Can any mpeg file be converted into a SVCD?

[cafetimer]

This may seem like a basic question, but to be honest, I haven't found any tutorial which clearly addresses my doubt:

Will I be able to reencode ANY mpeg into a higher resolution and higher bit rate (in order to get a SVCD after burning it), or are these characteristics already predefined into the mpeg?

My question arises from the fact that I tried to increase the bit rate and resolution of a downloaded mpeg (with TMPGEnc) but I didn't notice any improvement neither in audio or video. The only noticeable change was an increase in file size, which of course, was expected.

[Truman]

MPEG is lossy compression. You can not increase the quality by increasing res / bitrate. Of course you can reencode to end with a SVCD compliant MPEG, but the quality rather get worse.

[cafetimer]

Truman, thanks for your answer, but I need you to elaborate a little bit more.

What is the purpose of TMPGEnc options for increasing mpg audio/video bitrates and video resolution?

[Truman]

Yes, I did not explain it correct. If you have a high resolution / high bitrate source (e.g. DVD: 720x480 @ ~4-5000 kbps average bitrate), then of course you will get best quality with high res / high bitrate, copy dvd to dvd at same specs or to SVCD 480x480 @ 2500-2600 kbps.
But if you have a low res / low bitrate source as VCD 352x240 @ 1150 kbps, then you can not increase the quality.
DVD or lossless avi (720x480) down to SVCD (480x480) is OK.
VCD (352x240) or heavy compressed DivX to SVCD is IMHO useless.
Hope it helps.

[cafetimer]

Thanks, Truman, now I understood. Is there a way of knowing if the mpeg file to be downloaded will burn into a VCD or SVCD or does it depend upon the way I decide to burn it?

[Truman]

You should have a look at the tool section, there you might find some analyze tools like MPEGproperties or BitrateViewer. Usually the information of these tools is enough. If you need more detailed info, then search with google for "MPEG Repair" and "MPEGanalizzatore". Or create an image with VCDImager, if something is wrong, the errors will return If you have no clue, just burn to CD-RW and you will see.