Tag: VCD bitrate

Video CD (VCD) Technical Specifications

Posted on by hddvdsupport

The Video CD (VCD) is a digital video format standardized in 1993 under the White Book specification by Philips, Sony, Matsushita (Panasonic), and JVC. It was developed to store video and audio on compact discs and serve as a higher-quality alternative to analog video formats like VHS.

Key Technical Specifications

  1. Video
    • Format: MPEG-1
    • Resolution:
      • NTSC: 352 x 240 pixels
      • PAL/SECAM: 352 x 288 pixels
    • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
    • Frame Rate:
      • NTSC: 29.97 fps
      • PAL: 25 fps
    • Bitrate: ~1.15 Mbps
  2. Audio
    • Format: MPEG-1 Layer II
    • Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz (same as audio CDs)
    • Channels: Stereo
    • Bitrate: 224 kbps
  3. Storage Capacity
    • A standard 74-minute 650 MB CD can store up to 74 minutes of video and audio.
    • Extended VCDs using 80-minute (700 MB CDs) can store slightly more.
  4. File System
    • The VCD format uses the ISO 9660 file system to store its content.
    • Video content is stored in the MPEGAV directory as .DAT files.
  5. Compatibility
    • Playable on dedicated VCD players, most DVD players, and computers with CD-ROM drives and appropriate software.
    • Backward compatible with some gaming consoles (e.g., early models of the PlayStation).
  6. Menu and Interactivity
    • Basic interactivity is supported using the CD-i Ready standard.
    • Menus and playback control can be programmed using CD-i (Compact Disc Interactive) extensions.
  7. Subtitles
    • VCD supports hardcoded subtitles (burned into the video).
    • Multiple subtitle streams are not supported, unlike later formats like DVD.

Advantages of VCD

  • Affordable production costs.
  • Durable compared to VHS tapes.
  • Easy to store due to its compact size.

Limitations

  • Limited resolution and quality compared to later formats like DVDs and Blu-rays.
  • No support for widescreen (16:9) video formats.
  • Lack of advanced features such as multiple audio tracks or selectable subtitles.

Evolution and Legacy

The VCD format laid the groundwork for digital home entertainment. It was eventually succeeded by Super Video CD (SVCD) and later DVD, both of which offered higher quality and more features. Despite its limitations, VCD remains a nostalgic and accessible format in some regions and industries.