I was using a demo version of Nero5 in order to make VCD from mpeg-1 files. I tried a mpeg-1 file that was compressed from avi file with 304 x 464 pixels and 29.97 fps. But Nero5 wouldn't accept that file saying only 352x240/29.97, 352x240/23.976 or 352x288/25 are valid for VCD. So I compressed another avi file into mpeg-1 file using 352x240/29.97. Nero5 accepted this file and I was able to burn VCD. But when I play back this VCD on my DVD player, the video image is too tall and narrow because I compressed the file using 352 x 240 pixels. Can anyone teach me a way or another software that I don't have to compress my avi file using 352x240 pixels into mpeg-1 files in order to make VCD's?

-- David Lee (res07c8r@gte.net), December 08, 2000

Answers

If you don not make it 352 x 240 it will not be a vcd. That is what is supposed to be. When you get some file not in this PROPER format you need to resize it. This includes having to add a black mask to top or bottom if nesscary to keep the proper aspect ratio. You reall, really need to go to www.vcdhelper.com and read about vcd making. You really need to know what you are making. As far as teaching, most of the documentaion is fairly complete. If you are not able to fake it, or learn it from that you really should find another hobby as this one might be to much to handle. It is really quite involved to work with video. aspect ratio's, compression, data rate, bit rate. And having to learn how to use at leaset 3 programs well. 1)captureing 2)encoding 3)burning

-- Clue (tosemail1@aol.com), December 08, 2000.

standard VCD for NTSC is 352x240 @ 29.97fps and for PAL is 352x288 @ 25fps. So when you compress the mpeg1 file to 352x240 @ 29.97fps, the DVD player should have played the clip correctly. It may be the aspect ratio setting during the compression that is making your DVD player to behave that way. Try TMPGEnc12b and the built in VCD template to compress your AVI files. Go to www.vcdhelper.com for all your VCD needs...it's an awesome site.

-- lnguyen (wingstarzz@hotmail.com), December 11, 2000.