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OPERATION
VCD Playback
VCD, a video-playback format that predates DVD, is based on a different
compression format than DVD and uses a recording method that is
similar to CD. Although the DVD has, for the most part, replaced VCD
as a format, the DVD 38 offers VCD playback so that you may play your
existing library of VCD discs, or home movies that you have recorded
as VCDs on your computer.
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 Disc-Type Indicator in the front-panel display will light
and the disc will begin playing.
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 A-B is always available. Simply press the Repeat A-B Button
once at the beginning of the passage to be repeated, again at the end
of the passage, and a third time to cancel Repeat A-B mode.
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.
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 on-screen has no
effect – even when the Status Bar is on.
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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