Harman-Kardon DVD 25 Using the EzMenu On-Screen Banner for VCD Playback, Playback Control

VCD PLAYBACK

VCD Playback

VCD, a format that predates DVD, is based on a different compression format than DVD and a recording method that is similar to CD. Although the DVD has, for the most part, replaced VCD as a format, the DVD 25 offers VCD playback so that you may play your existing library of VCD discs.

There are two versions of the VCD format: an early version which is simply called “VCD” and a later version with Playback Control which is called “Version 2.0” or “PBC.” The DVD 25 is compatible with both forms of VCD, although playback will vary according to which version is used and the specific way in which the disc was created.

Even though VCD discs provide video, because the format is based on CD technology, the playback functions for a VCD disc are similar to CD. To play a VCD disc, place it in the DVD 25 as you would do with any other CD or DVD disc. The unit takes a few seconds to read the disc’s contents; the VCD Disc Type A and the red PBC Indicators I in the front-panel display will light and the disc will begin playing. However, keep in mind that the exact level of functionality for any VCD will vary widely and it is ultimately determined by the way the disc was created, not by the DVD 25, particularly if the disc has been created under VCD Version 2.0 with Playback Control (see “Playback Control”).

When playing VCD discs, most standard DVD/CD play- back controls are used, including Play, Stop, Pause, Resume, Track Skip Forward and Reverse, Slow Forward, Step Forward and Fast Forward or Reverse Search. The functions Slow Reverse and Step Reverse are not available with VCDs.

With VCDs you have the same access to detailed information on the disc playing or on the current player setting as with DVDs by pressing the Info Button A on the remote once or twice. See “Information Menus” on page 26.

Using the EzMenu (On-Screen Banner) for VCD Playback

When playing VCD discs it is possible to access the disc’s features using the On-Screen Banner Display as shown for CD playback on page 28. Press the EzMenu Button D on the remote to see the Banner Display. Note, however, that when the PBC is on, some features may be not available with that VCD.

Use of functions when the PBC is on will vary accord- ing to the disc type. With some VCD discs, you may select the Bookmark feature, but not with others. Note that if the disc was created with Playback Control (PBC) [see below] it is not possible to change track numbers directly.

Depending on the disc’s functionality, some VCD discs allow the time display to be changed, even with PBC, as described for CD on page 28.

Playback Control

VCD discs made under the Revision 2.0 specification will usually offer PBC playback control.

The PBC Indicator I in the front display will turn on automatically with any VCD, when the disc is played.

With PBC, you can select titles and navigate the disc as with DVDs. However, the access to some functions may be prohibited by the PBC playback control; in that case, the prohibit icon will appear on screen.

When the VCD is made without PBC, the disc can be controlled the same as an audio CD, but direct track access by entering a number is not possible without opening the On-Screen Banner Display.

With PBC, many discs include chapter selection menus that are similar to those found on DVDs. However, on VCD discs the disc menu (if any) is accessed and controlled differently than on DVDs.

•Play will start with the first track (which may be an intro), then leading to the VCD menu (if any) automatically.

•NEXT (Skip Forward) will skip to the VCD menu from the intro (Track 1) directly.

•Once the menu options appear on the screen, make your selection by pressing the Numeric Keys

that correspond to your desired choice. The desired selection will begin playing automatically.

•Direct number entry without any VCD menu shown on-screen has no effect – even when the EzMenu Banner is on.

The Menu Button B used during DVD playback is not used for VCD playback.

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