View Full Version : VCD's


loudonslim
04-24-2003, 07:59 AM
I'm just curious as to how many people are trading/selling VCD's? It seems like everyone that wants to trade only has VCD's and its usually only shows you can buy on DVD in stores?

Nanny Fine
04-24-2003, 08:36 AM
Originally posted by loudonslim
I'm just curious as to how many people are trading/selling VCD's? It seems like everyone that wants to trade only has VCD's and its usually only shows you can buy on DVD in stores?

I am not sure of the answer to your question but I don't WANT VCD's! I prefer to use tapes because they are easier to play, access and trade. I always thought that VCD's drop in quality as well but I'm not sure as I'm not really savvy when it comes to that stuff.

For now I'm sticking with my tapes.

DetectiveGriffin
04-24-2003, 09:41 AM
I think thats the big prob with vcds is that the quality varies wildly. Some folks just record to pc in real time, edit nothing in the file, then stick it on cd, because thats their preference.
Then some of us have to edit the commercials out JUST SO and clean the background distortion out and make the cutesy lil' menus that are all cute and stuff. But anyway ... <G>

I received some vcds from my friend and hes real great but i didnt care for them at all, so ive never really wanted to trade for them.
I think if i ever do make a trade of any kind for vcds, ill ask to do a trade of a couple discs first to evaluate each others work. ive heard awful stories from folks, but ive heard the same ones re: video tape also.

loudonslim
04-24-2003, 12:29 PM
I so agree! I've never even watched a VCD but I have heard they look like images flashing on the screen one after the other. And when I watch TV I like to lay in bed with some munchies not sitting in front of my computer. Its good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way as I've felt so bad here lately turning everyone down for trade on VCD's cause I know my poor computer would never lay them and I just don't want them. I am glad to know I'm not the only one here.

Thanks

Agent 13
04-24-2003, 01:16 PM
dave w., from this board, recently sent me some VCDs, and this has encouraged us to try to get more. It seems to us that VCDs are pretty convenient since you can use them on your computer, too. I haven't had a chance to compare Dave's with anyone elses so perhaps I'm more optimistic. Since most folks on this board trade newer stuff, which is what seems to be mostly what's on VCDs, I'm not as likely to want to trade for them. But hey! If someone had a good set of some of the good oldies, I'd jump at the chance.



:happyface

DetectiveGriffin
04-24-2003, 01:52 PM
Im glad to send a vcd to anyone to "try out and see what its like" if they send an envelop that i can mail it in postage paid.
Some things on vcd are quite fun, some are trash.

dafoe241
04-27-2003, 04:15 PM
I record my shows on DVD from Direct TV and they look great. I am putting Family Ties on VCD right now.

Think about it: If I want to trade season 1 of Family Ties it would take me over 8 hours (with no commercials) to record them to VHS. DVD burners are getting faster, but with my 1speed burner it would take me nearly 5 hours to copy the DVDs. However, I could do the entire season on VCD in about 30 minutes. It's a no brainer.

Also, video quality is a reflection of the seller not the format. Some people take no pride in what the sell/trade whether it's DVD VHS or VCD

Furthermore, VCDs will play in any modern DVD player no matter if it's a top of the line progessive scan player or a $50 junk player from Wal-Mart. So you don't have to watch it on your computer

Lastly, and most importantly, unlike VHS, VCDs will not degrade over time. What's the point of collecting a series if 5 years from now the tapes look like crap.

I realize that everybody has thier own preference, but give VCDs a chance. Until DVD-Rs become more compatible VCD is the best video format out there.

DetectiveGriffin
04-27-2003, 08:46 PM
You've got some good points. It will always be hard to convince people as long as some folks are passing off garbage on them.
Ive never received a vcd from anyone that i thought was really great, but i have had people tell me they really liked most of mine.

I have a super slow computer, and i clean the noise out of all my files, and remove the commercials, so a one hour show like the sentinel has to process overnight for 5-6 hours. Thats not realistic for a lot of folks; but then i only put stuff on cd that i want for myself, or that im getting for a friend. A lot of folks who want everything just dont have time for that.

For years to come, I think vhs tape will be the way for most folks, because if you want something done right, you often have to do it yourself.