I recently purchased a copy of the Robocop 2 and Robocop 3 VCD's, which were created by Philips, when VCD's were introduced in the U.S.A. in 1991

Does anyone know if the quality of VCD's created by Philips are near or surpass VHS quality, in terms of its audio and video?

-- (KRangsityothin@hvc.rr.com), April 22, 2003

Answers

The audio of VCD is typically better, but it's hard to say if the video is better or not. VCD is prone to macroblocks, which are the squares you see in fast motion scenes. I have never seen the VCDs you are talking about, but I can tell you that typically commercial VCDs were created as quickly as possible, which rarely results in good quality. I would not expect very much from these VCDs, given their age. It is possible with modern tools to improve quality a bit, but for something made in 1991, I would not expect you to think the video is better than VHS. Sorry.

-- Root (Root@yahoo.moc), April 23, 2003.

Hi,

I have used Philips VCD Toolkit to produce Video CDs that look very impressive. Video = better than VHS quality, audio = stereo sound quality. The thing about Philips VCD Toolkit, which Philips used to make all their titles, is that it accepts nothing less than 100% compliant white book VCD, which guarantees that they will play on VCDs and VCD capable DVD players. I would expect your Robocops to be better than VHS with stereo sound quality, or at the very least the same as VHS if they are genuine VCD titles produced by Philips. It wouldn't be in Philips' best interests, as a worldwide reputable company, to release a title that doesn't come up to scratch, regardless of how long ago these titles were produced.

As a side note, if you're planning on using this software to author your own titles, The software is free because Philips do not support it any longer, but be warned there is a bit of a learning curve with it. If you're familiar with Macromedia Authorware, you shouldn't have too much trouble learning to use it. The most difficult part is making compliant video that the software will accept (expect to be banging your head against the wall for a couple of days before you crack it).

-- Dean Phillips (dean.phillips@4mymail.co.uk), April 23, 2003.