How to convert a DVD to VCD
***************************

Programs needed:
        - Deccs or Dods VOB ripper
        - Ntsc2Film & Pal2Film
        - Panasonic v2.30 standalone encoder
        - LSX Mpeg Player filters (to enable VOB files as input in Panasonic
          encoder.
        - Xing Mpeg Encoder v2.20 (optional)

DVD to PAL
**********
1) Rip the DVD using Deccs or Dods VOB ripper to your HD

2) PAL DVD's are played at 25 fps but the data on the DVD is just
   23.976 fps, so use PAL2FILM to change the framerate of the VOB file
   to 23.976 (Be sure to deselect 'make a backup when possible')
   Note: this patch doesn't work always, as tested with 'Batman & Robin'
         The patch just replaces the first searchpattern, which normally
         should be the framerate. Works alright with 25fps VOB's made by
         various MPEG encoding software.

3) Start Panasonic Encoder. Select your source file (ripped VOB)
   Select output "Type" to "VCD/PAL Stream (.mpg)", set "fps" at 25
   Make sure 'use identical files' is selected
   Click on Start Encoding.

Now you have a PAL VideoCD compliant MPEG file at 25 fps, ready to be burned
as a VideoCD.

DVD to NTSC
***********
1) Rip the DVD using Deccs or Dods VOB ripper to your HD

2) NTSC DVD's are played at 29.976 fps but the data on the DVD is just
   23.976 fps, so use NTSC2FILM to change the framerate of the VOB file
   to 23.976 (Be sure to deselect 'make a backup when possible')

3) Start Panasonic Encoder. Select your source file (ripped VOB)
   Select output "Type" to "VCD/NTSC Stream (.mpg)", set "fps" at 29.97
   Make sure 'use identical files' is selected
   Click on Start Encoding.

Now you have a NTSC VideoCD compliant MPEG file at 29,976 fps, ready to be burned
as a VideoCD.

DVD to FILM
***********
1) Rip the DVD using Deccs or Dods VOB ripper to your HD

2) NTSC DVD's are played at 29.976 fps but the data on the DVD is just
   23.976 fps, so use NTSC2FILM to change the framerate of the VOB file
   to 23.976 (Be sure to deselect 'make a backup when possible')

3) Start Panasonic Encoder. Select your source file (ripped VOB)
   Select output "Type" to "mpeg video (.m1v)", set "fps" at 23.976,
   change pixel to 352x240
   Make sure 'use identical files' is selected
   Click on Start Encoding.

4) When encoding is done select ouput file "Type" to "Mpeg1 Audio (.mp2)",
   Click on Start Encoding.

5) Rename the .m1v file to .mpv. Rename the .mp2 file to .mpa

6) Start Xing Mpeg Encoder.
   Select new, select VIDEOCD-FILM from the profiles, press next.
   Select source video and audio files and a destination file.
   Select finish.
   Select encode.

Now you have a FILM VideoCD compliant MPEG file at 23.976 fps, ready to be burned
as a VideoCD.

Have fun!

Hafeez Ahmad
hafeez_@hotmail.com