CONS:
Laserdiscs - are slow to startup and play.
.. ( but, ain't just like the movies ? ..you had to waid through the cartoons
.. in the beginning.., now they have "new movie previews" - anyways )
VCDs - are blurry, un-sharp, and pixalated (whereas, LD are not not)

-vhelp 3007

[dphirschler]

I have a Bon Jovi CD with four songs and one video (LD format). I forget what it is called, but I remember I used to think it was VCD. I think it was called "CD Video". Perhaps that is what you are thinking about.


Darryl

[gshelley61]

There were some 8" music video laserdiscs released, but are not that common compared to the 12" size discs.

Here's one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=381&item=6357953598&rd=1

[dphirschler]

Also, I think there were 8" discs with music videos and short programs on them. But I don't have any of those. Wait, I might have one.


Darryl

[sammie]

I think his confusion comes from the fact that many early VCD manufactuers had "Laser" in their name. Laserlight and I believe even something like Laserdisk (some name just a bit different). Bottom line as noted no comparison. Laser disks were/are very high end, in some ways the equal or better than DVD prior to all digital connections from the player to the stereo and TV/monitor.

[Noahtuck]

I have a Bon Jovi CD with four songs and one video (LD format). I forget what it is called, but I remember I used to think it was VCD. I think it was called "CD Video". Perhaps that is what you are thinking about.


Darryl

Yep, i also have the Bon Jovi cd, (Yes, they are listed as CD VIDEO) and acouple of def leppard ones from the U.K. that i could never watch because they are pal and won't play in my LD player and it suck's because the bon jovi video will only play in the LD player and not a dvd player. I can't even get anything but the 4 music tracks to show up in a dvd or cd rom drive, shows no other files or any kind of video. i always wanted to rop them or convert them somehow to put on a dvd, vcd years ago before dvd burning became a consumer reality.....

Anyone have any idea how to see or get these files off without having to do a transfer from my LD player to my standalone dvd recorder ?

And i also have quite a few 8" LD's

And personally, i think LD's are far better than s-vhs, i still retain a large LD collection and prob. will forever!!

[sacajaweeda]

Or if i'm ripping a DVD with a mono track, will this allow me to fit more video than if the DVD had a stereo track?

No. It's all about the bitrate. Number of channels doesn't mean anything.

[Bucky_Katt]

Anyone have any idea how to see or get these files off without having to do a transfer from my LD player to my standalone dvd recorder ?

If the disc is a true laserdisc then the format is analog, it has to be converted to a digital format, the only was is playback and capture.

If the disc is digital, and your cd-rom can read it, then the format can be converted directly.