Super Video CDs contain MPEG-2 video sequences. Super Video CD is the technological successor to Video CD, and, from a visual point of view, is closer to DVD than to VCD.
On a Video CD the films are coded in MPEG-1 format (25 frames per second) at a resolution of 352 x 288 pixels (PAL, 25 frames per second) or 352 x 240 (NTSC, 29.97 frames per second). On an SVCD the data transfer rate is 2.6 Mbit/s, which is double that of a VCD. The MPEG-2 encoder for SVCD uses a resolution of 480 x 576 (PAL, 25 Hz) or 480 x 480 (NTSC, 29.97 Hz), which is two-thirds that of DVD.
The highest possible resolution for individual images is, however, the same: 704 x 576 or 704 x 480.
In addition, a variable bit rate can be used, which means that quiet scenes with few movements can be compressed more than hectic action scenes.
Individual images can also be added in Super Video CD format (as in Video format) to create a simple slide show.
At the highest quality, around 35 minutes of film fit on a Super Video CD (using a standard blank disc with 74 minutes of storage capacity). When you drag and drop the video, Nero automatically checks the file and creates an MPEG track. Each MPEG file forms one track. In theory a maximum of 99 tracks are possible on one Super Video CD.
The files are played on the Super Video CD in the same order as they were added using Nero. The first file is therefore displayed as track 1, although it is actually the second track on the CD. The first track is reserved for special entries.
You can use the following options when creating a Super Video CD.
This checkbox is used to determine whether a standard compliant Super Video CD should be created. In 'normal' situations, this box should be checked in order to ensure that the CD can be played on most DVD players. However, if you want to create a special Super Video CD which is not standard compliant, you can uncheck the box.
The special feature of the MPEG-2/SVCD encoder is the variable bit rate (VBR), which means that each scene is compressed in such a way as to achieve the best compromise between quality and file size.
The quality of the encoding adapts to the size of the disc. This means that the more space available on the disc, the better the result. You do not need to consider the technical requirements, you just have to enter the playing time (in minutes) of the disc.
The user determines the quality of the encoding. When you click on the 'User defined' option, the SVCD area on the tab changes, and a pull-down list allows you to set the encoding quality.
This button allows you to change the parameters set by Nero, as some players do not need the standard parameters. You must choose the option you want.
In this field you can set the encoding resolution.