Hello All,

A few questions:

(I'm using smartripper and DVDx to rip/encode)

1) I've seen VCD advertised as "good as VHS quality" but my results have been terrible... people look like Terminator2 "watermen"... SVCD results have been much better so I'm using that but am wondering if I'm missing something...

2) Generally, I encode to SVCD using standard settings but I'd like to keep it down to two CD-R's in the case where it barely runs over. I try to reduce the bitrate to the point that it will fit, but that doesn't work... locks up and/or produces SVCD that stutters, audio doesn't sync, and/or just bombs out. (also, I'm using 4:3 zoom).

3) Does any burn software (I'm using Nero) allow you to further compress an mpeg2 file when burning to CD-R's? Seems that would be pretty nice-- to just encode to one big mpg file at full bitrate and then make the modifications to CD during the burning phase rather than during the encoding phase.

4) Any comments on encoders? I'm a starving student on a budget so freeware is best for me.

Thanks in advance!