How to Convert a VCD File to MPEG Format

A VCD or Video Compact Disk is a video and audio file that is burned onto a CD. Because this is a format that is fit for a CD, the video quality is only slightly better than that of a VHS tape. Despite this loss of quality, VCD files are still able to be played on almost all DVD players. MPEG files, on the other hand, are compressed VCD files and are not able to be played on DVD players. MPEG is a common format for viewing videos on a computer. Converting VCD to MPEG takes no time at all and does not require any special programs to do so.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• VCD file

1. Locate your VCD files on your computer. Type the file name into the search bar if you are unsure where the file is saved. Open the folder of the VCD file. Look for files that end in DAT or that have a DAT extension.

2. Right click on these files and select "Rename." Change the file extension of the DAT files to MPG or MPEG. Renaming the DAT files to MPG will turn the VCD file into an MPEG file. Do this for all DAT files in the folder.

3. Open a media player, such as VLC or Windows Media Player, and play the file. It will now be able to play because the VCD file has now been converted into MPEG format.

Tips & Warnings

• There are programs you can download to perform these same actions, but this technique is simpler and takes less time.

Resources

• What is an MPEG?
• What is VCD?