Chapters vs Multiple mpg files

[WMCollins]

I have been making VCDs successfully with EZCD5 for a while. Basically, I cut up the mpg file into multiple mpg files and then build the VCD. Also, I make VCDs autorun on a computer via the Windows Media Player. All in all, whether played on a computer CDRom or a DVD player, I can skip or go back between mpg files (like chapters) with ease.

What is the advantage in using chapters (via VCDEasy) instead of multiple mpg files?

[adam]

The real advantage is that you get totally seamless playback. With separate mpgs there is always going to be a slight pause between each one and that can be quite annoying if you have 20 chapters in a movie. Also I believe it takes up a little more space having a separate track for each segment as opposed to one large track, but the difference in filesize is small.

Also the counter on your dvd player will be correct. If you are 40 mins into the movie it will display that, as opposed to being 2 mins into chapter 6, which really doesn't tell you anything.

[WMCollins]

Thanks. I understand.

Do you have any idea of what the interactivity in computer be like? Will the chapters converted to (or function like) markers to allow skipping forward or back to specific points?

[adam]

Most software dvd players function largely like hardware dvd players. Some software players will have problems with menu's but I've never had any problems with chapters. I just use the next and prev options to scroll through the chapters and actually, using WinDVD most of my menu's work fine as well. With software dvd players you can even use hotspot buttons, which work just like the dvd does. You can actually click the button to select the option you want, but these will not work on a hardware dvd player.

[vitualis]

As what adam has already said.

For more info on how entrypoint chapters work on VCDs: http://www.michaeltam.com/chapters.html

Regards.