BURNING VIDEO CDS WITH LINUX

If your Linux system is equipped with a SCSI CD-R or CD-RW drive, you can burn video CDs with your Linux system, thanks to the GNU VCDImager. VCDImager is an ongoing project, so individual installs can require tinkering. Also, as the application page points out, the GNU VCDImager is a continuously revised freeware package, so employ the bug fixes at your own risk.

http://www.hvrlab.org/%7Ehvr/vcdimager/

Software manuals are available on the above site, and the following links will ferry you to information that should spare you some of the more common VCD mastering pitfalls.

* Video CD FAQ

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/2496/vcdfaq.html

* VCDHelp.com

http://www.vcdhelper.com/

In case you're not familiar with video CDs, the standard format uses compressed MPEG to store up to 80 minutes of full-motion video. More recent format video CDs can be played by standalone VCD players, which are common in Asia but not in other markets.

In the United States and Europe, you'll have better luck with compatible DVD players, as well as game consoles (PlayStation, Saturn, and Dreamcast) with the VCD add-on. Of course, video CDs can be played on any computer (including Windows and Mac systems) that is equipped with MPEG-compatible video software.

http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers.php

Video CDs aren't well known because the format isn't capable of storing full-length movies without advanced compression algorithms that aren't widely supported. However, video CDs provide an excellent way to distribute shorter videos (such as educational, instructional, or personal videos) at very low cost.