How can I convert a "VCD" to use in FCP or convert to make a dvd in DVDSP

Hi guys,
My client gave me a vcd that I need to make a dvd of, if possible, re-edit in FCP.
Is there anyway to convert "vcd" to bring into FCP,
or to convert and make a dvd.
Anyone please,

Thanks,
Zia

Open it with QuickTime Pro and export it as, say PhotoJPEG at medium or high quality and the new frame size.

The standard VCD is half-size--usually 240x360. It's going to look like poo. VCD has about the same quality as VHS.

Koz

First, thanks.
You say exPort as jPeg!
Can you also convert it to quicktime video.

Zia

Not exactly. Export, QuickTime Conversion, PhotoJPEG.

PhotoJPEG is a very gentle, graceful video compressor with no nasty surprises. At maximum quality, it will still compress the video about 3:1 and damage the video little or not at all.

Of course, the file sizes will be much bigger than you're used to, but the format will preserve what you have--even though it's probably not going to be much.

VCD is based on very old MPEG1 technology. I think the Carthaginians used MPEG1 in 800 BC.

Koz

On further reflection, you could also export it as a DV QuickTime and I think that will drop right into a DV timeline with no rendering.

Experiment as necessary.

Koz

This can be a tricky one. I've had success playing and converting VCD files, but the behaviour varies wildly. I have one movie file on my hard disk that had been copied from a VCD, but I can't open or convert that exact same file from that exact same VCD. Worth a try, but you may also have to reserve an Option B of playing the VCD from a DVD player into a tape deck and then capturing that.


www.derekmok.com

yeah,
i could play VCDs on my DVD player,
but when i used MPeg Streamclip to rip them, they got heaps of digital "hits"
(i was mainly after the audio, so it worked for me)


nick

Also, exporting that as DV-- won't that result in a cut 'lil picture with a big black border?

- Loren
Today's FCP keytip:
Apply a default AUDIO transition with Command-Option-T !

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Now available at KeyGuide Central.
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Thanks all you guys,

zia

"I think the Carthaginians used MPEG1 in 800 BC. " Gold.

FFmpeg all the way with this one for me. I did a few of these last week - what on earth were people thinking????