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what codec do I use for CD video?
We’re producing a music video to include on the bands new music CD. Since I’m not 100% sure how this will be authored (whether it’s Director or whatever) can someone tell me what export codec is appropriate for this application. Satnadard Mpeg1 or something else? Song is about 3 minutes long.
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6 Replies
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It would be mpeg1, but I’ve never heard of getting a video on an audio CD. You’d be better off doing a DVD.
Have a wonderful day.
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I think you need to find out if they expect this to be like a VCD where the video will play right off the disc or if they expect this to be like a CD-ROM where people will use their computers to open the disc and play the file with their computer’s media players…more like a web page but in disc form.
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I think you are correct Jeff. This would most likely be accessed with a computer. Seems popular nowadays for bands to include a little extra with their music CDs. This is what this band wants. so do you think it’s still an mpeg1 file they’ll need?
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You would want to use MPEG-1. There is a setting under Compressor (under Web-Download QT6 compatible) called MPEG-1 that looks like it might do it, but in the past I used Toast to create a VCD, and I believe that it would do the encoding for me. If you have it on the same box as your FCP you could kick out a reference movie and let Toast encode it. It always kicked out a .mpg file that was 320×240.
I believe you will need a special program to create a VCD though unless you are going to play it back on a DVD player that can read MPEG directly. I have a Phillips model that will read both MPEG and .avi divx files and play them on my TV, and it rocks.
I think there are a few free VCD programs. Click the apple at the top left of your computer monitor, and click “Get Mac OSX software…” and then search for VCD on apple’s site there.
Good luck!
-Todd Beabout
Vazda Studios -
I’ve just run into this with a total bonehead project. You must, simply MUST, ascertain your protocols before starting this project or getting along too far. There are dozens of routes you can take, dozens of possible encoding products, many ways to create your final product. You must determine your lowest common denominator for machine specs, bit rates, file allocation budget, user interface and directory design and how many different playback formats you will support.
Strongly urge you acqure several video CDs or enhanced audio CD/DVD products from other bands. Deconstruct their presentations. There are also hundreds of musician blogs where folks have posted their “how we made our video CD” workflows.
Luck, and please come back and tell us how you made out.
bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: “For crying out loud, read the freakin’ manual.”
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MPEG1 or VCD for broad compatibitly (computers and DVD-players will play these 95% of the time). However, QuickTime or Windows Media will give you ALOT better quality on the video, but kill DVD-player functionallity and perhaps add the hassle for some to have to install one or the other.
Personally I’d prefer a good looking QuickTime infront of a low-res MPEG, but your do lose that broad compatablity
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