The advantages of using XVCD to put your video on CDs.

Below is an outline of the advantages of using the VXCD format for encoding video for use on a CD-R.

Limitations of VCD (MPEG1)
  • Low resolution: 352 x 240 (NTSC)
  • CBR (Constant Bit Rate): 1150 Kbps video
  • SVCD (MPEG2) drawbacks:
    • More computer power to decode
    • Less compatible with DVD players


Overcoming VCD Limitations

  • Higher resolution: 720 x 480 (NTSC)
    • Same as DV (digital camcorders)
    • Same as DVD

  • VBR (Variable Bit Rate) encoding
    • Minimum: 300 Kbps (compatibility)
    • Maximum: 2500 Kbps(compatibility)


Variable Bit Rate Encoding

  • Less bits for
    • Lower motion
    • Low scene complexity

  • More bits for

    • Higher motion (action)
    • Higher scene complexity

  • Overall average comparable to CBR, but typically much better quality

Tools Needed
For Microsoft Windows, except as noted

  • Quality, flexible MPEG1 encoder
    • TMPGEnc (free) (important: use the latest version!)
    • Macintosh: try ffmpeg and ffmpegx (not tested by this author!)

  • Quality filtering (optional)

    • VirtualDub (free}
    • Better filters than TMPGEnc (resizing)
    • Use frameserving mode

  • XVCD burning


TMPGEnc Settings

  • CQ (a form of VBR, best results)

    • As low as 50 for low motion
    • 70 or more for high motion

  • Audio

    • 224 Kbps for best quality
    • 192 Kbps is still pretty good
    • 128 Kbps if needed



XVCD Results

  • Typical 50-70 mins on 700 MB CD
  • 720 x 480 resolution
  • 192-224 Kbps high-quality audio
  • Overall near-DVD quality
  • (.bin/.cue CD image files, zipped)

    • Use to test compatibility with DVD player!
    • Autoplay in Microsoft Windows PC


VCD versus XVCD


XVCD Resources