How to display digital photos with best resolution

[jchunter]

1. It has been stated in several forums that XSVCD is needed for best resolution. However, this web site (What is VCD, etc. ) says that all formats (VCD, SVCD, and XSVCD) can display Still pictures at a resolution of 704 x 480 pixels. Why would one need the more complicated formats for a pure still picture slide show?

2. Is it possible to mix still pictures at high resolution (704x480) and transitions (or any moving video) at lower resolution in a single mpg file? - Or would I need a separate mpg file for each resolution?

3. The MPEG-2 standard handles resolutions as high as 1280 x 720 @ 60 fps, which is more than enough for HDTV display. I assume that this exceeds the bitrate capacity of CDs and DVDs. But hard drives can probably hack it. So where is the hardware to drive an HDTV at 1080 lines? (e.g., not a full function PC but something like an X-Drive with component video connectors)?

[Nelson37]

1.First, there are only 2 formats, VCD and SVCD. The menu controls are somewhat different, and Compatibility is better for VCD. Both will do still pics at 720x480. Not sure what you mean by more complicated.

The "X" formats neither ARE not ARE NOT anything at all, they are simply undefined. Try anything you want.

2. In a single MPEG, no. Seperate files, yes. Making it smooth is more complicated. Programs which do transitions mostly make one, lo-res MPEG file. In this case you have an advantage with SVCD.

3. There are already some PC cards which output to HDTV, not sure on the specs.