KVCD
Encyclopedia : K : KV : KVC : KVCD
KVCD stands for "K Video Compression Dynamics" which is a non-standard modification of the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video standards for encoding digital video. It is compatible with a number of standalone DVD players, though this is by no means universal.
Technical description
KVCD is a modification to the standard MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 GOP structure and Quantization Matrix. It enables you to create over 120 minutes of near DVD quality video, depending on your material, on a single 80 minute CD-R/CD-RW.
These specifications have been published as KVCDx3, the official resolution which produces 528x480 (NTSC) and 528x576 (PAL) MPEG-1 variable bit rate video, from 64 kbit/s to 3,000 kbit/s. Using a resolution of 352x240 (NTSC) or 352x288 (PAL), it's possible to encode video up to ~360 minutes of near VCD quality on a single 80 minute CD-R. The mpeg files created will play back in most modern standalone DVD players.
VCDs and KVCDs
The main difference between a KVCD and an ordinary video CD is in the way the data is compressed. Videos on a VCD are kept at a constant bit rate (1150 kbit/s video, 224 kbit/s audio) which mirrors the overall bit rate of an audio CD. This allows for 74 minutes of video to be stored on a 74 minute CD, and 80 minutes of video on an 80 minute disc, and so on.
KVCDs deviate from this standard by employing a variable bit rate set by the encoder. The video data on a typical KVCD will vary between at least 1800 kbit/s and 300 kbit/s. The bit rate of the audio is usually kept constant. This allows for more video to be stored on a CD than would normally be allowed according to the VCD specs.
This, however, also means that in order to create a lengthy KVCD with higher quality, one must be proficient at encoding video at variable bit rates. This ultimately creates a steep learning curve to the process of creating a KVCD, whereas most software capable of encoding ordinary VCDs have the specifications readily available. For this reason, many people prefer to use a lengthy video across two or more VCDs rather than the extra effort required to encode that same video into KVCD format.
External links
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