TMPGEnc vs. Nero for converting to VCD-ready

[bruce73]

I have a small MPEG (125MB) that I need to make VCD-ready. Should I let Nero re-encode this file, or use TMPGEnc first? Pros/cons?

[406lx]

Use TMPGEnc without a doubt.

[DVWannaB]

Since you already have an MPEG file, why not just try burning it in Nero. If it is not 352x240, burn it as a non-compliant VCD. I would try that first.

If you choose TMPEG to re-encode, be prepared for loss in quality, unless that is not important to you.

[DVWannaB]

Oh, I forgot. If it is not 352x240, Nero will tell you it is not compliant. Just click on contine. Or you can select non-compliant VCD when choosing the VCD template.

[bruce73]

The clip I have is 368x256, which is why Nero is complaining, I guess. The quality is fairly good, but I don't really want much more degradation. That's why I was wondering which would do the better job, TMPGEnc or Nero.

Not having to re-encode would be great, as my system is not that powerful (PII, 350) and it would take an hour to re-encode a 10-min clip (with TMPGEnc). If I choose to make it non-compliant, what is the downside to that? Just that it might not playback properly on my standalone (Toshiba SD-3750), or would the image be distorted?

Thanks to all.

[MOVIEGEEK]

bruce73,
Definately let TMPGEnc convert it,I doubt your Toshiba player will recognize that out-of-spec file.

[bruce73]

You're absolutely right, moviegeek. I burned the non-compliant file onto a CD-RW (my Toshiba supposedly supports CD-R & CD-RW media), but got a disc error. However, interestingly enough, burning a compliant file onto a fresh CD-RW (both w/ Memorex and w/ Imation) produced the same disc error, so that test wasn't conclusive (nor do I understand why it wouldn't read the compliant burn; CD-RW media is just too unpredicatable).

Next, I decided to waste a CD-R disc, and burned the non-compliant file to it (along with a menu). The Toshiba accessed the menu fine, but wouldn't play the file.

So, long story somewhat short, all CD-RW's may or may not work on this player, but non-compliant files definitely do not (at least this variety). Which of course means re-encoding, and the need for a faster computer.

Thanks.