Well, I have just completed my first VCD (successfully I might add!).

Using and LG HL-DT-ST-CD-RW GCE-82408, Pinnacle Studio 7.15 (along with the 1394 Adapter that came with my Audigy Platinum, that makes it DV), my Panasonic Digital Palmcorder 201, TMPGEnc Plus 2.5 and Nero 5.5.9.17... and burned at 4X, I actually made a working VCD!

I read up on the DVD player, and found that Sony CD-RW worked best with this model (originally used Memorex CD-R, which is what I use for my auidio). The memorex works well in my Sony DVD-ROM, so I have the 2 copies.

Watched it on my 53" Hitachi UD, and looked great!

There is some "pixeling", but I guess this is to be expected, based on it being a VCD and in MY player. Correct? Any way of ridding myself of this pixeling?

Just wanted to thank all who contributed to the newbie guides, as those are really what I used. They really are comprehensive, and adequately answered all my questions.

I originally used Panasonic's MPEG1 Encoder 2.51, but found it generated too many errors. Next time, I will use the Pinnacle encoding engine built in to Studio. Anyone have any experience with this?

Again, just wanted to give a hearty thanks to all involved in this site!