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VideoCD FAQ

 

I've set up these FAQs cuz I've been asked the same questions a thousand times before. Please read these FAQs carefully before emailing me as questions which answers can be find here will not be answer.

 

1. What is a VCD?

2. What do I need to play a VCD?

3. How does a VCD work?

4. I can't find the .mpg file. Which file is the movie file?

5. Do VCDs play in DVD Players?

 

Answers:

1. What is a VCD?
   
   A VCD is a CD with a movie file on it, hence the name VideoCD.
   
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2. What do I need to play a VCD?
   
   The basic option is a computer with a CD-ROM Drive  and the right software. All programs that support mpeg-1 playback can play a VCD on your computer. There are no restrictions on how fast your computer or CD-ROM needs to be, I tried it on an old 486 with a 2x CD-ROM, and it worked perfect! The software I normally use is Xing's MPEG Player (which can be found at http://www.xingtech.com), but as I said, you can use every program that supports mpeg-1 playback. Even the new Microsoft Media Player does the trick!
   
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3. How does a VCD work?
   
   Basically, they work like every other CD-ROM you have. Put it in the drive, open the player program and choose the file you want to play.
   
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4. I can't find the .mpg file. Which file is the movie file?
   
   If you are a little familiar with mpeg files, you know that they have the .mpg extension. This may sound a little confusion for you now. VCD movie files DON'T have an .mpg extension. You need to open the .dat file on your VCD. If you play a VCD in another player than your CD-ROM, this player needs the .dat ending to read the file. It won't recognize the .mpg extension.
   
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5. Do VCDs play in DVD Players?
   
   YES! It just depends on the player. If your player has the option to playback CD-R/RW media (check your manual), the VCDs will work.
   
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