Video CD

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Video CD (VCD) is a standard digital format for storing video on a compact disc. The format was introduced in 1993 by Sony, Philips, Matsushita, and JVC and was one of the first formats for distributing films on standard 120 mm optical discs.

Technical Specifications

A Video CD is a standard compact disc with a storage capacity of up to 700 MB. The video is encoded in the MPEG-1 format, which allows for approximately 74-80 minutes of video per disc. The resolution of a VCD is 352x240 pixels for NTSC and 352x288 pixels for PAL/SECAM.

Audio

The audio on a VCD is encoded in the MPEG-1 Audio Layer II format. The standard audio bitrate is 224 kbps, with a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz, which is the same as that of a standard audio CD.

History

The Video CD format was developed as a successor to the LaserDisc and as a competitor to the VHS tape. It gained popularity in the mid-1990s, particularly in Asia, where it was widely used for the distribution of movies and karaoke videos.

Compatibility

VCDs can be played on dedicated VCD players, most DVD players, personal computers, and some video game consoles. However, the format has largely been superseded by the DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats, which offer higher video and audio quality.

Comparison with Other Formats

Compared to DVDs, VCDs have lower video and audio quality due to the limitations of the MPEG-1 codec and the lower storage capacity of the discs. DVDs use the more advanced MPEG-2 codec and can store significantly more data, allowing for higher resolution video and better audio quality.

Decline and Legacy

With the advent of DVDs in the late 1990s, the popularity of VCDs began to decline. DVDs offered better quality and more storage capacity, making them a more attractive option for consumers. Despite this, VCDs remain a significant part of the history of digital video formats and are still used in some regions for specific applications.

See Also

• Compact Disc
• Digital Video
• DVD
• Blu-ray Disc
• MPEG-1
• MPEG-2
• LaserDisc
• NTSC
• PAL
• SECAM