VCD Playback
VCD, a
There are two versions of the VCD format: an early version which is simply called “VCD” and a later version with Playback Control that’s called “Version 2.0” or “PBC.” The DVD 38 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 38 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
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 38, 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 playback controls are used, including Play, Stop, Pause, Resume, Track Skip Forward and Reverse, Slow Forward, Step Forward and Fast Forward. The Reverse Search and Step Reverse functions are not available with VCDs.
You may access information on the disc by pressing the Info Button on the remote. The availability of the Repeat and Random functions will depend on whether PBC Support has been activated using the SYSTEM SETUP submenu. With PBC Support on, Repeat and Random will not be available.
Repeat
NOTE: Discs containing raw MPEG files, without playback control, are not technically Video CDs, and are played in a different manner. When such a disc is loaded, the Player Information menu will appear, with a list of folders or files, similar to an MP3 disc. The disc directory is navigated using the Navigation Buttons. Press the Enter Button to expand or collapse a folder. Select the desired track, and press the Play Button or the Enter Button to begin play. You will find that the Stop, Pause, Track Skip Forward and Reverse, Slow Forward and Reverse, Step Forward and Reverse, and Fast Forward and Reverse Search functions are all available, depending on how the disc was encoded. However, the Status Banner is not available for these types of VCDs.
Status Bar
When playing VCD discs, it is possible to access the disc’s features using the Status Bar. Press the Status Button to view it.
OPERATION
The Status Bar will appear the same as for DVDs (see Figure 53), except that the current and total track numbers will be shown, rather than the title, and there is no chapter display. If PBC is off, you may select the track number and change it to skip to another track. You may also use the Time Search function to begin play at a desired place. You may change the time display from Track Elapsed, to Track Remaining, to Disc Elapsed, to Disc Remaining, and back to Track Elapsed, just as with DVDs. The elapsed time will appear as a graphic temperature bar, with additional lines added as more of the track or disc is played.
Figure 53 – VCD Status Bar
Zoom
The Zoom function is available for VCDs by pressing the Zoom Button. Repeatedly pressing this button will cycle through the possible settings of 1x, 2x and 3x zoom, as indicated on screen. After the enlargement indication disappears from view, you may explore the image using the Navigation Buttons.
Playback Control
VCD discs made under the Revision 2.0 specification will usually offer PBC playback control. The PBC Indicator 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 PBC playback control; in that case, the prohibit icon will appear on screen.
When a 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 Status Bar. 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 proceed to the VCD menu (if any) automatically.
•The Next (Skip Forward) command 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
The Disc Menu Button used during DVD playback is not used for VCD playback. Use of functions when PBC is on will vary according to the disc type.
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